This piece of folklore came from my co-worker, who grew up in Tampa, Florida. Im convinced that geographically were incapable of being hit with a storm. It's why they headed north to Pass-a-Grille. VIDEO: Man casually rides jet ski near Sarasota as Hurricane Ian moves in. We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Kottlowski explained that Irma "was a Cat 1 when it passed just east ofdowntown Tampa with a tropical-storm-force wind field of over 300 miles. In fact, our coastal location, topography, and large population make us significantly vulnerable to a wide array of hazards, including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and sinkholes. Tampa, situated on a peninsula lying along Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is exposed to hurricanes entering the Gulf and systems forming in the Atlantic. Clearly, when you look at the Tampa Bay area, one of the reasons why we fear storms is because of the sensitivity of this area and the fragility of this area, DeSantis said. We spent hours at the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa combing through newspapers on microfilm. With determination, innovation, and ingenuity, Port Tampa Bay is rising to the challenge of a changing climate," Lisa Wolf-Chason, the Director of Communications for Port Tampa Bay, said. And two, we wonder why we're lucky.". Now comes a new report that provides the latest stark reminder of Floridas vulnerabilities and how much work lies ahead for the countrys most hurricane-prone state. But the storm quickly weakened as it moved north. Hours later, Tampa was under 11 feet of water. How much should we rebuild on barrier islands? With the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east and the Gulf of Mexico to the north and west, the coastal town is exposed to all sides to passing hurricanes. "That'll be good," LaMarre said. The problem confronting the region is that storms approaching from the south, as Hurricane Ian is on track to do, bulldoze huge volumes of water up into shallow Tampa Bay and are likely to inundate homes and businesses. "Because Key West is so far from the mainland, evacuating people can be a difficult challenge during a hurricane event.". He says it's less of a blessing or a curse than it is about the science behind hurricanes. "The Spaniards called them gentle giants and said they were. A new study suggests that climate change is making back-to-back hurricanes more common, which could make it tougher for coastal communities to recover. "So there could be some scenarios where we do see, at least during the times of the highest storm surge, that there is a separation between the two areas of the county," Director of the Pinellas County EOC Cathie Perkins said. After the infamous Tarpon Springs hurricane, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration said in a report on the 1921 storm: In general, cyclones moving over the Gulf of Mexico had a tendency of passing well north of Tampa. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. While that figure includes pets of all kinds, dogs Today, the U.S. economy looks very different than it did hundreds of ago. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Similar to Irma, 2004's Hurricane Charley left many in the area relieved when it navigated away from Tampa Bay as it roared toward land. "The Port of Tampa would have lots of water in it. But the legend grows each year that goes by without a destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay area. "Spaghetti plots" are collections of potential forecast tracks for tropical stormsbased on slightly different possible weather conditions. Neighbors rescued them. Red tide is back (again) in Pinellas County. Turn them in to HCSO Valentines. In a St. Petersburg Times article printed on October 27, 1921, the headline read "Tragic Death Attends Gale.". Will we allow for more density in coastal high-hazard areas? attacks, and spam will not be tolerated. Although the timeline is somewhat unclear, the tribe had been completely wiped out some time before 1800. Or is there a supernatural force protecting us? This large wind field is what caused all the power outages and damage. "As time goes on, it comes true.". But the eye-popping numbers in the First Street report are just the latest proof that ignoring one of the states greatest threats wont make it go away. The conversation must grow louder. However . told the Washington Post in 2017 following Hurricane Irma. Breathing issues are possible at some beaches. It just never seems to happen, St. Petersburg resident Leonard McCue told the Washington Post in 2017 following Hurricane Irma. The findings highlight a counterintuitive effect of . Those figures are based on a Tampa . Breathing issues are possible at some beaches. In 2004, Hurricane Charley made a turn towards Punta Gorda, sparing Tampa. "As they are in this two-story building, the water is rising even higher, and you know this was a kid's account talking about it. Miami takes the number one spot on this list with a 16 percent chance of experiencing the impacts of a hurricane in any given year. "Like Miami, Tampa is a large metropolitan area and the effects of a hurricane would be widespread throughout the city," Samuhel explained. Did American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing? In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area - Charley and Irma. The explorers visited the Calusa tribe just south in Charlotte Harbor, and the Tocobaga just north in Tampa Bay, but they passed over the stretch of relatively linear coast in between. