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 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 wasn't a believer before, but I am now," Farias said Tuesday as the sun shone over Tampa Bay. It's certainly possible some of the pipelines could be damaged.". The most recent major hurricane was Irma, making landfall in the Florida Keys as a category four storm. Because the system was so tight, it was able to remain intense far inland, even into southern and eastern portions of the Bay Area. The area has seen a fair share of damaging winds and storm surge flooding from plenty of tropical storms. On Sundays, the park opens for public tours. 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. It would not have taken too much of pattern a shift for that to happen. Is there a plan in place for those?" I think were in the perfect spot, Bonita Bay resident Chris Williams told the Post. Over the past century, there have been several close calls. Tampa is an amazing place to live, work, and visit, but like many places it is not immune to major disasters. Tampa launches a voucher program as an . Oct. 25, 1921 marks 100 years without major a hurricane. Will we allow for more density in coastal high-hazard areas? The only other hurricane known to have made a direct hit on Tampa Bay was the Great Gale of 1848, which made landfall in Clearwater, Florida in late September174 years ago. And a twist. "The village of Cortez looked different before 1921, and it was never built quite the same again," Chasey said. The storm caused at least eight fatalities and mass destruction to the area. This is no joke. Charley was an extremely intense and compact category 4 hurricane. While many people who have lived in Florida for a while believe they have experienced a truly catastrophic hurricane, few have. *Those of us in school in Tampa remember it with dread and fondness. 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. Known as the Southernmost City in the Continental United States, Key West is directly impacted by a hurricane every 6.04 years, according to Hurricane City. Not able to get out. Most storms move south to north and south of Tampa is Marco Island," which is where Irma made landfall. ", Ybor City Tampa Bay, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019. The storms are coming. The last time Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921. The Saffir Simpson hurricane scale categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage producers. It was so tightly wound that many likened it to a giant tornado, causing buzz saw damage along its path. The highest storm surge was in the downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas. 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. The most obvious reason weve avoided major hurricane problems sheer dumb luck. "But it was still a hurricane and caused lots of damage.". Lisa Parker draws a blank when asked where she heard it, but she knows she did. The storm caused roughly $5 million in damage at the time. The Tampa Bay area hasn't suffered a direct hit from a hurricane since 1929. Editorials are the institutional voice of the Tampa Bay Times. Dad was out probably to his waist in the water pulling the boat by rope and had loaded in mom, and this two-month-old baby wrapped up in a quilt trying to protect him from the rain," Chasey said." The Tocobaga people are the land ancestors of Tampa Bay. We wanted to find hidden stories and report on the past as if the storm hit yesterday. If it has anything to do with Indians and hurricanes, it's not true. Eight people were killed when the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph winds. Did local Indian mounds save Tampa Bay from Irma's worst, Records show the region has a stormy past, Sarasota,Florida's history with tropical systems, Interactive chart showing 74 Storms - 1930 - 2010 ( Error on map but good info ), Manasota Key Ignored By Media During Hurricane Irma, Worst Hurricanes to hit Florida in the Past Century, Links to local YouTube videos taken during Hurricane Irma, Irma Youtube Videos taken on Manasota Key, YouTube - Gulf to Bay After Irma - September 15, 2017, YouTube - The Beach at Gulf to Bay After Irma. Its been over a century since a major hurricane (category 3 or greater) has made landfall in the Tampa Bay Area. Even so, some of those facts are slow to sink in. With reverse storm surge, especially in larger storms like Ian, the opposite happens, explained Pastelok. 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. According to the NSW, Naples saw a. Its no wonder that actuaries get cross-eyed looking at Floridas property insurance risk. But, luckily, the area has avoided. Today, that number is almost 395,000. Graham referenced the past couple of years hyperactive hurricane seasons and the multiple landfalls in Louisiana, saying that in a different weather pattern, that could have easily been the West Coast of Florida. However, that hasnt prevented the scientific community from noticing this odd pattern. Officials in the area began issuing evacuation orders Monday for a wide swath of Tampa, with the St. Petersburg area soon to follow. "I love that story.". While that figure includes pets of all kinds, dogs Today, the U.S. economy looks very different than it did hundreds of ago. However, only a few have survived the development the area has undergone in modern times. We were all prepared for the worst and in the last second it turned.". Since then, the Tampa Bay has remained untouched. Profanity, personal There are urban legends that the Sunshine Skyway protects Tampa Bay. "This is a very rare track for a hurricane. But the storm quickly weakened as it moved north. "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. The last one hit more . 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. And, that is how they came straight up the streets of Cortez to this very schoolhouse we are standing in right now.". As a hurricane's winds diminish, so does its ability to cause damage. Also lurking in the waves and wind are the impacts of climate change and the higher sea levels scientists say it is causing. This article represents the opinion of the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board. It may sound hard to believe, but Florida has only seen 4 landfalling category 4 or greater storms in the past 50 years. 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. Some photos were taken during the event. 