Sarasota County Unveils Strategic Plan for Reopening Midnight Pass

Share and Follow

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — After being closed for over 40 years, Midnight Pass, a crucial waterway between Siesta and Casey Keys, will remain open following its reopening due to the impacts of Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, as confirmed by Sarasota County officials.

Originally, the pass was filled in during the 1980s due to concerns over potential property damage. However, recent storms have naturally restored the water flow, allowing the channel to function once more.

“This reopening offers significant recreational benefits, especially for boating enthusiasts. People will now have the chance to observe a variety of wildlife and enjoy direct access to the Gulf, which hasn’t been possible for decades,” explained Rachel Herman, Sarasota County’s Director of Environmental Protection.

In collaboration with scientists from the University of South Florida, environmental experts, consultants, and engineers have been closely examining the reopened pass since shortly after the hurricanes hit. Their research efforts focus on assessing water quality, marine life, and the pass’s depth.

County leaders said they are committed to continuing to keep the waterway open to the public, and are working to determine if signage, no wake zones, and additional information should be posted at the site for water travel.

“It can be managing jet skis. It can be managing species. It can be managing the navigation channel, putting in channel markers. It could be dredging the channel. It could be all kinds of things,” said Dr. Mike Jenkins, a consultant on the project.

An emergency response plan is also in place, in the event another storm or geographical event were to cause the pass to become shallow once again.

Share and Follow

Facebook X Reddit Pinterest

Sarasota County Unveils Strategic Plan for Reopening Midnight Pass

Up next

Following Moped Accident, Holly Willoughby Shares Perfume Advertisement on Social Media

Author

NewsFinale Journal

Share and Follow

Share and Follow

Intensifying Manhunt: Fugitive Union Coach Evades Capture for Nearly Two Weeks

Bulloch County Implements New Alternate Bus Stop Strategy for Enhanced Commuter Safety

Don’t Miss: Ella Langley Set to Light Up Illinois State Fair Grandstand with Electrifying Performance

Israeli Forces Confront and Eliminate Two Suspected Attackers in West Bank Clash

Jacksonville Resident Discovered Deceased Following Monday Disappearance

Trump Administration to Suspend SNAP Food Assistance in Democrat-Led States Due to Data Concerns

Urgent Alert: Police Hunt for Armed Female Suspect in Augusta Shooting Incident

Business Owners Rally Against St. Pete Beach Toll Proposal: A Battle for Survival

Tragic Loss: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of De’Avion Smith After Elwood, IL Hit-and-Run

Fugitive Suspect Evades Capture by Coercing Child for Information

Jacksonville Resident Receives 270-Year Sentence for Child Exploitation and Distribution of Illegal Images

Raccoon Breaks into Virginia Liquor Store, Found Sleeping Off Booze in Bathroom

Sarasota County Unveils Strategic Plan for Reopening Midnight Pass

Up next

Author

NewsFinale Journal

Share and Follow

Share and Follow

You May Also Like