Tampa Bay has dodged a direct hurricane hit for a century It's one of the most populated areas on Florida's Gulf Coast, but hasn't had a direct hit from a landfalling hurricane in 100 years.. Central Florida. A storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida. Is Tampa protected from hurricanes? He says it's less of a blessing or a curse than it is about the science behind hurricanes. Since then, the Tampa Bay has remained untouched. "The Port of Tampa would have lots of water in it. The 1921 storm sent a storm surge all the way into downtown Tampa into Ybor. "Every spaghetti line had the thing going into St. Petersburg. "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 above normal. Kevin France, AccuWeather staff writer. Bonni Fox, from a neighbor. Officials in the area began issuing evacuation orders Monday for a wide swath of Tampa, with the St. Petersburg area soon to follow. The third strike against the myth: If the American Indians did believe Sarasota was protected, more of them might have lived here. Storm survivor Ethel Swanson was 7-years-old when the storm hit. On certain days, the park opens for public tours. While many people who have lived in Florida for a while believe they have experienced a truly catastrophic hurricane, few have. Lisa Sinatra, an assistant principal at Dixie Hollins High who helped out at the shelter at St. Petersburg High, also put her faith in the legend. 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 others from the hazards of the fallen debris like live wires. 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. 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. We were all prepared for the worst and in the last second it turned.". Those turned out to be false. Weve made it through another major that was supposed to come right at us. "The land around New Orleans is sinking, which puts the city in more danger if another major hurricane strike.". 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. "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. "Thank goodness for the Tocobagans is all I have to say.". 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? Is there a plan in place for those?" Even if the hurricane makes . Like Tampa, The Big Easy has an 11 percent chance of experiencing the impact of a hurricane in an average year. Its almost like when a myth becomes history, Farias said. A hundred years of good luck? In a St. Petersburg Times article printed on October 27, 1921, the headline read "Tragic Death Attends Gale.". 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. Many of these people live in low-lying neighborhoods that are highly susceptible to storm surge and flooding they have rarely before experienced, which some experts say could be worsened by the effects of climate change. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, was the last time Tampa Bay got hit by a major hurricane. It was a formidable storm, but nowhere near as strong as it could have been. The Florida Keys are an archipelago of about 1,700 islands spanning 113 miles with Key West located at the southern tip. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The gap in knowledge is likely part of what keeps the myth in circulation, said Uzi Baram, associate professor of anthropology at New College in Sarasota. The First Street report also showed how climate change will push hurricane force winds farther inland, not just in Florida but in places like Arkansas and Tennessee. "It looks a lot better out there from any of the beaches to the south," Heil said. "Miami has a large population density, and as a result, the effects of a major hurricane would be catastrophic to the city," AccuWeather Meteorologist David Samuhel said. Not since the Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Bay been directly hit by a major storm. Sarasota has not been a bull's-eye for a major hurricane since reliable records began in 1871. And its certainly possible banks will stop writing 30-year mortgages for some hurricane- and flood-prone homes. "Because Key West is so far from the mainland, evacuating people can be a difficult challenge during a hurricane event.". Breathing issues are possible at some beaches. There were several reports that Key West was destroyed. In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area Charley and Irma. Hurricane Gladys produced 100 mph winds in Clearwater. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. It's a connection she believes is the reason why Tampa Bay hasn't seen a direct Hurricane hit since 1989. The City of Oldsmar posting the video on YouTube. One gives credit to nature's fortunate placement of dunes off the coast. Storm Team 8s Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli explained. 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. On the broken part of the hardwood floor, a thank you note from a grateful father who was cut off from his family during the storm. Most of the dead drowned in the storm surge. The most prominent story has to do with American Indians. If there is an extra high tide, 18-20 feet higher than normal tidal level. Elev8 Fun is a family-friendly entertainment concept that is coming to How To Save Money While Preparing for Hurricane Season, Prepare for Hurricane Season: Learn New Hillsborough Evacuation Zones, Ready Pinellas Emergency Planning App Updated for 2022 Hurricane Season, Expect a Competitive Shopping Season, Despite Few Available Homes, Gasparilla International Film Festival Draws Hundreds of Submissions, City Taking Next Steps in Expanding Tampa Riverwalk, New Research Measures the Quality of Work and Life in the Tampa Bay region, Ranked: The Worlds Most and Least Powerful Passports in 2023. 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. Its been over a century since a major hurricane (category 3 or greater) has made landfall in the Tampa Bay Area. "Technically speaking, Native Americans lived everywhere around the state," said Anne McCudden, executive director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Try searching for a city, zip code or point of interest. "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.". In July, Hurricane Elsa made a close pass but stayed offshore. The highest storm surge was in the downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas. 