FHP: I-75 reopens in Pasco County after 'suspicious incident'

Bomb squad experts from Florida and TPD spent just over 2 hours investigating a suspicious "item" and removing it before reopening traffic.

DADE CITY, Fla. — Florida troopers earlier shut down a stretch of Interstate 75 in both directions at State Road 52 in Pasco County because of a "suspicious incident," according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers say their investigation started around 8:40 a.m. Thursday. All lanes of traffic were reopened by 11 a.m.

According to FHP, the road closure happened when contractors from FDOT saw a suspicious object planted on the shoulder of the I-75 exit ramp leading to SR-52. The object seemed like it could potentially be a bomb, the agency said.

Bomb squad experts from the state and the Tampa Police Department removed the item, and state experts took it away for further testing.

A Pasco County Sheriff's Office spokesperson confirmed the agency is assisting Florida troopers in their investigation.