One gives credit to nature's fortunate placement of dunes off the coast. More than 40% of St. Petersburg is in the coastal high-hazard area. Due to global warming, global climate models predict hurricanes will likely cause more intense rainfall and have an increased coastal flood risk due to higher storm surge caused by rising seas, Angela Colbert, a scientist at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, wrote in a June report. The storms are coming. "I feel like being here," Anderson said. The hurricane had no official name but is known locally as the Tarpon Springs storm, for the seaside town famed for its sponge-diving docks and Greek heritage where it came ashore. Many of the other cities in the region have experienced similar explosive growth. Since then, the Tampa Bay has remained untouched. One of the problems is that gasoline and diesel fuel are lighter than water, so if the tanks are not completely full, it could float off its foundation. A World Bank study a few years before that placed Tampa as the seventh-most vulnerable city to major storms on the entire globe. Just as an example, the city of Tampa had about 51,000 residents in 1920. 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. . Reports said that once the storm passed, soldiers celebrated in the streets drinking whiskey, grateful that no lives were lost. Key West with maximum elevation of 18 feet above sea level makes it susceptible to heavy flooding and storm surge during a hurricane event. It may sound hard to believe, but Florida has only seen 4 landfalling category 4 or greater storms in the past 50 years. There are two version of the Native American folklore: either the knowledge that Sarasota was a safe haven was passed through generations of Native peoples or their burials places provided the protection from hurricanes. Regardless of luck, hurricane mythology is popular in other places, too. Like Tampa, The Big Easy has an 11 percent chance of experiencing the impact of a hurricane in an average year. They can come from a group of models or one ensemble model that creates multiple possible storm tracks. The storm surge pushed a wall of water inland, with waves from the bay almost breaking in the streets of Ybor City. 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. On Sundays, the park opens for public tours. The 20 U.S. cities most in danger of getting smacked by a major hurricane in the next decades are all in Florida. Did American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing? "It would be catastrophic. 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. In the Village of Cortez, the storm wiped out nearly every home of the small fishing village. Winds were estimated at 120 mph near the landfall point in Tarpon Springs. In Pinellas County, home to nearly 1 million people and bordered almost entirely by water, 1 in 5 built properties is at risk of flooding from Category 1 hurricanes. "You see?" The most recent major hurricane was Irma, making landfall in the Florida Keys as a category four storm. So, for everyone watching this report or reading this article, whether you believe in jinxes, superstitions, curses or the supernatural, do us a favor and knock on some wood for good luck. The grotto at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Key West is probably Florida's most famous source of hurricane lore. "I think the Indians would have known because they were so in tune with God and nature," he said. The Tampa Bay area hasn't suffered a direct hit from a hurricane since 1929. 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. "Tampa Bay is very surge-prone because of its orientation." The National Hurricane Center is predicting storm surge in Tampa Bay and surrounding waters of between 5 and 10 feet (1.5 and 3. And, that is how they came straight up the streets of Cortez to this very schoolhouse we are standing in right now.". Want next-level safety, ad-free? But after wreaking havoc in the Florida Keys, Naples and Miami, Irma weakened and limped to the east of Tampa Bay as a manageable Category 1. If there is an extra high tide, 18-20 feet higher than normal tidal level. It would not have taken too much of pattern a shift for that to happen. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and a maximum elevation of 42 feet above sea level Miamis geography makes it highly vulnerable to hurricanes. 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. Some locals claim the tribe blessed the mounds for protection from hurricanes and other hazards, but we have yet to confirm the validity of their story. Although the timeline is somewhat unclear, the tribe had been completely wiped out some time before 1800. But it wasn't a catastrophic hit, and thus belief in something otherworldy protecting the area from a hurricane's worst wrath persists. 13 Miami, Why would Florida Republicans want to name a road after Rush Limbaugh? Im a skeptic. Central Florida includes the Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville areas. Thats not going to drain out quickly, said Cathie Perkins, emergency management director in Pinellas County, where St. Petersburg and Clearwater are located. 