Congressman Matt Gaetz believes reopening the Navarre pass could put up to an additional billion dollars into the local economy through tourism and recreational fishing. But he said the military test mission has to take priority for now and opening the pass would be incompatible with that mission. Gaetz said he has decided to drop the issue from legislation that would allow for private ownership of land on Pensacola and Navarre beaches. The revised legislation, which has the backing of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, calls for Congress to transfer full ownership of Pensacola Beach and Navarre to the counties. Leaseholders would in turn exchange their leases for property deeds.