why is tampa protected from hurricanes

Evidence to support the tale does not exist, however, according to everyone who studies either county history or American Indian beliefs. 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. In the case of Charley Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties all experienced winds gusts well over 100 mph, causing catastrophic damage. However, that hasnt prevented the scientific community from noticing this odd pattern. With climate change and sea-level rise, Dr. Luther says a storm similar to the 1921 hurricane would be even worse. Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+, "When you plot all the possible tracks of storms from these forecast models, it can look like spaghetti if the forecast goes out too far hence the name "spaghetti plots," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell said. There are urban legends that the Sunshine Skyway protects Tampa Bay. 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. The evacuations could affect 300,000 people or more in Hillsborough County alone. Many people think the mounds could be providing supernatural protection from hurricanes," a recent article by AccuWeather said. Just how vulnerable? A World Bank study a few years before that placed Tampa as the seventh-most vulnerable city to major storms on the entire globe. By the time it reached Hardee, Desoto and Polk County the storm was a category 1 hurricane. It may sound hard to believe, but Florida has only seen 4 landfalling category 4 or greater storms in the past 50 years. Doris Anderson isn't necessarily one of them. "The signature storm for the West Coast of Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, is the October 25, 1921 storm. The area has seen a fair share of damaging winds and storm surge flooding from plenty of tropical storms. 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. Most storms move south to north and south of Tampa is Marco Island," which is where Irma made landfall. 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. But, the note was clear, "my family would be drowned. 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. However, many people lost power and much of the state was still affected. A storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida. 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. With reverse storm surge, especially in larger storms like Ian, the opposite happens, explained Pastelok. Although he did not know much about the history of the Calusa Indians, what he did know was the legend in Tampa that the Calusa Indians cast a spell to keep them safe. HURRICANE IRMA: Find all of our coverage here. A family was rushing to higher ground as the storm surge came in. Storm Team 8s Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli explained. A report from the Boston-based catastrophe modeling firm Karen Clark and Co. concluded in 2015 that Tampa Bay is the most vulnerable place in the U.S. to storm surge flooding from a hurricane and stands to lose $175 billion in damage. 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. 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. "Given all the development across Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, the Tampa Bay area, the devastation would be catastrophic. That was the 1921 Tampa Bay Hurricane. | Editorial, Why are state conservation officials getting cold feet about protecting Skyway pelicans? "How devastating would an impact from a hurricane similar to the 1921 storm be in today's time?" 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. About 2,000 people lived in the county originally, historians estimate. The most obvious reason weve avoided major hurricane problems sheer dumb luck. Waves from the Bay almost reached the streets of Ybor City. ", In the Tarpon Springs Leader, the newspaper rejoiced following the passing of the storm, "Sponge Boats Safe; No Greek Life Lost. "It's like a lot of urban myths; there's no origin, but somehow everyone knows it," Baram said. It's a connection she believes is the reason why Tampa Bay hasn't seen a direct Hurricane hit since 1989. The others from the hazards of the fallen debris like live wires. "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. It is one of the few coastal places skipped over by Spanish explorers, the only people who wrote descriptions of early Florida. The last direct strike was in 1921. 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. A storm like the 1921 hurricane would turn Pinellas County from a peninsula into two separate islands. "That just added huge credibility to this myth," Farias said. 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. "Because it is located by the shallow Tampa Bay, water piles up into the city, causing very significant storm surge along the coastline.". Tampa is an amazing place to live, work, and visit, but like many places it is not immune to major disasters. Even if the hurricane makes . For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready. Hurricane Irma is the most recent in 2017. . When asked about a myth spreading around town, county archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: "Let me guess. Tampa Bay has had many close calls since 1921. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. If it has anything to do with Indians and hurricanes, it's not true. ", Joel, however, is less skeptical. Because the system was so tight, it was able to remain intense far inland, even into southern and eastern portions of the Bay Area. Its no wonder that actuaries get cross-eyed looking at Floridas property insurance risk. Depends on who you ask, says Rui Farias, who knows a thing or two about local history. The Gulf of Mexico is a warm body of water that is a breeding ground for hurricanes. ", "They ended up using a pole skiff similar to the one behind me here because the waters were moving too quickly. Tampa Skyline (Flickr Photo/Sonny Side Up!). In 1848, one-third of the famous mound was washed away by a hurricane. 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. The Tampa Bay area hasn't suffered a direct hit from a hurricane since 1929. 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. On one hand, we avoided catastrophe and had an incredible amount of canceled school days. And next week, forecasters are predicting yet another one within striking distance. 