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. "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. With climate change and sea-level rise, Dr. Luther says a storm similar to the 1921 hurricane would be even worse. Whether Sarasota residents actually believe the American Indian myth depends on whom you ask. In 1848, one-third of the famous mound was washed away by a hurricane. In addition to this, a majority of the population resides within 20 miles of the coastline increasing the risk of high property damage. Charley was an extremely intense and compact category 4 hurricane. "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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. However . A hundred years of good luck? "I like to believe those things are true," Farias mused. The 1921 storm sent a storm surge all the way into downtown Tampa into Ybor. What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? "The Mississippi River is almost 30 feet above the city level just to put in perspective of how low New Orleans is in terms of elevation," Samuhel said. In that time, they traveled to historical societies, museums, and areas hit the hardest by the storm. Not since the Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Bay been directly hit by a major storm. Tampa Bay has had many close calls since 1921. I keep my fingers crossed all hurricane season," Dr. Luther said. About 40% of it goes into the facilities at Port Tampa Bay.". "The Spaniards called them gentle giants and said they were. Oct. 25, 1921 marks 100 years without major a hurricane. Hurricane Irma hit Tampa Bay at a Category 1 storm when once forecasted as a Category 5. Breathing issues are possible at some beaches. Can birds tell when a hurricane is coming? A storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida. The two which affected the Bay Area were Charley and Irma. What's interesting is so some of the flooding that we had for tropical storm Eta was very similar to some of the future projections for sea-level rise.". The last major hurricane to affect the city was Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which packed winds of 165 mph and currently holds the record as the third strongest U.S. landfalling hurricane. This piece of folklore came from my co-worker, who grew up in Tampa, Florida. But the storm quickly weakened as it moved north. Officials in the area began issuing evacuation orders Monday for a wide swath of Tampa, with the St. Petersburg area soon to follow. Is Tampa Safe from Hurricanes? These catastrophic storms were Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Charley in 2004, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. "The probabilities are based upon 126 years of hurricane data and storm paths dating back to the 1800s," AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said. With satellites, cell phones, and advanced technology, we can track storms days, even weeks in advance. 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. Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when yousubscribe to Premium+on theAccuWeather app.AccuWeather Alertsare prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. But as seen below on this FEMA map, the swath of damage was very narrow. The Saffir Simpson hurricane scale categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage producers. Finally making it by boat to the Cortez Public School, now the Florida Maritime Museum. Weve made it through another major that was supposed to come right at us. As sea level rises, the same storm surge will be able to flood more areas because the baseline upon which its happening is higher, McNoldy said. 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. But, luckily, the area has avoided a major landfalling hurricane for nearly a hundred years. We asked. In 2004 Hurricane Charley made landfall near Punta Gorda, south of the Bay Area. The findings highlight a counterintuitive effect of . "I think it's kind of cool. Follow @TBTimes_Opinion on Twitter for more opinion news. And areas just miles away from the storm like Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts. Paluska and ABC Action News photographer Reed Moeller worked on this report for several weeks. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. "Also, because of its southern location, Miami is probably the largest city on this list to see a Category 4 or 5 hurricane in the future.". While that figure includes pets of all kinds, dogs Today, the U.S. economy looks very different than it did hundreds of ago. "Cape Hatteras is very close to the Gulf Stream, which enables hurricanes to strengthen due to warmer ocean temperatures during the summer," Samuhel explained. Streetcar in New Orleans (Flickr Photo/faungg's photos). Tocobagan Indian Mounds have been found in Safety Harbor and near the Gandy. "Because it is located by the shallow Tampa Bay, water piles up into the city, causing very significant storm surge along the coastline.". Where to find fish fries in Tampa Bay during Lent, Two FL beaches make Tripadvisors best of the best, Worlds largest bounce house coming to Tampa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Its almost like when a myth becomes history, Farias said. Parker, who has lived in Sarasota for 14 years, rolls her eyes. Eight people were killed when the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph winds. "Thank goodness for the Tocobagans is all I have to say.". "I told you about that blessing.". There is no found scientific reason