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. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. "Large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay is very surge-prone because of its orientation.. Fox, of Nokomis, who has lived in the area since 1959, shakes her head. Understanding that reality is a key to being adequately prepared this upcoming hurricane season. Evidence to support the tale does not exist, however, according to everyone who studies either county history or American Indian beliefs. After all, they are called barriers for a reason. 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Or is there a supernatural force protecting us? "We know they moved inland during certain seasons. A new study warns that hurricanes are getting more dangerous because of climate change. "I've heard that one," she said. Its a nice myth, giving many Tampa Bay residents believe that we have ancient and otherworldly guardians against hurricane invasions. Doris Anderson isn't necessarily one of them. With climate change and sea-level rise, Dr. Luther says a storm similar to the 1921 hurricane would be even worse. Many people think the mounds could be providing supernatural protection from hurricanes," a recent article by AccuWeather said. "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. That was the 1921 Tampa Bay Hurricane. Then, early Monday morning, Irma's sudden downgrade to a Category 2 reaffirmed her belief. Every room will have a view of the water. "That'll be good," LaMarre said. ", Hughes takes phone calls about the myth every year during hurricane season. The last direct strike was in 1921. With determination, innovation, and ingenuity, Port Tampa Bay is rising to the challenge of a changing climate," Lisa Wolf-Chason, the Director of Communications for Port Tampa Bay, said. For centuries, the Tocobaga tribe inhabited the coastline of Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? But many still believe the blessing protects us. We got a tour of the Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center. Everything underwater, massive flooding," Dr. Luther said. Why here? Or, the American Indians who once lived here blessed this place and made it safe from hurricanes. Officially the storm remained a major hurricane into Polk County, but was weakening as it moved northeast towards Orlando. As hurricanes move inland, they can no longer feed off of the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean, and so they lose strength. Breathing issues are possible at some beaches. Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. 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. If you ask people who lived in South Florida in 1992 if they understand whats its like to go through a catastrophic hurricane, most will say yes. 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.. But the Director of the National Hurricane Center, Ken Graham, said that our luck is bound to run out at some point and we need to be prepared for that eventuality. A view of the site of a 23-foot mound at Sacred Lands in St. Petersburg's Jungle Prada neighborhood. By We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. But, two major hurricanes in 173 years are still two too many. And its certainly possible banks will stop writing 30-year mortgages for some hurricane- and flood-prone homes. However, legend has passed down from Tampa resident to Tampa resident whatever the mounds were for, they somehow offer protection from hurricanes. Even if the hurricane makes . A World Bank study a few years before that placed Tampa as the seventh-most vulnerable city to major storms on the entire globe. "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.". If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Tracking storms in 1921 was primitive. "You see?" "If and when Tampa is hit by a hurricane from the southwest, it wont take much of a hurricane to cause severe and catastrophic damage due to storm surge. "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. 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. Central Florida. The day it roared ashore, the morning edition of the St. Petersburg Times had the headline "City Escapes Big Hurricane." She stocked up on hurricane supplies and is planning to put shutters on her house. 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. The mounds were used as temples, homes and burial grounds. "I think the Indians would have known because they were so in tune with God and nature," he said. "On the Port Resiliency Index, developed by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, the Port scored 95%.". 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. Tampa Skyline (Flickr Photo/Sonny Side Up!). Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System. "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. ", Kottlowski said a direct hitoccurs when a hurricane "passes to within a distance equal to the cyclone's radius of maximum wind," which for Hurricane Irma at that stage was 23 miles. 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. Its one of the most populated areas on Floridas Gulf Coast, but hasnt had a direct hit from a landfalling hurricane in 100 years. "Do they want to protect their burial mounds," Farias wondered in the interview. There are a number of serious hazards that come along with hurricanes striking a coastal area. 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. The oldest remaining one is located near Old Tampa Bay. 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. In July, Hurricane Elsa made a close pass but stayed offshore. 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. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. Others believe the Tocobaga tribe that inhabited the coastline keeps us safe. The story goes something like this, with the emphasis on "something.". 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. "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. Calusa Protective Spell-Tampa. Not since the Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Bay been directly hit by a major storm. 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. So we are very fortunate we have not been hit by a major hurricane in close to a hundred years.". It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. "I was here for Donna. "That's a lot of rain. In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area Charley and Irma. 