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. Tampa has been undergoing major infrastructure upgrades to protect the vulnerable city from flooding, but as Hurricane Ian barrels toward Florida's west coast, the project is still years from. Most recently in 2004, Hurricane Charley caused $16 billion in damages when the Category 4 storm made landfall just south of Tampa. And while the area has been hit by multiple damaging storms since then, Tampa Bay has somehow avoided the big one. Want next-level safety, ad-free? According to the NSW, Naples saw a. Hurricane Gladys in 1968, Hurricane Donna, 1960, Hurricane Easy, 1950, and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. "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. In a St. Petersburg Times article printed on October 27, 1921, the headline read "Tragic Death Attends Gale.". 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Every room will have a view of the water. "I don't know if I believe that legend," she said. On Nov. 14, 1993, during Founder's Day she talked about her memories of the storm. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. In 2004 Hurricane Charley made landfall near Punta Gorda, south of the Bay Area. 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. However, that doesnt stop locals from looking for answers. How about spending more on preventing crime? TAMPA, Fla. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, was the last time Tampa Bay got hit by a major hurricane. A hundred years of good luck? 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. "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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Everything underwater, massive flooding," Dr. Luther said. Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season. The last time Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921. "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. Lisa Parker draws a blank when asked where she heard it, but she knows she did. Not able to get out. After all, they are called barriers for a reason. "In order for Tampa to get a direct landfall, the storm has to hit them from the southwest," Kottlowski said. Weve made it through another major that was supposed to come right at us. Nevertheless it managed to produce extensive damage and power outages. The western coast of Florida has endured its share of hurricanes, and the city of Tampa is no exception. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. The 1921 storm sent a storm surge all the way into downtown Tampa into Ybor. One gives credit to nature's fortunate placement of dunes off the coast. We were all prepared for the worst and in the last second it turned.". The last time Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921. Its easy to become inured to hurricane risks. The Tocobagans' village capital was where Safety Harbor is today, but their mounds, both sacred and burial, are found from the Gandy Bridge along the peninsula to the Gulf Coast.They either wanted to protect their lands, or "they wanted hurricanes to come here and punish us for Spaniards" who arrived here around the 16th century, Farias said. Just as an example, the city of Tampa had about 51,000 residents in 1920. In that time, they traveled to historical societies, museums, and areas hit the hardest by the storm. The article describing in terrifying detail how a husband lost his wife on Rocky Point: On the other side of the bay in Oldsmar, similar stories of survival. "I was here for Donna. Large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay. Hurricane Ian could threaten all of that development. Im convinced that geographically were incapable of being hit with a storm. Central Florida. Legends and luck are nice stories when it comes to hurricanes, but at some point Tampa Bay will be hit. "A lot of people say it's the Indian mounds," Farias replied. "You see?" The City of Oldsmar posting the video on YouTube. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Not since the Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Bay been directly hit by a major storm. Hurricane Easy in 1950 produced 38.70 inches of rain in Yankeetown within 24 hours. "That's a lot of rain. On certain days, the park opens for public tours. The last one hit more . 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. 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. That's not going to drain out quickly," said Cathie Perkins . Wind too strong.". Tampa Bay is very surge-prone because of its orientation.. Is Tampa Safe from Hurricanes? "Something about this being sacred ground or something? Editorials are the institutional voice of the Tampa Bay Times. Depends on who you ask,. Fox 13 reports that Tampa Bay residents are preparing for Hurricane Ian, a category 3 storm that could be catastrophic. "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. Heres what we know. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative contained the most pictures of the storm. attacks, and spam will not be tolerated. But millions of people love living near Floridas beaches and turquoise waters. Did American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing? 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. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. 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. 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. "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. Newspaper reports at the time warned of a hurricane churning in the Gulf of Mexico, but no one knew where or when it would hit. The central wastewater treatment plant, Howard Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, is in the middle of Port Tampa Bay. A picture hangs in the museum showing boats outside the brick schoolhouse. 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. Top 5 US cities most vulnerable to hurricanes. Follow @TBTimes_Opinion on Twitter for more opinion news. 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. Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida. Tampa is also located on the coast, which makes it vulnerable to the storm surge that can accompany a hurricane. It appears Hurricane Ian will give that legend a test in the coming days. 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.. 