Sarasota County updates commissioners on Midnight Pass monitoring

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota County staff are giving commissioners an update on efforts to keep Midnight Pass open, according to a Sept. 22 county memo.The work includes regular checks of the pass, plans for a quick response if conditions worsen and talks with state officials, the memo said.Midnight Pass reopened after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Keeping it open is part of the county’s 2026 strategic plan.The county said it is collecting information, tracking changes at the pass, sharing updates with the public and considering funding and permits needed for future work. The memo does not say whether the pass is at risk of closing or whether emergency action is needed now.Hurricane Helene reopens Midnight Pass, naturally ends controversy for nowDiscovering Midnight Pass on the SuncoastCounty survey crews measure the water depth and width of the opening each week when conditions allow. They also check the shoreline on both sides of the pass at least every three months and c