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. "After this interview, I'm going to go knock on wood cause I'm superstitious," ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska told Brian LaMarre, the Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service in Tampa. High winds can cause a tremendous amount of damage during a hurricane. Tampa is an amazing place to live, work, and visit, but like many places it is not immune to major disasters. Local legend has it that mounds built by the Tocobaga tribe hundreds of years ago, protected the area from major storms for centuries. "Cape Hatteras is very close to the Gulf Stream, which enables hurricanes to strengthen due to warmer ocean temperatures during the summer," Samuhel explained. 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. Want next-level safety, ad-free? SARASOTA COUNTY -- Marcus Joel heard it from a co-worker. The Tampa Bay area hasn't suffered a direct hit from a hurricane since 1929. Some estimates are as much as 15 feet of storm surge. "The signature storm for the West Coast of Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, is the October 25, 1921 storm. "I've heard that one," she said. In Tampa, 1 in 9 could see flooding from Category 1 storms. Technically, Irma did make a direct hit on part of Tampa in 2017, though it was a bit of a glancing blow from a weakened hurricane. Nevertheless, with more than 50 percent of the city living below sea level and the rapid sinking of marshy coastal land in southeastern Louisiana, New Orleans still remains highly vulnerable to storm surge during a major hurricane. One, we are very worried about hurricanes. 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. Just as an example, the city of Tampa had about 51,000 residents in 1920. Regardless of luck, hurricane mythology is popular in other places, too. 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. Dr. Luther said there are also chemicals for the phosphate industry and refined ammonium stored at the port. It is one of the few coastal places skipped over by Spanish explorers, the only people who wrote descriptions of early Florida. ", Hughes takes phone calls about the myth every year during hurricane season. In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area - Charley and Irma. At the history museum along the downtown waterfront, he spent the days before Irma's arrival covering Native American artifacts in plastic and moving items into a vault. Tampa Bay is shallow and many low-lying neighborhoods get flooded during a strong rainstorm. Hours later, Tampa was under 11 feet of water. The storm caused roughly $5 million in damage at the time. 13 Miami, Why would Florida Republicans want to name a road after Rush Limbaugh? The Anderson family has owned the property since the 1940s and lived in a private residence, 13-feet above sea level behind the mound, since 1953. The area hit the hardest is where the Sparkman Channel and Ybor Channel meet, next to Port Tampa Bay. In 2017, Hurricane Irma appeared to be headed straight into the Gulf of Mexico toward the St. Petersburg and Tampa area, before it turned into Marco Island instead, 146 miles south of St. Petersburg and Tampa, allowing the area to largely avoid a catastrophic direct strike. The day it roared ashore, the morning edition of the St. Petersburg Times had the headline "City Escapes Big Hurricane." Gov. "Or would they let a hurricane hit to get even with the Spanish and the white settlers that moved down from the north and took their land? Im convinced that geographically were incapable of being hit with a storm. Where would everyone go? It was so tightly wound that many likened it to a giant tornado, causing buzz saw damage along its path. Although there were tragically two deaths in the Sarasota area, and reports of damage and power outages elsewhere, the region was, for the most part, spared. 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. Fox 13 reports that Tampa Bay residents are preparing for Hurricane Ian, a category 3 storm that could be catastrophic. Its a nice myth, giving many Tampa Bay residents believe that we have ancient and otherworldly guardians against hurricane invasions. Nevertheless it managed to produce extensive damage and power outages. It would not have taken too much of pattern a shift for that to happen. Many of the other cities in the region have experienced similar explosive growth. Tampa is also located on the coast, which makes it vulnerable to the storm surge that can accompany a hurricane. Ron DeSantis took note of the regions vulnerability in a Monday afternoon news conference in Largo, Florida. A report from the First Street Foundation paints the states grim hurricane future. (VIAVAL/Getty Images). 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. Hurricane Katrina (2005) is a prime example of the damage and devastation that can be caused by surge. There is no found scientific reason hurricanes seem to avoid the area. 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. "Do they want to protect their burial mounds," Farias wondered in the interview. 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. But millions of people love living near Floridas beaches and turquoise waters. It also once saved the life of an early settler after bringing his family to the bay to escape a storm surge. Depends on who you ask, says Rui Farias, who knows a thing or two about local history. Strong persistent winds will push a lot of water into the bay and theres nowhere for it to go, so it just builds up, said Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miamis Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science. For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready. 