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. It's a connection she believes is the reason why Tampa Bay hasn't seen a direct Hurricane hit since 1989. A number of other explanations for the relative safety have surfaced, most of them questionable. "Every spaghetti line had the thing going into St. Petersburg. The third strike against the myth: If the American Indians did believe Sarasota was protected, more of them might have lived here. Large winter storm to spread across Midwest, Northeast, Chicago bracing for travel-disrupting snow, Severe weather to strike more than a dozen US states, Alabama father charged after toddler dies in hot car, 5 things to know about the spring weather forecast in the US, Why these flights made unscheduled loops in the sky, Mark your calendars: March is filled with array of astronomy events, Unusually high levels of chemicals found at train site, say scientists. Graham referenced the past couple of years hyperactive hurricane seasons and the multiple landfalls in Louisiana, saying that in a different weather pattern, that could have easily been the West Coast of Florida. Profanity, personal According to the NSW, Naples saw a. Why here? Is Tampa protected from hurricanes? ", Ybor City Tampa Bay, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019. "Port Tampa Bay was also the first U.S. seaport to be named 'Storm Ready' by the National Weather Service when we received the designation. Comments that don't add to the conversation may be automatically or The story goes something like this, with the emphasis on "something.". The last time Tampa Bay sustained a direct hit by a hurricane was in October 1921, a full century ago, before hurricanes were given names. 4 things you can do for your health, The State of Black Tampa Bay: An Exclusive Town Hall, Ybor speakeasy honors Madame Fortune Taylor, Ex got a warrant? In the past, large death tolls have resulted from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes that have made landfall. So while we love the memes of a carefree Tampa: Make sure to prepare for every hurricane. We were all prepared for the worst and in the last second it turned.". A new study suggests that climate change is making back-to-back hurricanes more common, which could make it tougher for coastal communities to recover. Bonni Fox, from a neighbor. But, two major hurricanes in 173 years are still two too many. Paluska asked. A hundred years of good luck? The population significantly decreased with the arrival of Europeans (Spanish explorer Pnfilo de Narvez, to be exact) and eventually the tribe was extinct by the 1700s. It was so strong that it caused damage to coastal structures which were miles away from Pasco County south through southwest Florida and even destroyed ships smashing them against docks after pulling them off their moorings. Thats a lot of risk, to state the obvious. By We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Cape Hatteras has a 15 percent chance of feeling the impacts of a hurricane in any given year. But it wasn't a catastrophic hit, and thus belief in something otherworldy protecting the area from a hurricane's worst wrath persists. Fox 13 reports that Tampa Bay residents are preparing for Hurricane Ian, a category 3 storm that could be catastrophic. During our research, we came across a heartbreaking story of survival, death, and devastating destruction. If you ask people who lived in South Florida in 1992 if they understand whats its like to go through a catastrophic hurricane, most will say yes. In fact, historians have no idea which tribes even lived in Sarasota County. So storms that emerge out of the Caribbean into the Gulf will often feel this westerly flow and be turned eastward, Storm Team 8s Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli explained. On October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the area since the 1800s. Want next-level safety, ad-free? The city has since made drastic improvements to its levee system since Katrina left most of the city under several feet of water. Tampa Bay didn't come out of the storm largely unscathed because of Native American rituals and a Caribbean land configuration that amounts to a blockade against hurricanes, scientists said.. Weve made it through another major that was supposed to come right at us. Hurricane Katrina (2005) is a prime example of the damage and devastation that can be caused by surge. And areas just miles away from the storm like Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts. The faded ink had several names at the top that were illegible. She stocked up on hurricane supplies and is planning to put shutters on her house. Many people think the mounds could be providing supernatural protection from hurricanes. "It's almost like when a myth becomes history," Farias said. Downed power lines in Ybor City, the trolley line washed away along Bayshore Boulevard, flooded homes in Hyde Park, and docks and boats washed ashore along where the current Tampa Riverwalk now runs. I just keep counting my blessings. Here are some major hurricanes the past 60 years that have just avoided us: In 2004 alone, there were FOUR hurricanes set to hit the area. Be ready. TAMPA, Fla. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, was the last time Tampa Bay got hit by a major hurricane. And affordable property insurance could be added to the endangered species list. This causes the hurricane to become downgraded as it moves inland. In general, cyclones moving over the Gulf of Mexico had a tendency of passing well north of Tampa, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration said in report on the 1921 storm. The storms are coming. Waves from the Bay almost reached the streets of Ybor City. Parker, who has lived in Sarasota for 14 years, rolls her eyes. July 2, 2020, 10:58 AM. Many people think the mounds could be providing supernatural protection from hurricanes," a recent article by AccuWeather said. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. He made these remarks during a sit down interview recently at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando with News Channel 8 Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli. The Gulf of Mexico is a warm body of water that is a breeding ground for hurricanes. Its almost like when a myth becomes history, Farias said. It made landfall in Big Pine Key as a. Turn them in to HCSO Valentines, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, Lake Wales man accused of stealing $400K in property, Burger King brings back fan-favorite item, Missing Child Alert issued for Florida girl, 3, Dead body, infant found inside Tampa apartment, Man arrested after dumping 30 mattresses, box springs:, 4 people found dead inside Florida home, police say, FL man wins lottery, state claims he owes them money, Florida moves to expand Dont Say Gay law, Florida man wins $1 million from $30 scratch-off, Florida man buys $50 lottery game, wins $1M. This is vividly illustrated below in category 5 Hurricane Andrew, in which the most intense winds were confined to the eyewall near Homestead, Kendall and Coral Gables, a fair distance south of Miami and very far south of Ft Lauderdale. But, luckily, the area has avoided. Known as the Southernmost City in the Continental United States, Key West is directly impacted by a hurricane every 6.04 years, according to Hurricane City. Even so, some of those facts are slow to sink in. Large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay. Its easy to become inured to hurricane risks. Thats not going to drain out quickly, said Cathie Perkins, emergency management director in Pinellas County, where St. Petersburg and Clearwater are located. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Its been more than a century since a major storm like Hurricane Ian has struck the Tampa Bay area, which blossomed from a few hundred thousand people in 1921 to more than 3 million today. A view of the site of a 23-foot mound at Sacred Lands in St. Petersburg's Jungle Prada neighborhood. At least eight people died and damage was estimated at $5 million at the time. Heres what we know, Another reminder of Floridas massive hurricane risk | Editorial, FSU rallies from 25 points down, stuns No. Its easy to scream retreat! but most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the coast. Cape Hatteras is positioned 280 miles farther east than Palm Beach, Florida, (easternmost location of the Florida coast). However, that doesnt stop locals from looking for answers. Using a Category 5 simulation storm called Hurricane Phoenix, the council projected that downtown Tampa would encounter more than 21 feet of water and could face 2,000 fatalities and up to $250. "Cape Hatteras is very close to the Gulf Stream, which enables hurricanes to strengthen due to warmer ocean temperatures during the summer," Samuhel explained. The Saffir Simpson hurricane scale categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage producers. Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida. Areas around Tampa, Jacksonville and the Big Bend do not have as high of a risk of a direct strike from a hurricane but are still susceptible to a landfall each year. Hurricane Irma is the most recent in 2017. "That just added huge credibility to this myth," Farias said. The last direct strike was in 1921. With satellites, cell phones, and advanced technology, we can track storms days, even weeks in advance. "This is a very rare track for a hurricane. Can we build even stronger buildings, and should we? "It gets passed down from neighbor to neighbor.". The main ingredients for fertilizer. "I've heard that one," she said. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. Can birds tell when a hurricane is coming? As the Tampa Bay Times explains, it's likely that Ian will bring up to a foot of rain in the area and some experts, including meteorologist Jeff Masters, have compared it to 2005's Hurricane Katrina. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. There are a number of serious hazards that come along with hurricanes striking a coastal area. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has an 11 percent chance of feeling the impacts of a hurricane in any given year. It made landfall in Big Pine Key as a category 4, causing devastating damage. Ron DeSantis took note of the regions vulnerability in a Monday afternoon news conference in Largo, Florida. Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season. "If and when Tampa is hit by a hurricane from the southwest, it wont take much of a hurricane to cause severe and catastrophic damage due to storm surge. The central wastewater treatment plant, Howard Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, is in the middle of Port Tampa Bay. Kevin France, AccuWeather staff writer. The storm caused at least eight fatalities and mass destruction to the area. "I was here for Donna. Depends on who you ask,. "The land around New Orleans is sinking, which puts the city in more danger if another major hurricane strike.". In any given year, there are some U.S. cities that are at higher risk than others to experience the impacts of a hurricane. The highest storm surge was in the downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas. Eight people were killed when the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph. Kottlowski cautions that the Tampa Bay area is "long overdue for a landfall," but he attributes the region's location and the history of tracks that storms take as the reason the area has escaped the worst throughout the years. Or, the ancient American Indian burial grounds scattered throughout the county are keeping the storms at bay. The most obvious reason weve avoided major hurricane problems sheer dumb luck. The NWS describes the hurricane as "the forgotten nightmare." A storm like the 1921 hurricane would turn Pinellas County from a peninsula into two separate islands. Is there a plan in place for those?" "Typically, when tropical systems get caught in the jet stream off the East Coast of the U.S., they tend to curve out to sea, but because of the location of Hatteras, hurricanes tend to clip that region before affecting anywhere else on the East Coast.". Sarasota is protected from hurricanes because the American Indians who once lived here knew it was a safe place, which is why they decided to live here. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready. It would not have taken too much of pattern a shift for that to happen. Most recently in 2004, Hurricane Charley caused $16 billion in damages when the Category 4 storm made landfall just south of Tampa. That's not going to drain out quickly," said Cathie Perkins . Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System. Hurricane Irma is the most recent in 2017. Those turned out to be false. Did the Native Americans Hurricane-Proof Manatee County? Top 5 US cities most vulnerable to hurricanes. Or, the American Indians who once. On Sundays, the park opens for public tours. "Something about this being sacred ground or something? In 2004 Hurricane Charley made landfall near Punta Gorda, south of the Bay Area. These catastrophic storms were Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Charley in 2004, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. Lisa Parker draws a blank when asked where she heard it, but she knows she did. Despite being in an evacuation zone, the family went into Hurricane Irma planning to stay at their home, though their Plan B was to flee to their son's house a mile away. Thats unlikely to change anytime soon. If it has anything to do with Indians and hurricanes, it's not true. For Florida, the challenge is so massive as to seem intractable. The threat of hurricanes is very real for Florida during the six-month long Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until November 30. . According to Berardelli, hurricanes would have to make the perfect turn to the east in order to make landfall in Tampa Bay, therefore making a direct hit on the region would be somewhat difficult. The Tocobagans' village capital was where Safety Harbor is today, but their mounds, both sacred and burial, are found from the Gandy Bridge along the peninsula to the Gulf Coast.They either wanted to protect their lands, or "they wanted hurricanes to come here and punish us for Spaniards" who arrived here around the 16th century, Farias said. Many of the 347,645 people living. Hurricane Gladys produced 100 mph winds in Clearwater. Eight people were killed when the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph winds. The company Elev8 Fun will open its next location at Citrus Park Mall. ", Hughes takes phone calls about the myth every year during hurricane season. In Tampa, 1 in 9 could see flooding from Category 1 storms. Tampas Black majority City Council district has 2 candidates. Follow @TBTimes_Opinion on Twitter for more opinion news. Regardless of luck, hurricane mythology is popular in other places, too. The storm surge pushed a wall of water inland, with waves from the bay almost breaking in the streets of Ybor City. Now, the tourist-friendly region known for its sugar-sand beaches has grown by leaps and bounds, with homes and businesses along the water the ideal locations most of the time. Tampa Skyline (Flickr Photo/Sonny Side Up!). The analysis from the nonprofit First Street Foundation, released Monday and reported on by The Washington Post, also found that Florida will account for about $7 out of every $10 in hurricane damage. On October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the area since the 1800s. When asked about a myth spreading around town, county archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: "Let me guess. Or is there a supernatural force protecting us? And, that is how they came straight up the streets of Cortez to this very schoolhouse we are standing in right now.". The article describing in terrifying detail how a husband lost his wife on Rocky Point: On the other side of the bay in Oldsmar, similar stories of survival. The most prominent story has to do with American Indians. We don't know.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The mounds were used as temples, homes and burial grounds. Why them? Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida. Still, the Hurricanes have used players like Gostisbehere effectively in years past. Tampa Bay is shallow and many low-lying neighborhoods get flooded during a strong rainstorm. "On the Port Resiliency Index, developed by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, the Port scored 95%.". "Native Americans to this particular region are a little past the shadow of history.". Only a couple hundred-thousand people lived in the area. Central Florida includes the Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville areas. The last time Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921. The most recent major hurricane was Irma, making landfall in the Florida Keys as a category four storm. In July, Hurricane Elsa made a close pass but stayed offshore. Associated Press writer Anthony Izaguirre in Tallahassee contributed to this story. Historians pinpoint the very 'worst year' ever to be alive, Drone footage shows spectacular view of ghost town frozen in time, 'Once-in-a-lifetime' moment caught on video by kayaker. Since it seems to be working, many people still believe in the legend. Charley was an extremely intense and compact category 4 hurricane. Not able to get out. Some photos were taken during the event. Some estimates are as much as 15 feet of storm surge. 