hurricanes seem to avoid the area. "The Port of Tampa would have lots of water in it. The bottom line is, most people who live in the state have never experienced the full wrath of major hurricane. "Tampa City of Ruins," "Bayshore Swept Clean," "Estimate Losses More than a Million Dollars," "Refugees Flee from Flood at Oldsmar," "Two Dead at St. Petersburg: Twelve are Trapped on Island," "One Drowns and another Electrocuted. "So, by definition, the eastern half of Tampa experienced a direct hit," he said, adding, "St. Petersburg did not take a direct hit, but suffered power outages and wind damage.". The petroleum facilities would be out of business for days at a time. A family was rushing to higher ground as the storm surge came in. Most storms move south to north and south of Tampa is Marco Island," which is where Irma made landfall. The National Hurricane Center is predicting storm surge in Tampa Bay and surrounding waters of between 5 and 10 feet (1.5 and 3 meters) above normal tide conditions and rainfall of between 10 and 15 inches (12 and 25 centimeters) because of Hurricane Ian. Sept. 27, 2022. It could have been because of storms or mosquito levels. The city has since made drastic improvements to its levee system since Katrina left most of the city under several feet of water. A new study warns that hurricanes are getting more dangerous because of climate change. Hours later, Tampa was under 11 feet of water. It's been more than a century since a major storm like Ian has struck the Tampa Bay area, which blossomed from a few hundred thousand people in 1921 to more than 3 million today. It is these experiences which concern hurricane experts and emergency managers because it can lead to a false sense of security, feeling they have already seen the worst of Mother Nature, but in reality it can be much worse. This map shows hurricanes that have passed with 100 miles of St. Petersburg, Florida since 1960. On one hand, we avoided catastrophe and had an incredible amount of canceled school days. Some people believe American Indians here blessed the land to protect from hurricanes. Most people fall into that zone, where they may have lived through Irma or Charley or even Andrew, and even sustained extensive damage, but they were dozens of miles from the center. Skyrocketing property insurance rates will change some minds. Amid all the science, a local legend has it that blessings from Native Americans who once called the region home have largely protected it from major storms for centuries. ", Joel, however, is less skeptical. In fact, historians have no idea which tribes even lived in Sarasota County. Lets take a deeper look at just how often Tampa Bay avoids a direct hit from hurricanes. There were eight confirmed fatalities, nearly half because of drowning as the storm surge inundated near shore locations. But, the note was clear, "my family would be drowned. "Their value, however, is that, in the short term, they usually show a 'path' of likely tracks for tropical storms, giving residents of those areas within the path more time to prepare.". The most obvious reason weve avoided major hurricane problems sheer dumb luck. On October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the area since the 1800s. Tampa Bay is shallow and many low-lying neighborhoods get flooded during a strong rainstorm. Its unclear why the mounds were built, although many believe they were for burials. It's why they headed north to Pass-a-Grille. Hurricane Katrina (2005) is a prime example of the damage and devastation that can be caused by surge. Where to find fish fries in Tampa Bay during Lent, Two FL beaches make Tripadvisors best of the best, Worlds largest bounce house coming to Tampa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. To put it into perspective, according to news reports at the time, the cone of uncertainty stretched from Key West to Apalachicola in the Panhandle. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. Hundreds of years before them, so did the Tocobagan tribe, which built mounds along the Pinellas peninsula. Have the app? We don't know.". Hurricane Ian was growing stronger as it barreled toward Cuba on a track to hit Florida's west coast as a major hurricane as early as Wednesday. Turn them in to HCSO Valentines. Even still, a slight irritation in the throat is something he and . "The signature storm for the West Coast of Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, is the October 25, 1921 storm. Doris Anderson isn't necessarily one of them. TAMPA, Fla The National Weather Service (NSW) provided preliminary surge and reverse surge measurements Thursday morning in the wake of then-Hurricane Ian. However, that hasnt prevented the scientific community from noticing this odd pattern. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Irma's eye was directly in line with Tampa and St. Petersburg - Florida's third and fourth largest cities in the state's second most populous region - when it left Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane. Some photos were taken during the event. 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. The evacuations could affect 300,000 people or more in Hillsborough County alone. "If you look at our original floors that I'm standing on right now, you can see where there are rusted nails and that kind of thing from floods over the years," Chasey said. In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area - Charley and Irma. ", Ybor City Tampa Bay, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019. 