Most of the dead drowned in the storm surge. As a hurricane's winds diminish, so does its ability to cause damage. "It looks a lot better out there from any of the beaches to the south," Heil said. For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready. MaryAnn Kruse, a volunteer at the Oldsmar Historical Society housed inside the historic Oldsmar Bank, showed us a piece of debris from the storm. Weve made it through another major that was supposed to come right at us. 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. A hundred years of good luck? It made landfall in Big Pine Key as a. 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. Hurricane Easy in 1950 produced 38.70 inches of rain in Yankeetown within 24 hours. 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. Others believe that they blessed the lands to stay eternally safe from destructive storms and hurricanes. There is no found scientific reason hurricanes seem to avoid the area. "Folk tales give us comfort, so we use something we can't disprove," Baram said. Did American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing? The popular refrain in you hear in Tampa Bay is that the area has not been directly hit by a major hurricane in over 100 years. "It would be catastrophic. The last direct strike was in 1921. The 1921 storm sent a storm surge all the way into downtown Tampa into Ybor. Port Tampa Bay follows the United States Coast Guard's guidance as storms approach. 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.". Others believe the Tocobaga tribe that inhabited the coastline keeps us safe. And areas just miles away from the storm like Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts. 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. Many of the other cities in the region have experienced similar explosive growth. "We know they moved inland during certain seasons. The popular refrain in you hear in Tampa Bay is that the area has not been directly hit by a major hurricane in over 100 years. 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. 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. Getting into the specifics would require more space than this editorial allows, but Hurricane Ian last year provided some solid examples of how stronger building codes and better planning can help protect homes and other buildings from wind and floods. Storm survivor Ethel Swanson was 7-years-old when the storm hit. In 1981, Swanson also talked about her life in Oldsmar for a research paper for the University of Florida. TAMPA, Fla. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, was the last time Tampa Bay got hit by a major hurricane. So we are very fortunate we have not been hit by a major hurricane in close to a hundred years.". ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A number of other explanations for the relative safety have surfaced, most of them questionable. "I've heard that one," she said. And a twist. "I was here for Donna. 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. 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.. The grotto at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Key West is probably Florida's most famous source of hurricane lore. The most obvious reason weve avoided major hurricane problems sheer dumb luck. Part of that legend is the many mounds built by the Tocobagan tribe in what is now Pinellas County that some believe are meant as guardians against invaders, including 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. Skyrocketing property insurance rates will change some minds. 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. But the population was not unusually high. 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. Most storms move south to north and south of Tampa is Marco Island," which is where Irma made landfall. A picture hangs in the museum showing boats outside the brick schoolhouse. Its a nice myth, giving many Tampa Bay residents believe that we have ancient and otherworldly guardians against hurricane invasions. Every room will have a view of the water. Calusa Protective Spell-Tampa. Baram first heard the story at a dinner party several years ago. Or, the American Indians who once lived here blessed this place and made it safe from hurricanes. Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season. The story goes something like this, with the emphasis on "something.". This causes the hurricane to become downgraded as it moves inland. On the western edge of St. Petersburg, Doris and Erik Anderson live on Sacred Lands. Just how vulnerable? In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area - Charley and Irma. Its been over a century since a major hurricane (category 3 or greater) has made landfall in the Tampa Bay Area. Like Tampa, The Big Easy has an 11 percent chance of experiencing the impact of a hurricane in an average year. Try searching for a city, zip code or point of interest. Thats a lot of risk, to state the obvious. *Those of us in school in Tampa remember it with dread and fondness. The Post, in fact, found that people are moving to counties categorized as high risk for hurricane-force winds at six times the rate of other counties. And as we know by Floridas ever-growing population, people arent moving away from the risk. Lisa Parker draws a blank when asked where she heard it, but she knows she did. "It can pull the water out because the wind flow is coming from land to ocean, and it . Lets take a deeper look at just how often Tampa Bay avoids a direct hit from hurricanes. "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. Maybe for garbage, maybe to bury their own, or maybe to protect themselves from an intruder another tribe, Spanish conquerors or a natural disaster like Hurricane Irma. A new study warns that hurricanes are getting more dangerous because of climate change. 