Posted on February 11, 2026
MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — Mobilization is underway for a long-awaited dredging project at John’s Pass in Madeira Beach. The work comes four years after the city first received state funding.
Over the next couple of months, crews will be removing sand built up along the north end of John’s Pass under the bridge and up to the docks. Dozens of people have been swept away by the strong currents here. Last year, there were 36 water rescue incidents.
“One person drowning is too many and we’ve had multiple drownings,” Rep. Linda Chaney said.
Rep. Chaney helped to get $1.5 million to dredge this sand back in 2022.
“People are using this false beach area that is really fast-moving water. It’s very dangerous. People have drowned there, ” Rep. Chaney said.
Businesses along John’s Pass Boardwalk, such as Hubbard’s Marina, have helped with lifesaving water rescues.
“We’ve put signs down there, and people are like why don’t you put up a fence. We’ve tried all that,” Captain Dylan Hubbard said.
Hubbard said businesses have been pushing for a dredging project for decades.
“The first letter that was sent on behalf of the businesses on this issue was back in 1997,” Hubbard said.
“Our water rescues, we’re number one right now in the barrier islands. We’ve had the most water rescues over the past three or four years,” Madeira Beach Fire Chief Clint Belk said.
Chief Belk said it’s an issue that, unfortunately, keeps the department busy.
“It’s like a thumb on the water hose type of effect, where the same amount of water has to move through here, but now the space is much smaller. So, now you’re forcing that water out in quicker,” Belk said.
He said the department comes across kids, adults, locals and tourists; it doesn’t matter.
“When the tide comes back out, it can come in rapidly and catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention,” Belk said.
He knows it took a while, but he’s grateful it’s happening now.
“From a life safety aspect, I would say that it’s needed,” Belk said.
The sand that’s removed will be taken to a property north of the pass near the Tom Stuart Causeway to fill and grade.
The project is expected to be finished in about three months.