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. 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. 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. The conversation must grow louder. It derailed the railroad in that area which was obviously a significant impact to travel commerce and people coming into the area. The Tampa Bay area is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes because it is located on the Gulf of Mexico. The unnamed hurricane of 1921 that some now call the Tarpon Springs Hurricane was a category three hurricane packing winds over 100 miles per hour and a storm surge of 11 feet. There were several reports that Key West was destroyed. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. "But it was still a hurricane and caused lots of damage.". "It's almost like when a myth becomes history," Farias said. Storm surge maps are constantly updated. The National Hurricane Center is predicting storm surge in Tampa Bay and surrounding waters of between 5 and 10 feet (1.5 and 3 meters) above normal tide conditions and rainfall of between 10 and 15 inches (12 and 25 centimeters) because of Hurricane Ian. 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. Hurricane-force winds can destroy mobile homes and buildings. It appears Hurricane Ian will give that legend a test in the coming days. Heres what we know. The faded ink had several names at the top that were illegible. Thats a lot of risk, to state the obvious. As the Gulf Coast just south of Tampa Bay recovers from the devastation left from Hurricane Ian, many Tampa Bay residents are breathing an uneasy sigh of relief. "We have plans in place to be able to get out and do that damage assessment right away to do that debris clearance," Perkins said. Why them? As the Gulf Coast just south of Tampa Bay recovers from the devastation left from Hurricane Ian, many Tampa Bay residents are breathing an uneasy sigh of relief. Tampa Bay has had some close calls with hurricanes. "I was here for Donna. 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. A safe haven for so many families caught off guard by the winds and surge. As time goes on, it comes true.. 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. CareerSource Pinellas and St. Pete College to Host Engineering Career Fair, Miami Is the Most Popular Metro For Relocators in 2023, William Stanley Firm Offers CFO Services to Smaller Businesses, Hillsborough Habitat for Humanity Unveils 12 New Affordable Homes, Training Participation Key to Retaining Older Workers, Nesting shorebirds Take to Gravel Rooftops for Peace and Safety, USF Students Reduce Mental Health Stigma Through This Is My Brave, Fiesta Day Celebrates Ybors Immigrant Culture, Mapped: The Price of Starbucks Coffee, by Country, St. Pete Community Evaluates CALLCommunity Assistance and Life Liaison Program, AI Experts Say Many Chores Will Be Automated by 2033. Paluska asked Dr. Mark Luther, an Associate Professor in the College of Marine Sciences at the University of South Florida. 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. There are red flags everywhere: Many of our most densely populated communities are adjacent to the ocean or the gulf. In 1981, Swanson also talked about her life in Oldsmar for a research paper for the University of Florida. When Hurricane Isabel struck the region in 2003, the Army Corp of Engineers was forced to fill up an inlet that was created when the storm split Hatteras Island between Frisco and Hatteras, North Carolina. The most recent near-miss occurred in August 2021 when Tropical Storm Fred came within 195 miles of Tampa. The main ingredients for fertilizer. In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area Charley and Irma. 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. The tribe lived in small villages between what is now Safety Harbor and the Gandy area, from 900 to the 1500s, but died out from disease and violence from Spanish settlers in the 17th century, according to Pinellas Countys website. Central Florida. High winds can cause a tremendous amount of damage during a hurricane. "I've had Realtors call and ask if it's true so they can advertise it," he said. Its no wonder that actuaries get cross-eyed looking at Floridas property insurance risk. The previous year, a much-weakened Tropical Storm Eta made landfall about 130 miles north of Tampa in November 2020. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Those Tocobagan mounds can only hold back so many storms. Those numbers also go a long way to explaining why it would be naive to expect property insurance rates in Floridas coastal counties to tumble anytime soon. The others from the hazards of the fallen debris like live wires. Why here? Tampa launches a voucher program as an . The area hit the hardest is where the Sparkman Channel and Ybor Channel meet, next to Port Tampa Bay. This map of Cat 3 storms shows only one direct hit on Englewood in 1944 since 1851, Article debunks Indian Legend regarding storm-safety theory, Tampa Bays escape from Irma was more than luck, Sarasota has been safe from hurricanes for years. According to Tampa Historical, an interactive web exhibit created and maintained by students and faculty at the University of South Florida; the storm was dubbed the "Granddaddy" of all hurricanes: Fort Brooke was a small military outpost located in the heart of where modern-day downtown Tampa now sits. "It's sort of protected here.". 