West Florida News

There is a stretch of sand in Sarasota County that has been a contentious issue for years. Midnight Pass, closed since the 1980s due to erosion concerns by two homeowners, was naturally reopened following hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Eric Lagopoulos, who owns Waterfrontoo and Island Jet Ski and Watersports, claimed he was among the first to navigate through the pass after its reopening during Hurricane Helene. Initially about 10 feet wide, it expanded to nearly 40 feet post-Hurricane Milton. Lagopoulos remarked on the ongoing controversy surrounding efforts to reopen the pass over the years. "The clarity of the bay and the health of the bay in general would be huge if it stayed open," he said. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether it will remain open without human intervention.

Congressman Greg Steube recently sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers advocating for permanent restoration of Midnight Pass. He argued that keeping it open could enhance water quality and revive marine life from the Gulf of Mexico into Little Sarasota Bay. Steube stated, “We have now 40 years of history to see that it wasn’t good for Little Sarasota Bay... I support that.”

The Army Corps confirmed receipt of Steube’s letter and mentioned they are evaluating recent developments at Midnight Pass in light of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

County commissioners are also considering steps necessary to maintain an open pass. Commissioner Neil Rainford emphasized public enthusiasm about Midnight Pass's reopening: “Nature wanted it open, man closed it,” he said.

Dr. David Tomasko from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program advised caution when navigating near seagrass meadows and manatee habitats in this area. He noted alarming social media posts encouraging boat propeller use for dredging purposes but suggested letting nature take its course while professionals devise a sustainable management plan.

Tomasko highlighted multiple factors influencing future water quality improvements beyond just re-establishing tidal connections like stormwater management or wastewater treatment alongside historic restorations being critical components towards healthier ecosystems over coming decades rather than focusing solely upon singular aspects such as passes themselves alone achieving desired outcomes ultimately overall instead finally altogether collectively contributing together towards successively improved conditions achieved holistically through combined efforts effectively leading forward positively impacting environments surrounding regions alike significantly better than previously seen before eventually thereafter finally conclusively resulting successfully accomplished objectives met fully satisfied goals attained reaching ultimate targets fulfilled completely realized entirely culminating final achievements reached triumphantly celebrating victories won appreciatively gratefully 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