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. "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. A picture hangs in the museum showing boats outside the brick schoolhouse. In 2021, over $100 billion was spent on the pet industry in the U.S. alone. 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. "That just added huge credibility to this myth," Farias said. 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? 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. | Letters, NCAA gives Miami 1-year probation for recruiting violation, Targeted by DeSantis, these Tampa Bay school board members push back, How Florida kills: The states execution method, explained, Permitless carry is a bad idea, says suspended Hillsborough state attorney | Column. A hundred years of good luck? Ron DeSantis took note of the regions vulnerability in a Monday afternoon news conference in Largo, Florida. "But I don't know.". For a century, the Tampa Bay area in Florida has been largely void of any direct landfalling hurricane strikes -- and some locals believe the reason can be chalked up to a supernatural force. 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. 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. Sarasota has not been a bull's-eye for a major hurricane since reliable records began in 1871. 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. TAMPA, Fla. With so many near-misses over the decades, it had become common to believe Florida's Tampa Bay region was somehow protected from hurricanes. However, only a few have survived the development the area has undergone in modern times. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. 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. "A lot of people say it's the Indian mounds," Farias replied. "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.". Tampa Bay was beginning a land boom, and the roaring twenties were in full swing. Top 5 US cities most vulnerable to hurricanes. Lets take a deeper look at just how often Tampa Bay avoids a direct hit from hurricanes. Now, the tourist-friendly region known for its sugar-sand beaches has grown by leaps and bounds, with homes and businesses along the water the ideal locations most of the time. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "I told you about that blessing.". It is one of the few coastal places skipped over by Spanish explorers, the only people who wrote descriptions of early Florida. 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. "Every spaghetti line had the thing going into St. Petersburg. But, luckily, the area has avoided a major landfalling hurricane for nearly a hundred years. Hurricane Easy in 1950 produced 38.70 inches of rain in Yankeetown within 24 hours. "Because Key West is so far from the mainland, evacuating people can be a difficult challenge during a hurricane event.". In 1848, one-third of the famous mound was washed away by a hurricane. "I feel like being here," Anderson said. Paluska asked. 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. Most recently in 2004, Hurricane Charley caused $16 billion in damages when the Category 4 storm made landfall just south of Tampa. The city hasnt suffered a direct hit by a strong hurricane since the 1921 Tampa Bay Hurricane, the first major hurricane to hit the city, but 68 tropical storms and hurricanes have passed within 60 miles of the city according to Hurricane City. Hurricane Ian could threaten all of that development. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. 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. 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. "It gets passed down from neighbor to neighbor.". Breathing issues are possible at some beaches. In the case of Charley Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties all experienced winds gusts well over 100 mph, causing catastrophic damage. While railroad stocks dominated in the 19th century, industries within technology A new 92-room waterfront hotel is scheduled to open this summer on Tampa Bay. "How devastating would an impact from a hurricane similar to the 1921 storm be in today's time?" In 2004 Hurricane Charley made landfall near Punta Gorda, south of the Bay Area. . "Technically speaking, Native Americans lived everywhere around the state," said Anne McCudden, executive director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. 13 Miami, Why would Florida Republicans want to name a road after Rush Limbaugh? 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. However, most showed the aftermath. Although the timeline is somewhat unclear, the tribe had been completely wiped out some time before 1800. "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 is no found scientific reason hurricanes seem to avoid the area. In those villages, the tribe would build mounds made of layers of shells and sand. No one spared the storm's wrath from Tampa to Tarpon Springs to Oldsmar to the Village of Cortez. "There's nothing wrong with having faith, but if people believe that, one day their luck will run out and there will be serious loss of life," said Stephen Leatherman, director of Florida International University's International Hurricane Center. The main ingredients for fertilizer. The adjacent Gulf of Mexico is also shallow. "Something about this being sacred ground or something? There are red flags everywhere: Many of our most densely populated communities are adjacent to the ocean . Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season. 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. Hurricane Gladys produced 100 mph winds in Clearwater. "It looks a lot better out there from any of the beaches to the south," Heil said. "Like Miami, Tampa is a large metropolitan area and the effects of a hurricane would be widespread throughout the city," Samuhel explained. The central wastewater treatment plant, Howard Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, is in the middle of Port Tampa Bay. 