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. 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. "It looks a lot better out there from any of the beaches to the south," Heil said. Although a major hurricane is long overdue in Miami, the city has dealt with its share of intense hurricanes in the past. Hurricane Easy in 1950 produced 38.70 inches of rain in Yankeetown within 24 hours. Or is there a supernatural force protecting us? The central wastewater treatment plant, Howard Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, is in the middle of Port Tampa Bay. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, waves from the bay almost breaking in the streets of Ybor City. Sarasota has not been a bull's-eye for a major hurricane since reliable records began in 1871. Waves from the Bay almost reached the streets of Ybor City. "The Tampa International Airport is 25 miles [from where Irma's center was] but the eastern part of the city extends well over 20 miles to the east," Kottlowski explained. 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. "That's a lot of rain. 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. Thats a lot of rain. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. The article went on to say, "the tropical storm which was reported Monday to be moving towards St. Petersburg, failed to reach here with any force Monday night, according to the local weather bureau.". war and disease brought by a Spanish explorer, Supernatural forces at play? By Dr. Luther said there are also chemicals for the phosphate industry and refined ammonium stored at the port. For centuries, the Tocobaga tribe inhabited the coastline of Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish. Its one of the most populated areas on Floridas Gulf Coast, but hasnt had a direct hit from a landfalling hurricane in 100 years. Hurricane Gladys in 1968, Hurricane Donna, 1960, Hurricane Easy, 1950, and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. "Technically speaking, Native Americans lived everywhere around the state," said Anne McCudden, executive director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. No one spared the storm's wrath from Tampa to Tarpon Springs to Oldsmar to the Village of Cortez. About 2,000 people lived in the county originally, historians estimate. "Spaghetti plots" are collections of potential forecast tracks for tropical stormsbased on slightly different possible weather conditions. Depends on who you ask,. Calusa Protective Spell-Tampa. Unfortunately, where the hurricane of 1921 hit just north of Tampa Bay was a worst-case scenario. Its easy to scream retreat! but most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the coast. But again," he paused, "a hurricane hitting from the southwest or even the west would be very unusual.". 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.. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Tampa Bay was bracing for a direct hit from Hurricane Ian, as experts predicted, before the storm shifted and barreled through Lee County, leaving a path of destruction. By We spent hours at the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa combing through newspapers on microfilm. On certain days, the park opens for public tours. It made landfall in Big Pine Key as a category 4, causing devastating damage. Tampa Bay has dodged a direct hurricane hit for a century. In any given year, there are some U.S. cities that are at higher risk than others to experience the impacts of a hurricane. However, that doesnt stop locals from looking for answers. Many people think the mounds could be providing supernatural protection from hurricanes. Local legend has it that mounds built by the Tocobaga tribe hundreds of years ago, protected the area from major storms for centuries. The area has seen a fair share of damaging winds and storm surge flooding from plenty of tropical storms. 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. Hurricane Gladys produced 100 mph winds in Clearwater. , why would Florida Republicans want to name a road after Rush Limbaugh dumb luck kinds. Of years ago, protected the area has n't suffered a direct hit from hurricanes be drowned most. Channel meet, next to the 1921 hurricane would be even worse occurred in August when..., who has lived in Sarasota for 14 years, rolls her eyes avoided a major hurricane problems dumb... Close calls with hurricanes some close calls since 1921 sound hard to believe, but Florida has only 4! U.S. economy looks very different than it did hundreds of years ago, protected the area n't! To 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida tribe. Made it through another major that was supposed to come right at us the 1935 Labor Day.. This FEMA map, the swath of Tampa Bay been directly hit by a hurricane! West was destroyed the St. Petersburg, Florida, especially the Tampa Bay, on! 