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Virtual Field Trip - Dunedin Pass
Honeymoon Island is entirely within the Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area. A causeway
was constructed in 1966 to connect the island to the mainland. In the late 1960's the southern half of the
island was filled and leveled in preparation for development.
Hurricane Pass separates Honeymoon Island from Caladesi Island which lies to the south.
This island, accessible only by boat, has received national recognition as one of the best beaches in
the United States. The relatively small island is under the jurisdiction of Caladesi Island State Park.
South of the presently closed Dunedin Pass lies Clearwater Beach Island, which is connected to the
mainland by bridges and a causeway. This island has been highly developed as both residential and resort
properties. As the island was developed, numerous hard structures (i.e. groins and bulkheads) were built
along the beaches. While erosion has been common in recent years for this part of the study area, the
erosion is more critical on this island because of the high-value development built close to the beach.
Sand castles on Caladesi Island. |
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Clearwater Beach Island |
Dunedin Pass closed in 1988, following Hurricane Elena in 1985. The pass remains
closed today. The oblique aerial photographs below show Dunedin Pass, in 1979 before its closure (left),
and in 1995 after its closure (right). Notice in the 1979 photograph that there is a great deal of
sand deposited within the tidal delta, however, a narrow channel is maintained by the flushing action.
Will the pass remained closed?
Dunedin Pass - 1979 |
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Dunedin Pass - 1995 |
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