why is tampa protected from hurricanes

Although the timeline is somewhat unclear, the tribe had been completely wiped out some time before 1800. The day it roared ashore, the morning edition of the St. Petersburg Times had the headline "City Escapes Big Hurricane." 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And a twist. Even so, some of those facts are slow to sink in. The area hit the hardest is where the Sparkman Channel and Ybor Channel meet, next to Port Tampa Bay. Jeannot will be a restricted free agent this summer and . Port Tampa Bay follows the United States Coast Guard's guidance as storms approach. Legends and luck are nice stories when it comes to hurricanes, but at some point Tampa Bay will be hit. Red tide is back (again) in Pinellas County. Tampa Bay has had some close calls with hurricanes. HURRICANE IRMA: Find all of our coverage here. The last time Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921. "I feel like being here," Anderson said. Tampa Bay is very surge-prone because of its orientation.. After the infamous Tarpon Springs hurricane, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration said in a report on the 1921 storm: In general, cyclones moving over the Gulf of Mexico had a tendency of passing well north of Tampa. It made landfall in Big Pine Key as a. Lets take a deeper look at just how often Tampa Bay avoids a direct hit from hurricanes. ", 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. "I like to believe those things are true," Farias mused. "Thank goodness for the Tocobagans is all I have to say.". Unfortunately, where the hurricane of 1921 hit just north of Tampa Bay was a worst-case scenario. One of the nation's largest fully excavated native burial grounds, at Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, offers few additional clues, only that people lived in the area as early as 3,000 B.C. Follow @TBTimes_Opinion on Twitter for more opinion news. The mounds were used as temples, homes and burial grounds. That has been our story for nearly a hundred years now," Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, told AccuWeather. 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Officially the storm remained a major hurricane into Polk County, but was weakening as it moved northeast towards Orlando. The faded ink had several names at the top that were illegible. A storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida. Gov. ", On October 27, 1921, a report in the Tampa Daily Times predicted the 100-year streak of good luck that followed. Tampas Black majority City Council district has 2 candidates. In 2004, Hurricane Charley made a turn towards Punta Gorda, sparing Tampa. "Every spaghetti line had the thing going into St. Petersburg. "That the hurricanes are heading right for us and just veer off course.. Many of the 347,645 people living. 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. "I don't think we're in a blessed or protected place," Fox said while shopping at Home Depot. "I've had Realtors call and ask if it's true so they can advertise it," he said. 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. ", Ybor City Tampa Bay, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019. And, that is how they came straight up the streets of Cortez to this very schoolhouse we are standing in right now.". For centuries, the Tocobaga tribe inhabited the coastline of Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish. Paluska asked Dr. Mark Luther, an Associate Professor in the College of Marine Sciences at the University of South Florida. This piece of folklore came from my co-worker, who grew up in Tampa, Florida. 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 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. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Is there a plan in place for those?" Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida. 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. It's certainly possible some of the pipelines could be damaged.". On October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the area since the 1800s. This large wind field is what caused all the power outages and damage. Some people believe American Indians here blessed the land to protect from hurricanes. It just never seems to happen, St. Petersburg resident Leonard McCue told the Washington Post in 2017 following Hurricane Irma. But it was damaged to varying degrees by hurricanes in 1926, 1944 and 1950, as well as Donna in 1960 and Charley in 2004. We keep building in the most storm-prone areas. Be ready. | 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? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And next week, forecasters are predicting yet another one within striking distance. Bonni Fox, from a neighbor. Hurricane Irma is the most recent in 2017. The most prominent story has to do with American Indians. It could have been because of storms or mosquito levels. "Something about this being sacred ground or something? 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 appears Hurricane Ian will give that legend a test in the coming days. This article represents the opinion of the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board. One gives credit to nature's fortunate placement of dunes off the coast. When asked about a myth spreading around town, county archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: "Let me guess. TAMPA, Fla. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, was the last time Tampa Bay got hit by a major hurricane. The 1921 storm sent a storm surge all the way into downtown Tampa into Ybor. There are a number of serious hazards that come along with hurricanes striking a coastal area. 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.. "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. 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. I don't buy it.". "Because Key West is so far from the mainland, evacuating people can be a difficult challenge during a hurricane event.". "I told you about that blessing.". Nevertheless it managed to produce extensive damage and power outages. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. There is no found scientific reason hurricanes seem to avoid the area. The 20 U.S. cities most in danger of getting smacked by a major hurricane in the next decades are all in Florida. "I was here for Donna. Heres what we know, Another reminder of Floridas massive hurricane risk | Editorial, FSU rallies from 25 points down, stuns No. Some estimates are as much as 15 feet of storm surge. More than 40% of St. Petersburg is in the coastal high-hazard area. 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. 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. "That's a lot of rain. Will we allow for more density in coastal high-hazard areas? 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. 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. Thats all the more reason for people and places to get prepared. VIDEO: Man casually rides jet ski near Sarasota as Hurricane Ian moves in. Yet for years storms seemed to bypass the region somewhat inexplicably. A World Bank study a few years before that placed Tampa as the seventh-most vulnerable city to major storms on the entire globe. "Do they want to protect their burial mounds," Farias wondered in the interview. The Gulf of Mexico is a warm body of water that is a breeding ground for hurricanes. "I did everything I could to protect their artifacts," Farias said before Irma came through, letting the Tampa Bay area off the hook by weakening to a storm with less-than-catastrophic winds. But, luckily, the area has avoided a major landfalling hurricane for nearly a hundred years. Many of the 347,645 people living in the area have homes along the coast, making residents susceptible to storm surge. The others from the hazards of the fallen debris like live wires. 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. "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. However . "It's almost like when a myth becomes history," Farias said. Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System. A picture hangs in the museum showing boats outside the brick schoolhouse. "Large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay. Another reminder of Floridas massive hurricane risk | Editorial. Fox, of Nokomis, who has lived in the area since 1959, shakes her head. Based upon data from NOAAs Hurricane Research Division, here are the top five most vulnerable U.S. cities to hurricanes. In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area - Charley and Irma. It was so strong that it caused damage to coastal structures which were miles away from Pasco County south through southwest Florida and even destroyed ships smashing them against docks after pulling them off their moorings. "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. The third strike against the myth: If the American Indians did believe Sarasota was protected, more of them might have lived here. 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. I just keep counting my blessings. In July, Hurricane Elsa made a close pass but stayed offshore. 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. "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.". The Tampa Bay area hasn't suffered a direct hit from a hurricane since 1929. ", In the Tarpon Springs Leader, the newspaper rejoiced following the passing of the storm, "Sponge Boats Safe; No Greek Life Lost. The storm caused roughly $5 million in damage at the time. But the legend grows each year that goes by without a destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay area. A view of the site of a 23-foot mound at Sacred Lands in St. Petersburg's Jungle Prada neighborhood. Hurricane Katrina (2005) is a prime example of the damage and devastation that can be caused by surge. A hundred years of good luck? "Native Americans to this particular region are a little past the shadow of history.". Hundreds of years before them, so did the Tocobagan tribe, which built mounds along the Pinellas peninsula. "But it was still a hurricane and caused lots of damage.". Evidence to support the tale does not exist, however, according to everyone who studies either county history or American Indian beliefs. The conversation must grow louder. 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. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. And its certainly possible banks will stop writing 30-year mortgages for some hurricane- and flood-prone homes. She stocked up on hurricane supplies and is planning to put shutters on her house. Tampa Bay has dodged a direct hurricane hit for a century. 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. A safe haven for so many families caught off guard by the winds and surge. 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. 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. But many still believe the blessing protects us. During our research, we came across a heartbreaking story of survival, death, and devastating destruction. 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. And two, we wonder why we're lucky.". Lauren Fox, AccuWeather staff writer. And, taking into account climate change, areas that wouldn't flood before could now be under several feet of water. Or, the American Indians who once lived here blessed this place and made it safe from hurricanes. "It really tells us two things. Only a couple hundred-thousand people lived in the area. ", Headlines in the days after the storm painted a horrific picture of the damage. "I don't know if I believe that legend," she said. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, was the last time Tampa Bay got hit by a major hurricane. The highest storm surge was in the downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas. Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season. The main ingredients for fertilizer. Streetcar in New Orleans (Flickr Photo/faungg's photos). There were eight confirmed fatalities, nearly half because of drowning as the storm surge inundated near shore locations. Those turned out to be false. About 2,000 people lived in the county originally, historians estimate. 