SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — After nearly four decades, water is once again flowing in Midnight Pass due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Historically, Midnight Pass was a "saltwater doorway" that separated the barrier islands of Casey Key and Siesta Key, according to the Restore Midnight Pass website. It allowed fresh water to flow freely into Little Sarasota Bay, and in turn, allowed for a healthy ecosystem while flushing out debris.
However, the Pass was closed off by human intervention in 1984, the website states. That's when the Army Corp of Engineers formed Intercoastal Waterways and sealed off Little Sarasota Bay from the Gulf of Mexico.
This resulted in major impacts to the area's ecosystem. According to the Midnight Pass website, nearly 70% of the seagrass beds in the area have diminished since the closure, and the oyster population has decreased substantially due to their inability to endure the absence of water circulation and the overall water quality.
Over time, this also pushed out the local fishing industry and "has made sport fishing and recreational boating far less desirable," the website states.
But thanks to the storm surge from Hurricane Helene, the water began to flow freely into the area. After the storm, the 10 Tampa Bay team witnessed many residents return to the waterway with their kayaks.
A post from the Restore Midnight Pass Facebook page also stated "Midnight Pass is flowing," accompanied by a video.
However, it's unclear how long the Pass will be open, and how long water will remain.
For decades, advocates have been pushing for leaders to reopen the waterway. Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis approved $500,000 for a feasibility study to look into options for restoring the pass and the environmental impacts.
"Some have considered cutting a new channel from the shoreline. Other options have been put forward over the years. Perhaps the best option is to go back to basics; Reopen the old North Channel and dredge the South Channel, as mentioned in 2-3 reports from prior decades indicating that the waters converge naturally to create a stable pass," the Midnight Pass website states. "For almost 50 years the pass was stable due the diverging streams of tidal flow and this may be one of the most viable plans for returning the waterflow to nature and allowing the currents to flow freely."