Bridge of Memes: Pedestrian span has classified documents, Elvis and Humpty Dumpty

Someone may want to call Special Counsel Jack Smith because there are stacks of classified-looking boxes and files on the new pedestrian bridge across State Road 100 in Flagler County.

And Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has been chilling on the pedestrian bridge east of Interstate-95, wearing his trademark mittens despite the intense heat. Elvis has also been spotted on the bridge. And Humpty Dumpty was spotted sitting precariously on top of the bridge.

The pedestrian crossing has become a bridge of memes as people get creative and share creations on Flagler Beach for Friends Facebook page featuring the new pedestrian bridge expected to officially open in about two weeks.

Keith Elkins, 56, of Flagler Beach, is responsible for the classified boxes meme. Elkins said he walked up and got some pictures of the bridge and then worked some Photoshop magic.

He chose the top secret boxes meme because it was something in the news. He said he is enjoying all the memes − whether his own or others'.

“I love them,” he said. “There were a lot of people complaining about the bridge that it was kind of an eyesore and why waste the money on it. But it seemed to take on a life of its own, because of the memes, and the community has come together on that.”

And he said the bridge is really not bad-looking.

“Once you’re up there it’s beautiful,” Elkins said.

The span is part of a project that includes a new 1.6-mile trail from the bridge north through Graham Swamp to the Lehigh Trail.

Flagler County spokeswoman Julie Murphy wrote in an email that the contractor is expected to complete the bridge within two weeks and it will officially open shortly after. She said there is still some painting or powder coating to be done on the A-frame safety enclosure.

The $9.48 million pedestrian bridge construction project is east of Interstate 95 and Old Kings Road – "and is largely funded from federal sources," according to a press release.

New bridge will link Palm Coast's trails, sidewalks

The bridge and associated trails and sidewalks will link the Lehigh Trail, Old Kings Road sidewalk, Graham Swamp, and the Flagler County owned property known as Bulow “Parcel D,” which has potential for future trails, according to a previous county press release.

“It provides walkers and bicyclists a safe way to get around pretty much wherever they like," County Engineer Faith Alkhatib said in a previous press release. "We have a robust system of sidewalks and trails, and this further increases access."

Meanwhile, no meme is too far for this bridge. Elkins, a semi-retired medical equipment repairman, also created a meme of Evel Knievel jumping his motorcycle over the bridge.

Elkins said he has another meme in the works.

“I’m a big Bigfoot fan,” he said. “I’m going to get Bigfoot up on that bridge before the day is over.”

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Flagler Beach bridge memes take on a life of their own