U.S. Representative Greg Steube has urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to permanently restore Midnight Pass, which was naturally reopened by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In his communication with Lieutenant General William H. Graham, Jr., Rep. Steube highlighted the opportunity these storms presented to address environmental and economic issues stemming from the pass’s closure in 1984.
Rep. Steube stated, “Although Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused tremendous damage in my district and across the state of Florida, the storms naturally reopened Midnight Pass between Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, which provided an opportunity for my constituents to experience some of the benefits of a reopened pass.” He expressed hope that a permanent restoration would be completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The closure of Midnight Pass nearly four decades ago led to significant ecological degradation in Little Sarasota Bay, including deteriorating water quality and a loss of almost 70% of seagrass beds. This also adversely affected local fishing and reduced boating activities.
Rep. Steube emphasized that reopening Midnight Pass would bring environmental improvements such as cleaner water flow into Little Sarasota Bay, better water circulation, reduced pollution, and the return of marine life like oysters and shrimp.
In addition to advocating for Midnight Pass’s restoration, Rep. Steube called for opening Little Gasparilla Pass and Stump Pass in Charlotte County to enhance local ecosystems further.
Rep. Steube has been a long-time advocate for reopening Midnight Pass and previously conducted a briefing with Sarasota County leadership on necessary steps at various governmental levels to achieve this goal.
Read the full letter here.
