The evening of of January 31, 2018 saw history in the making for two of the islands historical organizations – a first time collaboration between the Captiva Island Historical Society and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village - that not only recognized the 100th anniversary of the first Blind Pass Bridge, but also chronicles the rich history of BLIND PASS -- the place where the two islands overlap.

The jointly presented program, BLIND PASS: The Bridge That Connects, saw an enthusiastic crowd fill the Main Ballroom at South Seas Island Resort.  

South Seas catered a sumptuous and delicious offering of heavy hors d’oeuvres in the lobby, where guests gathered for a half hour, before proceeding into the auditorium for the featured presentation.  

Tom Libonate, president of the Board of Directors of the CIHS, co-chaired the presentation with Ellen O’Neill from the Board of the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village. "Long ago, our two islands were one.  Over time, Mother Nature changed that, separating our two islands.  But tonight, at least historically, our two islands will again be united," said Mr. Libonate in his opening remarks. 

Ken Sneeden produced a documentary-style  video about the history of the three bridges, the Santiva community and the changing sands that have affected the Blind Pass for almost a thousand years.

A panel discussion followed, featuring Kristie Anders, Education Director at the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, John Bates, retired Fire Chief on Captiva, and Dal Burnsed, the former owner of the Castaways Resort in Santiva.  All were long-time residents  of the islands.  A lively question period capped off the evening.

The question many people asked as they walked out was “How can I get a copy of the film?"  The two organizations do plan to sell copies of the film in the near future.

There are also plans percolating for another joint venture between the two historical organizations for 2019.