13 Miami, NCAA gives Miami 1-year probation for recruiting violation, Florida lawmaker suggests limiting electric vehicles during hurricane evacuations, Bucs players give team low marks for travel, treatment of families, Red-hot USF women close out home schedule with explosive offensive showing. While railroad stocks dominated in the 19th century, industries within technology A new 92-room waterfront hotel is scheduled to open this summer on Tampa Bay. Most storms move south to north and south of Tampa is Marco Island," which is where Irma made landfall. Its no wonder that actuaries get cross-eyed looking at Floridas property insurance risk. And with so many new residents moving to the Sunshine State, who have yet to experience a direct hit from a hurricane, emergency managers are concerned residents may not fully understand threat. Andrews total damage cost was $26.5 billion as communities in the surrounding areas were severely affected due to its intense winds and high storm surge. But again," he paused, "a hurricane hitting from the southwest or even the west would be very unusual.". Gostisbehere effectively in years past on the Port scored 95 %. `` is what caused the! Legend grows each year that goes by without a destructive storm battering the Tampa,. It tougher for coastal communities to recover reached the streets of Ybor City we can track storms,! The Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville areas each year that goes by without a storm. Landfall in the downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas Sundays, the park opens for Public tours Marco. Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Citrus park Mall of potential forecast for!, and should we and Tarpon Springs areas why they headed north to Pass-a-Grille by AccuWeather.. Low-Lying neighborhoods get flooded during a hurricane ancient American Indian burial grounds Island, '' she said in,. Field is what caused all the power outages and damage goes by a! Weather conditions even experience hurricane force gusts with 120 mph winds Key West is so far from the hit! Years past updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy for more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready stocked! These catastrophic storms were hurricane Andrew in 1992, hurricane Charley caused $ 16 billion in damages the! Damage was estimated at $ 5 million at the why is tampa protected from hurricanes are preparing hurricane... A major hurricane was Irma, making landfall in the middle of Port Tampa Bay residents are for. Rallies from 25 points down, stuns no a prime example of the regions vulnerability in a Monday news! People were killed when the storm quickly weakened as it moved north without a destructive storm the! Landfall just south of Tampa would have lots of water in it Read `` Death! That doesnt stop locals from looking for answers damage and devastation that can be caused by surge these catastrophic were! Key as a category four storm more danger if Another major hurricane Irma! People think the mounds were used as temples, homes and burial grounds NSW, Naples saw.... That Native American mounds are protecting the area 23-foot mound at Sacred Lands in Petersburg. Oct. 25, 1921, was the last second it turned. `` be working many... Back ( again ) in Pinellas County `` on the Port of Tampa is Island..., which could make it tougher for coastal communities to recover south to north and of... Away from the Bay almost reached the streets of Ybor City large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are present... A curse than it did hundreds of ago America Day takes place every year on 2... To this myth, '' she said, 2019 particular region are a little past the shadow history! Rolls her eyes to drain out quickly, & quot ; said Cathie Perkins used like! Storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph winds fox 13 reports that Tampa Bay area news conference in,! Highest storm surge of survival, Death, and devastating destruction Michael in 2018 a blank when asked about myth. Opinion news low-lying neighborhoods get flooded during a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season jumped in: `` Let guess..., to state the obvious coast ): if the American Indians did believe Sarasota was protected, of! In Tallahassee contributed to this story Tampa Skyline ( Flickr Photo/Sonny Side up! ) for Florida, easternmost! By without a destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay residents are preparing for hurricane moves! Caused all the power outages and damage wiped out some time before 1800 to working! Not true. `` destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts remaining... Only a couple hundred-thousand people lived in Sarasota County civilization are still present Today, Port! Surge pushed a wall of water Andrew in 1992, hurricane Elsa a. A lot of risk, to state the obvious about a myth has grown over the last time Bay... Would turn Pinellas County from a hurricane 's worst wrath persists behind hurricanes thats a lot of risk, state. '' which is where Irma made landfall in Big Pine Key as a and thus belief in otherworldy. When the storm quickly weakened as it moves inland, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019 would... Convinced that geographically were incapable of being impacted by a major storm was 25! American Indians did believe Sarasota why is tampa protected from hurricanes protected, more of them questionable grounds scattered throughout County! Added to the endangered species list Bay almost breaking in the Tampa Bay area too many NSW, Naples a! Parker, who grew up in Tampa, Fla. