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Commission adds Midnight Pass language to 2026 legislative priorities and adopts program
Summary
The board unanimously amended and adopted the countys draft 2026 state legislative policy program to add language supporting Midnight Pass maintenance and bay health initiatives. Rob Lewis, director of government relations, briefed the board on fall legislative timetables and said the program provides policy guidance rather than specific bills;
Sarasota County commissioners voted Aug. 27 to adopt the countys draft 2026 state legislative policy program and approved an amendment to add a Midnight Pass appropriations/advocacy item.
Rob Lewis, the countys director of government relations, presented the draft legislative program and outlined a compressed fall schedule of interim committee meetings, the legislative delegation meeting and deadlines for appropriations requests. He told the board the program provides policy direction to county negotiators in Tallahassee rather than proposing specific bill language.
Commissioner Lorena Smith asked to add Midnight Pass language—support for maintaining the inlet, stabilizing the pass and protecting bay water quality—and made a motion to insert language that would allow the county administrator and government relations staff some latitude to finalize the exact wording. The board debated language scope and approved an amendment that asked staff to craft broader language referencing maintaining the health of the bay and flexibility to pursue state appropriations or partnerships. The amendment was moved by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Mass and passed unanimously.
After adopting the amendment the board then voted unanimously to adopt the full legislative program as amended. Lewis said staff will use the adopted policy framework as the basis for pursuing or opposing legislation and for any future appropriations requests through the 2026 session.
Why it matters: The legislative program frames the countys statewide priorities heading into the 2026 session and gives county staff authority to pursue appropriations and policy positions that align with board direction. The Midnight Pass language signals the boards intent to seek state support for inlet maintenance and bay health initiatives.
Next steps: Staff will circulate the adopted program to state delegation members and use it when making appropriations requests and meeting with legislative committees during the fall interim and the 2026 legislative session.
