Nature has created Midnight Pass, and Sarasota County plans to maintain it.

Key Information

• Pass Status: Midnight Pass is currently open after Hurricane Milton’s impact in October 2024.
• Measurements: Area has stabilized between 1,000 and 1,400 square feet; depths have reached up to 17 feet.
• Water Flow: Increased to the equivalent of filling two Olympic-sized swimming pools per minute.
• Responsibility: Sarasota County plans ongoing monitoring and potential emergency actions to maintain the Pass.
• Community Engagement: County officials aim to involve local residents and experts in ongoing discussions about the Pass’s future.

Following Hurricane Milton, Midnight Pass has seen a significant increase in water depth, area, and flow, marking a resurgence for this 11-month-old waterway on Siesta Key.

Local leaders in Sarasota County are taking steps to ensure that Midnight Pass remains open not just in the short term but for the long haul, as it has now been over 40 years since its last closure.

After the Pass was reopened on October 10, 2024, survey teams began capturing weekly data on its dimensions and flow. These metrics indicate that Midnight Pass may stabilize beyond its initial phase.

Key findings include:

• Since late April, its area has consistently stayed above 1,000 square feet, with summer averages around 1,400 square feet, a significant increase from initial measurements.
• Water depth has remained around 11 feet, sometimes reaching up to 17 feet, a rise from previous lows of 7 feet.
• Water flow through the Pass has markedly increased, now sufficient to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools in a single minute.
• The Pass’s center point has stabilized within roughly 100 feet despite some fluctuations.

Mike Jenkins, a senior engineer with ATM Geosyntech, emphasizes caution due to the Pass’s young age and its natural instability. “This pass remains open and exhibits behavior typical of evolving coastal inlets,” he noted.

During a recent commission meeting, Jenkins discussed the complexities surrounding inlet management, which involve navigating multiple regulations across federal, state, and local levels.

Recognizing the importance of ongoing data collection—funded by a state grant—Jenkins stressed that these records could alert officials to any pressing issues and rapid-response measures when necessary.

A Rallying Call

Midnight Pass has long been a contention point for boaters, politicians, and environmentalists in the region. Sarasota County’s endorsement emphasizes a commitment to “Keep Midnight Pass Open!”

Originally opened in 1920 by a hurricane, the Pass was closed in 1983 during erosion control efforts. Various proposals for its reopening have spanned decades, most often halted by financial and permitting issues.

In a surprising turn, Hurricane Milton unintentionally reopened the Pass, a result unforeseen by county officials, much to their relief.

Now, state agencies recognize Midnight Pass as a legitimate inlet, prompting the county to strengthen intentions to keep it open, using both emergency measures and more structured, long-term strategies.

Strategies for Sustainability

To maintain Midnight Pass’s status, officials must differentiate between emergency actions to avert immediate dangers and comprehensive plans for long-term management.

Jenkins outlined three potential triggers for emergency actions:

• A drop in area measurement to 500 square feet.
• Movement of the Pass’s center beyond the currently stable 100-foot range.
• A storm disrupting the connection between the Gulf and Little Sarasota Bay.

Jenkins indicated that the bay’s ecosystem could also shift due to the increased saltwater flow, raising concerns should the Pass begin to close again.

While current efforts focus primarily on keeping the inlet open, future discussions may explore optimizing its management for greater ecological benefits.

The county plans to allocate remaining grant funds for continued data collection and aims to inform the public about local wildlife and seagrasses through signage and town hall meetings.

Commissioners acknowledge the rich local history tied to Midnight Pass and highlight the need for community input in shaping its future, signaling that this issue is significant for both local ecology and community livelihood.