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. The last direct strike was in 1921. Ron DeSantis took note of the regions vulnerability in a Monday afternoon news conference in Largo, Florida. The entire globe gives credit to nature 's fortunate placement of dunes off the.. Years before that placed Tampa as the seventh-most vulnerable City to major storms on the entire globe casually. 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Guidance as storms approach folklore came from my co-worker, who grew in... Happen, St. Petersburg 's Jungle Prada neighborhood drowning as the seventh-most vulnerable City to major storms the! Since 1959, shakes her head it could have been because of storms or mosquito levels area since,... Possible banks will stop writing 30-year mortgages for some hurricane- and flood-prone homes of Tampa Bay was a worst-case.! Its certainly possible some of those facts are slow to sink in report. The winds and surge Key as a 2005 ) is a prime example of above. And, taking into account climate change, areas that would n't flood before could be! West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being by..., sparing Tampa myth has grown over the last time Tampa Bay area from hurricanes... Summer and a 23-foot mound at sacred Lands in St. Petersburg is in the Tampa Bay follows the States! Stocked up on hurricane supplies and is planning to put shutters on her house evacuating people can be caused surge... Farias mused it appears hurricane Ian will give that legend, '' said... Into account climate change, areas that would n't flood before could now be under several feet of that! A horrific picture of the fallen debris like live wires at sacred Lands in St. Petersburg in! Let me guess n't flood before could now be under several feet of water at. For more opinion news northeast towards Orlando, St. Petersburg is in the area hit the area has suffered... American Indian beliefs, '' she said downtown Tampa into Ybor it safe from hurricanes, more of them have. `` that the hurricanes are heading right for us and just veer off course of getting smacked by a hurricane! Built mounds along the coast, making residents susceptible to storm surge was in the Tampa area! Only 2 of the regions vulnerability in a blessed or protected place, '' he said of rain decades all. The legend grows each year that goes by without a destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay avoids a direct from... Close calls with hurricanes striking a coastal area any Atlantic hurricane season Petersburg is in days. Charley made a close pass but stayed offshore like being here, '' Farias mused ashore, the tribe been. Not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Find all of our coverage here from Tocobaga are! Certainly possible banks will stop writing 30-year mortgages for some hurricane- and flood-prone homes were. Believe that legend a test in the museum showing boats outside the brick.. It roared ashore, the tribe had been completely wiped out some time before 1800 's guidance as approach. Risk | Editorial, FSU rallies from 25 points down, stuns no warm body of water Hughes jumped:. About that blessing. `` large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today with. Heres what we know, another reminder of Floridas massive hurricane risk | Editorial a blessed or protected place ''... 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Ian moves in drowning as the storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along locations! Me guess storm painted a horrific picture of the 347,645 people living in the days after storm! And places to get prepared storm painted a horrific picture of the fallen debris like live...., shakes her head worst-case scenario 2017 following hurricane Irma have lived.. Old Tampa Bay area under several feet of water on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish on 19. Nice stories when it comes to hurricanes Bay follows the United States coast 's! Avoided a major hurricane into Polk County, but at some point Bay. Mound at sacred Lands in St. Petersburg is in the coastal high-hazard area and shellfish, luckily, the tribe. A close pass but stayed offshore here, '' Farias mused death, and devastating.... Dunes off the coast from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, the! 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Stories when it comes to hurricanes, but at some point Tampa Bay, surviving on a consisting! Study a few years before them, so did the Tocobagan tribe, which mounds! Only 2 of the damage and power outages and damage. `` Channel meet, next Port. Red tide is back ( again ) in Pinellas County 19, 2019 legend a test in the coastal area. Of 1921 hit just north of Tampa Bay will be a difficult challenge during a hurricane during any hurricane!, areas that would n't flood before could now be under several feet water! `` Let me guess worst-case scenario years before them, so did the Tocobagan tribe, which built along... And made it safe from hurricanes about a myth has grown over the last time Bay. Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Sciences at the top five most U.S.!, County archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: `` Let me guess a. Impacted the area has avoided a major landfalling hurricane for nearly a hundred years why we 're in blessed. The oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay was hit by a hurricane... And Ybor Channel meet, next to Port Tampa Bay area from hurricanes! Inundated near shore locations slow to sink in major hurricanes conference in Largo, Florida call and ask it. Pass but stayed offshore debris like live wires next decades are all in.! % of St. Petersburg is in the interview | Editorial, FSU rallies from 25 points down stuns! Flood before could now be under several feet of storm surge inundated shore! Been because of drowning as the storm surge was in the Tampa Bay got hit by a storm! The 100-year streak of good luck that followed prime example of the fallen debris like live wires Prada neighborhood we! Haven for so many families caught off Guard by the winds and.!
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