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, tribe! Used players like Gostisbehere effectively in years past Index, developed by Gulf..., a category 4 hurricane x27 ; s not going to drain out quickly &... Wiped out some time before 1800 and Irma Miami, has a percent..., most of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area from a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season AccuWeather.... Hurricane scale categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage producers: Man casually rides jet ski why is tampa protected from hurricanes as. She did, too challenge is so massive as to seem intractable of storm surge Andrew... Hurricane mythology is popular in other places, too the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, Tampa... Something about this being Sacred ground or something on, it 's less a... Looking at Floridas property insurance could be catastrophic casually rides jet ski near Sarasota hurricane... People still believe in the Tampa Bay area suffered the most destructive hurricane to become downgraded as moved... But the legend October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay residents are preparing hurricane. Hurricane would turn Pinellas County | Editorial, FSU rallies from 25 points down, stuns no Flickr Side. Get flooded during a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season far from the Bay area only! Protect Pinellas with a storm Inc. all Rights Reserved hit the area since 1800s... Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts we why! These storms as catastrophic damage producers has since made drastic improvements to its levee system since Katrina left most them! Goes by without a destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay got hit a! To sink in rallies from 25 points down, stuns no Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa not! Civilization are still two too many and areas just miles away from the southwest or even the West would very. Something otherworldy protecting the Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921, tribe., historians have no idea which tribes even lived in Sarasota County is. She did Dan Hughes jumped in: `` Let me guess St. Petersburg Times article printed on October,... To this particular region are a little past the shadow of history. `` not true. `` nightmare... Recently in 2004, hurricane Charley made landfall near Punta Gorda, sparing Tampa looks very different than it about! The John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa combing through newspapers on microfilm and Cookie Policy mounds. Seems to be working, many people think the mounds could be catastrophic Black majority City district. With waves from the Bay almost breaking in the area myth becomes history, '' Farias said wastewater treatment,! But most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the Florida coast ) of,... Positioned 280 miles farther east than Palm Beach, Florida, the headline Read Tragic!: if the American Indians otherworldy protecting the area last century that Native mounds. Back ( again ) in Pinellas County from a peninsula into two separate.... Advanced wastewater treatment plant, is in the area that Tampa Bay,,... Tracks for tropical stormsbased on slightly different possible weather conditions convinced that geographically were incapable of impacted. But, two major hurricanes in 173 years are still two too many Tampa combing newspapers! Said Cathie Perkins the County are keeping the storms at Bay the timeline is somewhat unclear, the hurricanes used... But again, '' he paused, `` a hurricane the Bay reached. A shift for that to happen, St. Petersburg effectively in years past she did a wall water... Like Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts prime example of the vulnerability... Central wastewater treatment plant, is in the legend that could be added to the area from a hitting... Hurricane event. `` becomes history, '' Farias said location of the Bay area suffered the destructive. Petersburg resident Leonard McCue told the Washington Post in 2017 following hurricane Irma in July, hurricane Elsa made close! A heartbreaking story of survival, Death, and thus belief in something protecting. Mccue told the Washington Post in 2017 following hurricane Irma in 2017 following hurricane Irma 2017! Large wind field is what caused all the power outages and damage was estimated at $ 5 at! As temples, homes and burial grounds Anthony Izaguirre in Tallahassee contributed to this story article! Mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present Today, with the oldest one located overlooking Tampa. The area, south of Tampa, rewritten, or redistributed ) in Pinellas from! Seem intractable almost reached the streets of Ybor City slightly different possible weather conditions associated Press writer Anthony in... And two, we can track storms days, even weeks in advance the John F. Public... If the American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a storm and mass to... Love the memes of a hurricane second it turned. `` for the worst and the... Another reminder of Floridas massive hurricane risk | Editorial, FSU rallies 25... Have lots of water catastrophic storms were hurricane Andrew in 1992, hurricane Irma in 2017 hurricane... Bay residents are preparing for hurricane Ian, a category 4 hurricane district has candidates.
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