U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has called on Lieutenant General William H. Graham, Jr., of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take action to permanently restore Midnight Pass, which was naturally reopened by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
In a letter to General Graham, Rep. Steube emphasized the unique opportunity the storms presented to address the environmental and economic challenges caused by the Corps’ 1984 closure of the pass.
“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,” wrote Rep. Steube. “I am hopeful that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will complete a permanent restoration of Midnight Pass.”
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The pass, closed by the Corps nearly 40 years ago, has since led to environmental degradation in Little Sarasota Bay, with deteriorating water quality and the loss of approximately 70% of its seagrass beds. The closure has also had negative effects on the local fishing industry and reduced recreational and commercial boating activities.
Rep. Steube highlighted the environmental advantages of reopening the pass, pointing out that cleaner water flowing into Little Sarasota Bay would improve water circulation, reduce pollution, and help restore marine life, including oysters and shrimp.
In addition to advocating for the permanent restoration of Midnight Pass, Rep. Steube also urged the Corps to consider reopening Little Gasparilla Pass and Stump Pass in Charlotte County. Like Midnight Pass, restoring these areas would benefit the natural ecosystem and the surrounding communities.
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Rep. Steube has long championed the reopening of Midnight Pass, having previously held briefings with Sarasota County leadership to discuss necessary steps at the local, state, and federal levels to address the issue.
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