1913 – The Collins Bridge, the first bridge connecting Miami Beach with Miami opened on this date. It was built by early south Florida land developer John S. Collins and partially financed by Carl G. Fisher. At the time of completion it was the longest wooden bridge in the world at 2.5 miles. The original bridge was replaced by a series of arch drawbridges in 1925 and renamed the Venetian Causeway. The Collins Bridge opened up Miami Beach to rapid growth and development which hasn’t slowed ever since!