Sarasota County Moves to Restore Midnight Pass After 40 Years

In a significant move towards environmental restoration, Sarasota County is advancing plans to reopen Midnight Pass, which has been closed since 1983, resulting in stagnant water and ecological concerns. Public speakers at a recent county commission meeting highlighted the deteriorating condition of local marine life, with reports of dead fish and crabs due to low oxygen levels. The county commissioners have resolved to seek state legislature recognition that the pass's closure was a result of human actions, lacking proper scientific study. With a $500,000 allocation from the state budget, which was previously vetoed by Governor DeSantis, the county is poised to conduct studies on the best approach for reopening the pass. Experts from Geosyntec Consultants are considering potential solutions like a pump system to encourage water movement and improve salinity balance in the bay.

Activists express urgency, warning that Little Sarasota Bay may reach an irreversible state of decline if action is not taken swiftly. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to address human impacts on local ecosystems while also considering the economic consequences. As the county works to regain access to the Gulf, residents hope for a healthier and more vibrant marine environment.