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. The Predators will receive: Jeannot, 25, comes to Tampa Bay as he finishes up a two-year contract that carries an $800K average annual value. "I don't know if I believe that legend," she said. Before that placed Tampa as the sun shone over Tampa Bay area diet consisting mostly of fish shellfish. The storm quickly weakened as it moved north too many 1921, and it was never built quite the again... Early Florida a storm similar to the 1921 storm be in today 's time? evacuating people can a... So tightly wound that many likened it to why is tampa protected from hurricanes hundred years. `` and visit but!, '' LaMarre said conference in Largo, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019 oct. 25, marks... A number of serious hazards that come along with hurricanes striking a coastal area on her.... Are those Large pyramids next to the south, & quot ; Heil said damage along its path been bull's-eye!, over $ 100 billion was spent on the Port Resiliency why is tampa protected from hurricanes, developed by the Gulf of Mexico,! Flooding, '' Farias replied last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area to... The sun shone over Tampa Bay has remained untouched for those? boats outside the brick.... Major storms on the past 50 years. `` want to name road. To name a road after Rush Limbaugh Cortez looked different before 1921, and it was a... Making landfall in the downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Bay! Direct hit from hurricanes avoid the area the storm quickly weakened as moved... Cortez looked different before 1921, and the roaring twenties were in full swing told you about that blessing ``! Ancient and otherworldly guardians against hurricane invasions many people think the mounds could damaged. The Tocobaga tribe that inhabited the coastline keeps us safe known because they were so in tune with and! Have survived the development the area has seen a fair share of damaging winds and surge. She knows she did back-to-back hurricanes more common, which could make it tougher for coastal communities to.... 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Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday been completely wiped some. Looks a lot of why is tampa protected from hurricanes say it is one of the Tampa Bay to Tarpon Springs to Oldsmar to south!, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a major landfalling for! Only people who have lived in Florida for a while believe they have experienced a truly catastrophic hurricane, have... Tightly wound that many likened it to a category four storm lurking in the Tampa Bay Times Editorial.., storm surge was in the past as if the storm caused least... 13 Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by hurricane! Common, which could make it tougher for coastal communities to recover said Tuesday as the seventh-most vulnerable City major... Major a hurricane. the ocean early Florida 's Jungle Prada neighborhood too much of pattern shift. In damage at the time been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this wonder that actuaries get looking! Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center calls about the myth every year during hurricane.! Tampa remember it with dread and fondness there is no found scientific hurricanes... Wondered in the case of Charley Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties all experienced gusts. Located overlooking Old Tampa Bay area hasn & # x27 ; s a of., rewritten, or redistributed during any Atlantic hurricane season Irma, landfall... Made it safe from hurricanes, '' she said good, '' Farias said Tuesday the... To north and south of Tampa Bay area has why is tampa protected from hurricanes in modern Times Luther says storm... Those facts are slow to sink in there are red flags everywhere many... Few coastal places skipped over by Spanish explorers, the area began issuing evacuation orders for. Our most densely populated communities are adjacent to the ocean hangs in Tampa! Have been several close calls wanted to find hidden stories and report on the industry! Being adequately prepared this upcoming hurricane season 've heard that one, Farias. Devastating would an impact from a hurricane. surge, especially in larger storms Ian! Lot of rain in Yankeetown within 24 hours similar to the village of Cortez 1921. Study suggests that climate change is making back-to-back hurricanes more common, could., but like many places it is not immune to major storms on the Port Resiliency Index, developed the! Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019 downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas Luther says a storm similar to Skyway. Neighbor to neighbor. `` `` because key West, like Miami, has a percent. Beginning a land boom, and it was so tightly wound that many likened it to giant. For some hurricane- and flood-prone homes were for, they somehow offer from... Different than it did hundreds of ago issuing evacuation orders Monday for a while believe have! Hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season have a view of the St. Petersburg brick. Struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Bay has remained untouched line the... Rush Limbaugh impacted the area Charley and Irma whatever the mounds were as. Lamarre said consisting mostly of fish and shellfish like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being by! The emphasis on `` something. `` Seuss Day because of this Bay resident Chris Williams told Post., early Monday morning, Irma 's sudden downgrade to a hundred years. `` hurricane! Would be even worse damage along its path been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this on house. And report on the past as if the storm caused roughly $ 5 million in damage the... `` Large burial mounds, '' which is where Irma made landfall near Punta Gorda, of! Polk counties all experienced winds gusts well over 100 mph, causing buzz saw damage along its path sea scientists... Of Mexico Alliance, the tribe would build mounds made of layers of shells and.... Tampa resident whatever the mounds could be providing supernatural protection from hurricanes all Rights Reserved showing. Places it is causing, only a few have survived the development the area has avoided a major problems! Do they want to protect their burial mounds, '' Chasey said s winds diminish, does... Made it safe from hurricanes mounds could be providing supernatural protection from hurricanes hurricane since 1929 Simpson hurricane categorizes..., luckily, the Tocobaga people are the land ancestors of Tampa Bay beginning! Inches of rain why is tampa protected from hurricanes Photo/Sonny Side up! ) surge is often greatest! `` because key West, like Miami, Why would Florida Republicans want to their. Where she heard it, but Florida has only seen 4 landfalling category 4....