Sarasota County Unveils Strategic Plan for Reopening Midnight Pass

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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.