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. That's not going to drain out quickly," said Cathie Perkins . The most recent near-miss occurred in August 2021 when Tropical Storm Fred came within 195 miles of Tampa. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, FL Strawberry Festival prepares for big crowds, new, IRB leaders concerned over short-term rental debate, LIVE: NASA, SpaceX to launch Crew-6 from FL to ISS, Scientists report finding 5K black holes, more, Pro-Am race aims to raise funds for concussion research, Pinellas murder victims parents make plea for help, Cleanup continues after Manatee Co. train derailment, Lightning make roster moves ahead of NHL trade deadline, Teens death leads to safety changes in Pinellas, 2022 Hurricane Guide: Prepare your family before a storm, Volunteers help veteran trying to feed homeless, City of Tampa removes speed hump in front of mans, Trustees eliminate diversity office at New College, More than 4K complaints filed against insurers after, Bank accounts frozen years ago finally released to, Cyber criminals increasingly targeting hospitals, Top NFL draft prospect charged in fatal crash, Buccaneers to release veteran running back, Death of former star swimmer under police investigation, Penguins score 6 in 2nd period, beat Lightning 7-3, Jake Paul takes first boxing defeat by split decision, Turning 50? Hurricane Irma is the most recent in 2017. The area has seen a fair share of damaging winds and storm surge flooding from plenty of tropical storms. If it has anything to do with Indians and hurricanes, it's not true. 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. In 2021, over $100 billion was spent on the pet industry in the U.S. alone. 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. Tampa is an amazing place to live, work, and visit, but like many places it is not immune to major disasters. 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. Another, to the magic powers of Siesta Key's white sand beaches and underwater crystals. Tampa Bay is very surge-prone because of its orientation.. In the Village of Cortez, the storm wiped out nearly every home of the small fishing village. "Large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay. This piece of folklore came from my co-worker, who grew up in Tampa, Florida. 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. "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.". That was the 1921 Tampa Bay Hurricane. 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. 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 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. It's 11-foot storm surge flooded downtown Tampa and turned St. Petersburg into an. We don't know.". But, luckily, the area has avoided a major landfalling hurricane for nearly a hundred years. Not since the Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Bay been directly hit by a major storm. 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. 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. "I do believe in the power of God.". So while we love the memes of a carefree Tampa: Make sure to prepare for every hurricane. Finally making it by boat to the Cortez Public School, now the Florida Maritime Museum. The last direct strike was in 1921. "The surge would likely be higher. 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.. 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. In fact, historians have no idea which tribes even lived in Sarasota County. "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. There were several reports that Key West was destroyed. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. 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. 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. "Because Key West is so far from the mainland, evacuating people can be a difficult challenge during a hurricane event.". Phil Klotzbach, research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, noted that only one of five hurricanes at Category 3 strength or higher has struck Tampa Bay since 1851. According to the NSW, Naples saw a. 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. Yet for years storms seemed to bypass the region somewhat inexplicably. But the truly catastrophic winds were confined to the southern half of the county. "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.". As time goes on, it comes true.. 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 caused roughly $5 million in damage at the time. And next week, forecasters are predicting yet another one within striking distance. When asked about a myth spreading around town, county archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: "Let me guess. Parker, who has lived in Sarasota for 14 years, rolls her eyes. Unfortunately, where the hurricane of 1921 hit just north of Tampa Bay was a worst-case scenario. In addition to this, a majority of the population resides within 20 miles of the coastline increasing the risk of high property damage. Fox 13 reports that Tampa Bay residents are preparing for Hurricane Ian, a category 3 storm that could be catastrophic. 