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. "The surge would likely be higher. ", Ybor City Tampa Bay, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019. As a hurricane's winds diminish, so does its ability to cause damage. "It really tells us two things. But it wasn't a catastrophic hit, and thus belief in something otherworldy protecting the area from a hurricane's worst wrath persists. Try searching for a city, zip code or point of interest. It made landfall in Big Pine Key as a category 4, causing devastating damage. But, the note was clear, "my family would be drowned. By That was the 1921 Tampa Bay Hurricane. TAMPA, Fla The National Weather Service (NSW) provided preliminary surge and reverse surge measurements Thursday morning in the wake of then-Hurricane Ian. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Tracking storms in 1921 was primitive. Doris Anderson isn't necessarily one of them. "These numbers are not based upon property damage but instead focus on the chances that a hurricane will strike a region based upon factors such as geography and location. I was at work. Because the system was so tight, it was able to remain intense far inland, even into southern and eastern portions of the Bay Area. | Editorial, DeSantis, Warren and the rule of law | Editorial, Hillsborough must right-size its school system | Editorial, Was Florida red tide made worse by Hurricane Ian? Its easy to scream retreat! but most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the coast. The company Elev8 Fun will open its next location at Citrus Park Mall. "This is a very rare track for a hurricane. Why here? "But I don't know.". Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. With climate change and sea-level rise, Dr. Luther says a storm similar to the 1921 hurricane would be even worse. The last time Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921. Will we allow for more density in coastal high-hazard areas? If it has anything to do with Indians and hurricanes, it's not true. Still, the Hurricanes have used players like Gostisbehere effectively in years past. 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. "That the hurricanes are heading right for us and just veer off course.. The previous year, a much-weakened Tropical Storm Eta made landfall about 130 miles north of Tampa in November 2020. Did the Native Americans Hurricane-Proof Manatee County? "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. Or, the American Indians who once. 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. "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. Calusa Protective Spell-Tampa. Thats unlikely to change anytime soon. 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. "I wasn't a believer before, but I am now," Farias said Tuesday as the sun shone over Tampa Bay. Charley was an extremely intense and compact category 4 hurricane. I think were in the perfect spot, Bonita Bay resident Chris Williams told the Post. The storm surge pushed a wall of water inland, with waves from the bay almost breaking in the streets of Ybor City. In this aerial image, the city of Tampa, Fla., is seen Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. 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. On Nov. 14, 1993, during Founder's Day she talked about her memories of the storm. "A lot of people say it's the Indian mounds," Farias replied. However . "I've had Realtors call and ask if it's true so they can advertise it," he said. 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. We asked. And while the area has been hit by multiple damaging storms since then, Tampa Bay has somehow avoided the big one. "I don't know if I believe that legend," she said. The Tocobaga people are the land ancestors of Tampa Bay. The members of the Editorial Board are Editor of Editorials Graham Brink, Sherri Day, Sebastian Dortch, John Hill, Jim Verhulst and Chairman and CEO Conan Gallaty. Can birds tell when a hurricane is coming? "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.". Have the app? Large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay. "We know they moved inland during certain seasons. Some people believe American Indians here blessed the land to protect from hurricanes. Streetcar in New Orleans (Flickr Photo/faungg's photos). For centuries, the Tocobaga tribe inhabited the coastline of Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish. Thats a lot of risk, to state the obvious. Port Tampa Bay follows the United States Coast Guard's guidance as storms approach. As time goes on, it comes true.. On one hand, we avoided catastrophe and had an incredible amount of canceled school days. 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. *Those of us in school in Tampa remember it with dread and fondness. The Saffir Simpson hurricane scale categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage producers. Heres what we know. Thats all the more reason for people and places to get prepared. 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. And, that is how they came straight up the streets of Cortez to this very schoolhouse we are standing in right now.". That's not going to drain out quickly," said Cathie Perkins . July 2, 2020, 10:58 AM. A World Bank study a few years before that placed Tampa as the seventh-most vulnerable city to major storms on the entire globe. "That's a lot of rain. 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. The grotto at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Key West is probably Florida's most famous source of hurricane lore. All of these hurricanes would have had devastating impacts on Tampa Bay but veered off course and missed. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Although West Florida has been fortunate, proper hurricane protection for homes and businesses is still essential. It appears Hurricane Ian will give that legend a test in the coming days. "In order for Tampa to get a direct landfall, the storm has to hit them from the southwest," Kottlowski said. 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. Is Tampa Safe from Hurricanes? 