Interstate 75 in Hillsborough reopens, but Suncoast Parkway in Pasco closed overnight because of brush fires

Interstate 75 was reopened Saturday evening after brush fires in Hillsborough County caused closures for about five hours.

However, State Road 589 (Suncoast Parkway) was closed in both directions Saturday from State Road 54 to S.R. 52, due to nearby brush fires in Pasco County. At 10:19 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol announced the highway would remain closed overnight, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.

At 7:50 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol announced the interstate had reopened after brush fires caused it be closed from Fletcher Avenue to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard due to multiple nearby brush fires causing smoky conditions.

Crews from Hillsborough Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service had been battling fires that grew to at least 200 acres. As of 7 p.m. Saturday, the fires were reported to be contained.

Hillsbourugh County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Tampa police officers and Florida Highway Patrol troopers were on the scene assisting with traffic.

State Road 589 (Suncoast Parkway) was closed in both directions from State Road 54 to State Road 52, due to nearby brush fires in Pasco County.

This story was originally published May 6, 2017 at 7:33 PM with the headline "Interstate 75 in Hillsborough reopens, but Suncoast Parkway in Pasco closed overnight because of brush fires."