The Florida Department of Transportation built The Bob Sikes Bridge in 1973, repairing the only drivable route from Gulf Breeze to Pensacola Beach.

The previous bridge at that location, a draw bridge, was referred to as the "Rabbit bridge" by locals due to its uneven pavement.

Pensacola named the replacement bridge after Robert Lee Fulton Sikes, a former United States Representative from 1941-1979.

The bridge's original toll cost thirty-five cents, but after twenty-one years, Escambia County raised the toll to one dollar. By increasing the toll, Escambia County was able to buy the bridge from the state by 2004.

Approximately 2.99 million drivers crossed the bridge in 2009, making the county nearly three million dollars.

The bridge allowed for substantial growth in Pensacola. Pensacola Beach leaders and residents wished to draw tourism to their white beaches. After the building of the bridge, Pensacola population, tourism, and business grew exponentially.

The bridge also has a wide bike and walking path. This path helps locals avoid seasonal traffic by taking their bikes instead of cars. Most importantly, the bridge provides a route to the famous white beaches of sunny Pensacola.