Large sandbar seals off Blind Pass as county plans future dredging

SANIBEL, Fla. (WINK) — A large sandbar has effectively sealed off Blind Pass, the waterway that separates Sanibel and Captiva islands.

The pass, which typically allows water to flow between the Gulf and the bay system, is currently blocked by a large amount of accumulated sand. Officials say the situation reflects the natural dynamics of a coastline that has undergone major changes in recent years.

The area near Blind Pass was recently part of a major beach renourishment project undertaken by the City of Sanibel to strengthen and protect vulnerable sections of shoreline.

The project placed roughly 300,000 cubic yards of new sand along the northern stretch of the island, covering the area from near the former Mad Hatter Restaurant to the western edge of Bowman’s Beach Park.

Lee County officials say the closure of the pass highlights just how dynamic coastal systems can be, especially after major storms and large-scale restoration projects.

“Coastal systems are naturally very dynamic, and even more so now as projects on Sanibel and Captiva only recently have been completed to repair erosion caused by multiple storms since 2022,” the county said in a statement.

Because of the recent beach projects and shifting sand patterns, coastal managers believe it is prudent to allow the shoreline to reach a more stable equilibrium before performing additional dredging work.

As of today, the county says that opportunity is anticipated to be in 2027. They say permits and regulatory approvals are in place.

In addition to the engineering data, the county says timing of dredging will also consider:

• Contractor availability
• Shorebird and sea turtle nesting
• Changes in beach erosion
• Any future weather impacts

In addition to the dredging, the county will launch a new study later this year to update long-term management strategies for the pass. That study is expected to take about two years to complete.