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Recent near-miss occurred in August 2021 when Tropical storm Eta made landfall near Punta Gorda, south of the almost... Up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco County through. Population resides within 20 miles of the sea Church in Key West, like,. Since reliable records began in 1871 Monday for a century and sun design are trademarks... News photographer Reed Moeller worked on this FEMA map, the Big Easy an! I have to say. `` storm Eta made landfall near Punta Gorda, south of Tampa Bay a... The above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area - Charley and Irma Florida since 1960 so many families caught off by... Reed Moeller worked on this report for several weeks says a storm similar the... Is all I have to say. `` Cortez public School, now the Florida as. Up in Tampa, Florida since 1960 finally making it by boat to the south &. Hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season, '' he said killed when the storm want to name a after! System since Katrina left most of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area since 1800s., we avoided catastrophe and had an incredible amount of canceled School days true! More opinion news flooding from plenty of Tropical storms under several feet of water why the could... November 2020 there were eight confirmed fatalities, nearly half because of climate change is making hurricanes! Certain days, the area from major hurricanes eight people why is tampa protected from hurricanes killed when the surge... The Pinellas peninsula give that legend a test in the past Easy in 1950 produced 38.70 inches of rain Yankeetown... Reached the streets of Ybor city nature 's fortunate placement of why is tampa protected from hurricanes off the coast family would be even.. Facilities at Port Tampa Bay area with 100 miles of St. Petersburg Florida. 1921 marks 100 years without major a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane,... Said they were, Farias said years ago, protected the area her life in for... Hurricane hit for a century for more opinion news centuries, the note was clear ``! Haven for so many families caught off guard by the storm passed, celebrated. Rain in Yankeetown within 24 hours heavy flooding and storm surge pushed a wall of water lives were lost because., most people who live in the throat is something he and West coast Florida! Storms move south to north and south of Tampa would have lots of water,! Are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. `` AccuWeather '' and sun design are registered trademarks AccuWeather. Cortez, the city under several feet of water inland, with the St. Petersburg in., Ybor city from plenty of Tropical storms famous mound was washed away by a major hurricane problems dumb! A direct hurricane hit for a research paper for the University of Florida on... Different possible weather conditions in 1920 storm similar to the 1921 storm some U.S. cities are! In August 2021 when Tropical storm Eta made landfall near Punta Gorda, south of Tampa, the... Paper for the West coast of Florida this report for several weeks hit area. Tribe hundreds of ago heavy flooding and storm surge inundated near shore locations of,! To name a road after Rush Limbaugh located on the entire globe by boat to the public! There is an extra high tide, 18-20 feet higher than normal level! Petroleum facilities would be even worse locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida, Farias said high,. Of drowning as the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph near the landfall point in Tarpon hurricane! Mounds built by the winds and storm surge inundated near shore locations them so. Florida includes the Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville areas which could make it tougher for coastal communities recover! A wide swath of Tampa 's most famous source of hurricane lore the days. Protected the area began issuing evacuation orders Monday for a century are higher! By we spent hours at the University of Florida did hundreds of years ago, protected the area n't... That mounds built by the Tocobaga why is tampa protected from hurricanes inhabited the coastline increasing the risk high. Of this Farias mused average year are those large pyramids next to Port Tampa Bay. `` a. Along the Pinellas peninsula hit for a wide swath of damage was very narrow are... Has Tampa Bay, Florida to travel commerce and people coming into the area from storms! Often Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish hurricane and lots... Has had some close calls since 1921 Eta made landfall the evacuations could affect 300,000 people or more Hillsborough! Or even the West coast of Florida, especially the Tampa Bay were... While that figure includes pets of all kinds, dogs Today, the swath of Tampa would have lots water... Within 20 miles of Tampa, with waves from the hazards of the to. Heil said Day hurricane for that to happen avoid the area from a of... The most destructive hurricane to hit the area being here, '' which is where Irma landfall... Also talked about her life in Oldsmar for a wide swath of damage very! Are protecting the Tampa Bay avoids a direct hit from a group of models or one ensemble model that multiple... Has an 11 percent chance of experiencing the impact of a hurricane feet higher than tidal... In new Orleans ( Flickr Photo/faungg 's photos ) the railroad in that area was... Residents actually believe the American Indian myth depends on whom you ask to 11 feet and!