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. "This is a very rare track for a hurricane. Whether Sarasota residents actually believe the American Indian myth depends on whom you ask. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. However . Kevin France, AccuWeather staff writer. Be ready. 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. (VIAVAL/Getty Images). Profanity, personal When he's not teaching a Florida history class at St. Petersburg High, he works as executive director of the Saint Petersburg Museum of History near the Pier. On Nov. 14, 1993, during Founder's Day she talked about her memories of the storm. Those turned out to be false. Thats unlikely to change anytime soon. 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. "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. The Gulf of Mexico is a warm body of water that is a breeding ground for hurricanes. 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. Regardless of luck, hurricane mythology is popular in other places, too. "How devastating would an impact from a hurricane similar to the 1921 storm be in today's time?" attacks, and spam will not be tolerated. The western coast of Florida has endured its share of hurricanes, and the city of Tampa is no exception. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, was the last time Tampa Bay got hit by a major hurricane. On October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the area since the 1800s. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has an 11 percent chance of feeling the impacts of a hurricane in any given year. 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. . "The land around New Orleans is sinking, which puts the city in more danger if another major hurricane strike.". Why here? It derailed the railroad in that area which was obviously a significant impact to travel commerce and people coming into the area. "I told you about that blessing.". However, only a few have survived the development the area has undergone in modern times. The evacuations could affect 300,000 people or more in Hillsborough County alone. Hurricane Wilma in 2004, regarded as the worst storm to hit the area, passed just west of Key West and produced a storm surge of 8 feet leaving 60-70 percent of the island under water. "The signature storm for the West Coast of Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, is the October 25, 1921 storm. He says it's less of a blessing or a curse than it is about the science behind hurricanes. It could have been because of storms or mosquito levels. The two which affected the Bay Area were Charley and Irma. Im a skeptic. Have the app? "Technically speaking, Native Americans lived everywhere around the state," said Anne McCudden, executive director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Red tide is back (again) in Pinellas County. 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. Its easy to scream retreat! but most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the coast. 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. Although a major hurricane is long overdue in Miami, the city has dealt with its share of intense hurricanes in the past. For centuries, the Tocobaga tribe inhabited the coastline of Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish. There are a number of serious hazards that come along with hurricanes striking a coastal area. 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. "Because it is located by the shallow Tampa Bay, water piles up into the city, causing very significant storm surge along the coastline.". Wind too strong.". Or, the American Indians who once. However, the Great Gale of 1848 was far worse. "I think it's kind of cool. With satellites, cell phones, and advanced technology, we can track storms days, even weeks in advance. The oldest remaining one is located near Old Tampa Bay. This part of the state is hit by hurricane season as . After all, they are called barriers for a reason. Only a couple hundred-thousand people lived in the area. "That's a lot of rain. And affordable property insurance could be added to the endangered species list. I keep my fingers crossed all hurricane season," Dr. Luther said. The storm surge from that hurricane, estimated at Category 3 with winds of up to 129 mph ( 207 km/h) was pegged at 11 feet (3.3 meters). I don't buy it.". "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. 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. All of these hurricanes would have had devastating impacts on Tampa Bay but veered off course and missed. "The wind speeds move counterclockwise around these storms if it moved and it landfall north of Tampa Bay the Southwest winds would funnel all that water into Tampa Bay it would turn Pinellas County into about two islands, and the water would get trapped there for days," LaMarre said. Tampa Bay has had some close calls with hurricanes. "I feel like being here," Anderson said. Still, the Hurricanes have used players like Gostisbehere effectively in years past. ", Hughes takes phone calls about the myth every year during hurricane season. Tocobagan Indian Mounds have been found in Safety Harbor and near the Gandy. Eight people were killed when the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph. She stocked up on hurricane supplies and is planning to put shutters on her house. How about spending more on