New Pass Closing Again as Sands Continue to Shift

Lido Key beach looking north showing signs of increasing erosion to our dunes once again.

Editor's note: Here's an interesting tidbit of news from the Coast Guard. It appears the sand dredged from New Pass last year and dumped on our neighbor's beach to the north, Longboat Key, has returned to once again fill the channel. Only took nine months. Our own beach, which for awhile seemed to be the beneficiary of the free sand flowing south from Longboat, is again showing signs of erosion.

Rescued Benches temporary home behind dunes and along beach path.

LSPOA members Richard LaBrie and Elliott Himelfarb report they've also once again rescued our two sunset beach benches from the Gulf. 

Both had broken free from their anchors, which we thought were securely moored in the sand. For now, the benches are back behind the dunes. 

Thank you Richard and Elliott!

~BT




SARASOTA — The U.S. Coast Guard says it will close New Pass to boaters starting next week.

New Pass, one of three channels leading into Sarasota Bay, has become unsafe due to shoaling, the Coast Guard says.

Between June 12 and June 16 the Coast Guard will close the channel and remove the navigational markers. Unpredictable weather means the exact removal date has not been determined.

New Pass was closed temporarily in 2016 and opened again after dredging.

“In nine months, the channel has become unsafe due to shoaling that was intensified following the major storms during the 2016 hurricane season,” Chief Warrant Officer Darren Pauly said in a news release.

Nine channel buoys are expected to be removed:
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 1 (21590)
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 2 (21595)
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 2A (21598)
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 3 (21599)
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 3A (21600)
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 4 (21603)
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 5 (21605)
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 5A (21610)
■ New Pass Channel Buoy 6 (21612)

Two channel lights will be converted into “Danger Shoal” markers. Aids to navigation will be returned once conditions improve, the Coast Guard says.

We're expecting more rain throughout the coming week. But the sun will be shining for LSPOA's Annual Party on the Beach on Sunday July 2nd from 11 am to 1 pm. LSPOA Members receive either a free Hot Dog, Hamburger or Veggie Burger with bag of chips and beverage. Plus complimentary beer. Only $5 for guests. Be sure to RSVP with Peggy Shannon by June 18th.