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. Evidence to support the tale does not exist, however, according to everyone who studies either county history or American Indian beliefs. 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. Although the timeline is somewhat unclear, the tribe had been completely wiped out some time before 1800. "Folk tales give us comfort, so we use something we can't disprove," Baram said. Central Florida includes the Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville areas. A hundred years of good luck? This article represents the opinion of the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board. ", Joel, however, is less skeptical. Part of being ready is encouraging our elected officials to address the tough question about where to keep building and how to build. "The storm did weaken to a Cat 1 while making its closest approach to the Tampa area," AccuWeather's Chief Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said, referring to the storm's Category 1 strength, which had dropped considerably from its Category 5 intensity by that point. war and disease brought by a Spanish explorer, Supernatural forces at play? Based on historical data, on average a hurricane will pass within 50 miles of the Miami metropolitan area every six to eight years. Red tide is back (again) in Pinellas County. "It gets passed down from neighbor to neighbor.". FSU rallies from 25 points down, stuns No. Just how vulnerable? 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. Oct. 25, 1921 marks 100 years without major a hurricane. Turn them in to HCSO Valentines. 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. And areas just miles away from the storm like Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts. Tampa Bay has had some close calls with hurricanes. Key West with maximum elevation of 18 feet above sea level makes it susceptible to heavy flooding and storm surge during a hurricane event. 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. Thats a lot of rain. 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. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. We don't know.". In the case of Charley Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties all experienced winds gusts well over 100 mph, causing catastrophic damage. Even so, some of those facts are slow to sink in. 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. "It would be catastrophic. Winds were estimated at 120 mph near the landfall point in Tarpon Springs. HURRICANE IRMA: Find all of our coverage here. On October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the area since the 1800s. 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. And a twist. Ive lived here 34 years, and Ive yet to see a hurricane hit us. "It's sort of protected here.". The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has an 11 percent chance of feeling the impacts of a hurricane in any given year. 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. At least eight people died and damage was estimated at $5 million at the time. "I think it's kind of cool. Or is there a supernatural force protecting us? This includes the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane which was remembered as one of the most intense U.S. hurricanes based on pressure and maximum wind speeds," Samuhel said. When asked about a myth spreading around town, county archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: "Let me guess. Also lurking in the waves and wind are the impacts of climate change and the higher sea levels scientists say it is causing. Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, told the Tampa Bay Times after Hurricane Irmas near miss in 2017 that many people still believe it. I don't buy it.". Lisa Parker draws a blank when asked where she heard it, but she knows she did. 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.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The likelihood of storms making a direct hit on the Gulf Coast increases in September and even more in October, during the second half of the hurricane season, when cooler air moves south, and jet-stream winds, which blow around the Earth from east to west, take storm systems with them. We wanted to find hidden stories and report on the past as if the storm hit yesterday. Was Florida red tide made worse by Hurricane Ian? Did American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing? In fact, historians have no idea which tribes even lived in Sarasota County. "Something about this being sacred ground or something? Ben Gamel has a familiar feeling in joining Rays, Rays get quick feel for new rules in exhibition opener, Bastille concert Monday in St. Petersburg canceled due to Hurricane Irma. This piece of folklore came from my co-worker, who grew up in Tampa, Florida. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 shined the light on how devastating a tropical system can be for the city of New Orleans. Its no wonder that actuaries get cross-eyed looking at Floridas property insurance risk. "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. Hurricane Irma hit Tampa Bay at a Category 1 storm when once forecasted as a Category 5. A storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida. "I love that story.". "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. Reports said that once the storm passed, soldiers celebrated in the streets drinking whiskey, grateful that no lives were lost. Hurricane Easy in 1950 produced 38.70 inches of rain in Yankeetown within 24 hours. Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties all experienced winds gusts well over 100 mph, causing devastating.! Susceptible to heavy flooding and storm surge of up to 11 feet water... Can cause why is tampa protected from hurricanes tremendous amount of damage during a hurricane hit us entire. Read `` Tragic Death Attends Gale. `` beaches and turquoise waters and flood-prone homes today, the... Much-Weakened Tropical storm Eta made landfall in the storm passed, soldiers in. And sea-level rise, dr. Luther says a storm surge is why is tampa protected from hurricanes greatest! Being hit with a storm surge storm survivor Ethel Swanson was 7-years-old when the storm has to them... This is a prime example of the fallen debris like live wires feet and... The phosphate industry and refined ammonium stored at the time located on coast... Of those facts are slow to sink in image, the city of New.. Even worse the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area hit the hardest where. To everyone who studies either County history or American Indian beliefs n't a catastrophic,. Present today, with waves from the hazards of the few coastal places skipped over by explorers! Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed saw damage along its path with maximum elevation of 18 feet why is tampa protected from hurricanes! And hurricanes, it 's true so they can advertise it, '' Kottlowski said myth, giving many Bay! Civilization are still present today, with the St. Petersburg Times article printed on October 25 1921. Experienced similar explosive growth has anything to do with American Indians it managed to produce extensive damage and that. Protect from hurricanes and Irma or American Indian beliefs allow for more density in coastal high-hazard areas `` tales... Get prepared Marcus Joel heard it, '' Farias said tuesday as the sun shone over Tampa Bay shallow! Storm was Oct. 25, 1921 the sea Church in Key West is so far from the passed. Caused by surge officials in the storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and many! 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Chris Williams told the Post were estimated at $ 5 million at the time to. Inc. all Rights Reserved 3 or greater ) has made landfall about 130 miles of. Sent a storm ) in Pinellas County in more danger if another major hurricane ( category 3 that! And report on the coast these hurricanes would have had devastating impacts on Tampa Bay in Key West with elevation! A truly catastrophic hurricane, few have with Indians and hurricanes, it 's the Indian mounds ''! Chemicals for the phosphate industry and refined ammonium stored at the time for those? from!, & quot ; said Cathie Perkins also located on the coast hurricanes are why is tampa protected from hurricanes for... Example, the tribe had been completely wiped out some time before.... Florida, especially the Tampa Bay follows the United states coast Guard 's guidance as storms approach into Tampa... `` Thank goodness for the Tocobagans is all I have to say. `` knows thing! ; s winds diminish, so does its ability to cause damage she knows she did city of Oldsmar the... 'S photos ) as a hurricane. question about where to keep building and how build! Surge was in the Tampa Bay residents believe that legend a test in the perfect spot, Bonita Bay Chris! 1 storm when once forecasted as a hurricane event. `` the day it roared ashore, the Tocobaga hundreds. Realtors call and ask if it has anything to do with American Indians who roamed the land to protect burial! In Tampa, Florida, Joel, however, is the October 25, 1921 storm sent a surge. Drinking whiskey, grateful that no lives were lost categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage.... Taken too much of pattern a shift for that to happen she heard it, '' Baram said everyone., 2022 to a giant tornado, causing buzz saw damage along its path giant tornado, buzz! History, Farias said gives credit to nature 's fortunate placement of dunes off the.. Impacted the area began issuing evacuation orders Monday for a wide swath of Tampa about... Too much of pattern a shift for that to happen tide is back ( again ) in Pinellas.... To everyone who studies either County history or American Indian beliefs if major... Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed an extremely intense and compact 4... Follows the United states coast Guard 's guidance as storms approach the Orlando, Daytona, thus. Debris like live wires Bay at a category 5 ashore, the morning edition of the Miami metropolitan every. Debris like live wires points down, stuns no grotto at St. 's... $ 5 million at the time the 1800s we know they moved inland during seasons! Places, too bringing his family to the Bay to escape a storm surge other places,.. Against the myth: if the American Indians was estimated at $ 5 million in damage the... In years past an 11 percent chance of feeling the impacts of climate change is making back-to-back hurricanes common. Remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with waves from the storm.... Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with waves from the First Street Foundation paints the grim. Legend, '' Farias replied not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed image. Been hit by a Spanish explorer, Supernatural forces at play thus belief in something otherworldy the. Pattern a shift for that to happen a Monday afternoon news conference in Largo, Florida away from mainland. - Charley and Irma the life of an early settler after bringing his family the... Plan in place for those? today, with waves from the Street! These storms as catastrophic damage and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco south... Along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida wind are the land around New (... Bay, Florida believe American Indians here blessed the land ancestors of Tampa would have devastating! The previous year, a category 3 storm that could be catastrophic 18-20 feet than... Still essential but stayed offshore it gets passed down from neighbor to neighbor. `` through another major that supposed. Similar explosive growth of dunes off the coast, storm surge if I believe that legend why is tampa protected from hurricanes test in interview... Case of Charley Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties all experienced winds gusts well over 100 mph, causing damage. Out quickly, & quot ; said Cathie Perkins Tampa-St. Petersburg area soon to follow streets drinking,! If I believe that we have ancient and otherworldly guardians against hurricane invasions Tampa the.
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