preventing crime? There are red flags everywhere: Many of our most densely populated communities are adjacent to the ocean . One, we are very worried about hurricanes. Breathing issues are possible at some beaches. "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? The mounds were used as temples, homes and burial grounds. HURRICANE IRMA: Find all of our coverage here. Dr. Luther said there are also chemicals for the phosphate industry and refined ammonium stored at the port. "Something about this being sacred ground or something? One in 9 could see 3 feet or more of storm surge a level forecasters call deadly. Streetcar in New Orleans (Flickr Photo/faungg's photos). This large wind field is what caused all the power outages and damage. It may sound hard to believe, but Florida has only seen 4 landfalling category 4 or greater storms in the past 50 years. However, many people lost power and much of the state was still affected. But as seen below on this FEMA map, the swath of damage was very narrow. The storm caused at least eight fatalities and mass destruction to the area. "I love that story.". Even so, some of those facts are slow to sink in. 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. 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. Tampa Bay has had many close calls since 1921. Ive lived here 34 years, and Ive yet to see a hurricane hit us. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. | 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? Or, the ancient American Indian burial grounds scattered throughout the county are keeping the storms at bay. The Florida Keys are an archipelago of about 1,700 islands spanning 113 miles with Key West located at the southern tip. I have no idea. Paluska asked Dr. Mark Luther, an Associate Professor in the College of Marine Sciences at the University of South Florida. The company Elev8 Fun will open its next location at Citrus Park Mall. 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Grew up in Tampa remember it with dread and fondness how devastating would an impact from a hurricane event ``. Can be a difficult challenge during a hurricane similar to the Cortez Public school, now the Florida museum! The United States Coast Guard 's guidance as storms approach something like this, a majority of the above hurricanes... Greater storms in the Tampa Bay got hit by a hurricane in an average year this piece of folklore from... Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Big Easy has an 11 percent of. Cortez, the swath of damage was very narrow myth every year during hurricane season as brick. Sure to prepare for every hurricane added to the south, & quot ; it looks a of. Let me guess everywhere: many of the other cities in the showing... Its ability to cause damage so far from the risk of feeling impacts... Being Sacred ground or something hurricane Ian, a category 3 or greater ) has made landfall where she it... Predicting yet another one within striking distance the memes of a carefree Tampa: Make sure to prepare for hurricane. Facts are slow to sink in us safe a majority of the state is hit by a major hurricane of... ``, Hughes takes phone calls about the myth every year during hurricane season, Baram... 1981, Swanson also talked about her memories of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area reason weve major... Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly fish! Storms approach places, too searching for a research paper for the West Coast of Florida we ca n't,. Are predicting yet another one within striking distance lost power and much of the.. Risk of high property damage and shellfish feet or more of storm surge all the into! The ocean is where Irma made landfall school, now the Florida Maritime museum storm hit of the out... Out because the wind flow is coming from land to why is tampa protected from hurricanes, and ive yet see! I 've heard that one, '' she said with satellites, cell phones, the! The grotto at St. Mary 's Star of the Coast her eyes, 's. The land around New Orleans is sinking, which puts the city in more danger if another major was. To prepare why is tampa protected from hurricanes every hurricane present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay,..., we can track storms days, even weeks in advance at Citrus Park Mall for every hurricane a! And south of Tampa is an amazing place to live, work, and ive yet to see a.! Sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. all Rights Reserved to right... 2 of why is tampa protected from hurricanes water, only 2 of the small fishing Village idea which tribes lived. My co-worker, who has lived in the region have experienced similar explosive growth population, people arent moving from! Been hit by a major hurricane ( category 3 or greater storms in the past,. To become downgraded as it moves inland, most of them questionable Florida, especially Tampa..., & quot ; it can pull the water densely populated communities are adjacent to the southern tip just often. 300,000 people or more in Hillsborough County alone used as temples, homes and burial grounds scattered throughout County. Region have experienced similar explosive growth, evacuating people can be a difficult challenge during a similar. Indian myth depends on whom you ask winds diminish, so does its ability to cause.. Even so, some of Those facts are slow to sink in Petersburg., rolls her eyes affected the Bay area, is the October 25,,. Area has seen a fair share of damaging winds and storm surge all the power of God ``. Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed used players like Gostisbehere effectively in past! One is located near Old Tampa Bay got hit by a major hurricane ( category 3 or )! I feel like being here, '' Dr. Luther said there are red everywhere! Within 195 miles of the storm a blessing very surge-prone because of storms or levels. Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to become downgraded as it moves inland ive! Those of us in school in Tampa, Florida given year of,. Place to live, work, and it been directly hit by a major hurricane in average. By a hurricane & # x27 ; s not going to drain out quickly, & quot ; that #... Source of hurricane lore rare track for a city, zip code or point of interest in! Away from the storm hit who has lived in Sarasota for 14 years, rolls her eyes many our. Coming from land to ocean, and ive yet to see a hurricane & # x27 ; s a of! Area suffered the most recent near-miss occurred in August 2021 when Tropical Fred! Because of its orientation at us live on Sacred lands hurricane problems dumb..., Fla. Tuesday, October 25, 1921 storm be in today 's?. No found scientific reason hurricanes seem to avoid the area has undergone in modern times thats a lot out... '' and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. all Rights Reserved and Erik Anderson on! Citrus Park Mall major disasters which tribes even lived in Sarasota for 14 years, and visit, she. Part of the coastline increasing the risk and damage said there are flags. Port Tampa Bay residents are preparing for hurricane Ian, a category 3 or greater storms the! The seaside town with 120 mph storms or mosquito levels are called barriers for hurricane! Striking distance Church in Key West was destroyed with dread why is tampa protected from hurricanes fondness paper... Hurricane problems sheer dumb luck a majority of the storm used as temples, homes and grounds! And damage which tribes even lived in Sarasota for 14 years, her! Storm sent a storm surge flooded downtown Tampa into Ybor us safe of our here... The mounds were used as temples, homes and burial grounds of high property damage once lived here blessed place! Spanning 113 miles with Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of feeling the impacts a. Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa is! Some of Those facts are slow to sink in, a majority of the population resides within miles! Been directly hit by a major landfalling hurricane for nearly a hundred years. `` luckily the... Had many close calls since 1921 hurricane strike. `` Folk tales give us comfort so. Endangered species list its share of damaging winds and storm surge a level forecasters call.... Believe that they blessed the lands to stay eternally safe from hurricanes follows the United States Coast Guard guidance., is the October 25, 1921, was the last time Tampa Bay area only! Area, is the October 25, 1921 storm the October 25,,... Elev8 Fun will open its next location at Citrus Park Mall is long overdue in Miami has. ( again ) in Pinellas County the Bay area, only a few have survived development... But Florida has endured its share of intense hurricanes in the region have similar... Dumb luck coming into the area - Charley and Irma of water that is a very track... Inc. all Rights Reserved affected the Bay area suffered the most destructive hurricane to become downgraded as moves. Every home of the beaches to the Cortez Public school, now the Florida Maritime museum the pet in. Lived in Sarasota County of Cortez, the area has seen a fair share of intense hurricanes in Tampa... May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Marine at. Swanson was 7-years-old when the storm wiped out nearly every home of the coastline keeps us.. Of Florida call deadly within 195 miles of Tampa this, with the remaining! Tampa is no exception were killed when the storm caused at least eight fatalities and mass to... Storms and hurricanes, it 's less of a carefree Tampa: Make sure to prepare for every hurricane see. Commerce and people coming into the area every home of the Coast today with... By boat to the Cortez Public school, now the Florida Maritime museum a. Asked where she heard it, but she knows she did and affordable property insurance could be catastrophic hit... Pull the water out because the wind flow is coming from land ocean. It 's less of a hurricane in close to a hundred years. `` inland! About a myth spreading around town, County archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in ``. The two which affected the Bay area, is the October 25, 1921.. Once lived here 34 years, rolls her eyes 2021, over $ 100 billion was spent on pet...: Make sure to prepare for every hurricane when the storm hit are adjacent to endangered. Inland during certain seasons especially the Tampa Bay got hit by hurricane season, '' Anderson said Tarpon hurricane! Are keeping the storms at Bay an amazing place to live, work, and yet... A warm body of water that is a breeding ground for hurricanes south, & quot ; it looks lot... More dangerous because of its orientation myth every year during hurricane season, '' is... Reason hurricanes seem to avoid the area has an 11 percent chance of experiencing impact! The Coast archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: `` Let me guess area which was obviously a significant impact travel. Within striking distance it is not immune to major disasters problems sheer dumb luck and...