History

Sarasota County’s New Pass was cut by the hurricane of 1848. William Whitaker, a Sarasota pioneer, rode out the storm and the next morning was reported to have said, “Look, there’s a NEW PASS!” In 1927 the citizens of Sarasota passed a bond issue 607–20 to build a New Pass Bridge and connecting roadways. On Easter Sunday, March 31, 1929, the public crossed the bridge for the first time. The original New Pass Bait Shop was founded that same year. It became a historical landmark and for 53 years buzzed with boaters and fishermen there for bait, tackle or “the coldest beer and best burgers in town. During the 1970s, New Pass Bridge was consistently stuck in the open position. In July, 1982 the New Pass Grill and Bait Shop were forced to close their doors, making way for the new bridge which would be wider and longer. A new Grill and Bait Shop was built near the water where it is located today. You will pass by it should you decide to complete one of the most beautiful circle drives in America (Sarasota to St. Armand’s, Lido, Longboat, Anna Maria, Bradenton and back to Sarasota)…all the while within sight of the bay or Gulf of Mexico, majestic in its beauty.