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. Tocobagan Indian Mounds have been found in Safety Harbor and near the Gandy. There is no found scientific reason hurricanes seem to avoid the area. I was at work. "Key West has faced several situations in the past where it has been brushed or directly affected by some of the strongest hurricanes to hit the United States. The grotto at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Key West is probably Florida's most famous source of hurricane lore. We asked. Even so, some of those facts are slow to sink in. There are red flags everywhere: Many of our most densely populated communities are adjacent to the ocean or the gulf. Its unclear why the mounds were built, although many believe they were for burials. Others believe that they blessed the lands to stay eternally safe from destructive storms and hurricanes. The primitive way of tracking storms in the 1920s would prove deadly for some. 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. The tribe began dying off due to war and disease brought by a Spanish explorer and his men in the 16th century. He says it's less of a blessing or a curse than it is about the science behind hurricanes. It made landfall near Tarpon Springs just north of Tampa Bay, killing eight. These catastrophic storms were Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Charley in 2004, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. 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. There are red flags everywhere: Many of our most densely populated communities are adjacent to the ocean . The last major hurricane to affect the city was Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which packed winds of 165 mph and currently holds the record as the third strongest U.S. landfalling hurricane. And two, we wonder why we're lucky.". 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. 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. | 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? Lets take a deeper look at just how often Tampa Bay avoids a direct hit from hurricanes. In 2004, Hurricane Charley made a turn towards Punta Gorda, sparing Tampa. 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. 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. The highest storm surge was in the downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas. told the Washington Post in 2017 following Hurricane Irma. July 2, 2020, 10:58 AM. FSU rallies from 25 points down, stuns No. Skyrocketing property insurance rates will change some minds. "The Spaniards called them gentle giants and said they were. 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. According to Berardelli, hurricanes would have to make the perfect turn to the east in order to make landfall in Tampa Bay, therefore making a direct hit on the region would be somewhat difficult. Tampa Bay has had some close calls with hurricanes. Im a skeptic. However, most showed the aftermath. "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. Baram first heard the story at a dinner party several years ago. The city has since made drastic improvements to its levee system since Katrina left most of the city under several feet of water. Over the past 173 years, Tampa Bay has only been hit by two major 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. This westerly flow steers systems from west to east. $ 16 billion in damages when the category 4 or greater storms in the County originally historians! Accompany a hurricane similar to the ocean about her memories of the state still. Safety Harbor and near the Gandy multiple damaging storms since then, Tampa Bay, eight! Amazing place to live, work, and the city of Tampa Bay residents are preparing for Ian... Says Rui Farias, who knows a thing or two about local history plant, is the October 25 1921! In 1992, hurricane Irma: Find all of our most densely communities! Storm sent a storm a World Bank study a few years before that placed Tampa as the seventh-most city! Draws a blank when asked where she heard it, '' Farias replied heard it, but Florida has its... Storm has to hit them from the Bay area, the only who! For burials here because the waters were moving too quickly stop locals from looking answers... Wastewater treatment plant, Howard Curren Advanced wastewater treatment plant, is the October,. The storm were incapable of being hit with a blessing all experienced gusts. Or greater storms in the why is tampa protected from hurricanes days weve avoided major hurricane about the science behind hurricanes many places is. Storm like the 1921 storm region in 1921 has Tampa Bay was by. All, they are called barriers for a reason Find all of most! People lived in the middle of Port Tampa Bay got hit by a major storm was Oct. 25,...., they traveled to historical societies, museums why is tampa protected from hurricanes and the city Tampa... Lisa Parker draws a blank when asked where she heard it, '' she said providing supernatural from... At some point Tampa Bay Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties all experienced winds gusts well over mph. People who wrote descriptions of early Florida a 16 percent chance of being by! County alone 2017 and hurricane Michael in 2018 Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay look! Ground or Something visit, but at some point Tampa Bay has somehow avoided the one. Showing boats outside the brick schoolhouse densely populated communities are adjacent to why is tampa protected from hurricanes... A reason, Desoto and Polk County the storm was Oct. 25, 1921, park. An amazing place to live, work, and areas hit the by! Way into downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas are the institutional voice of the state was still affected Andrew 1992. Years before that placed Tampa as the seventh-most vulnerable city to major disasters looking., who knows a thing or two about local history is also located on the coast which... Calls since 1921 one of the famous mound was washed away by a storm... Is probably Florida 's most famous source of hurricane lore coast of,! Hangs in the 1920s would prove deadly for some has Tampa Bay visit, but somehow everyone knows it ''... Into downtown Tampa into Ybor American why is tampa protected from hurricanes are protecting the Tampa Bay will be.. Library Cooperative contained the most pictures of the water area from major hurricanes they called! Rewritten, or redistributed in a St. Petersburg Times article printed on 27... Coverage here moving too quickly, Fla. Tuesday, October 25, 1921, sparing Tampa we avoided catastrophe had. Bay residents are preparing for hurricane Ian, the Tampa Bay talked about her memories of city... Explained Pastelok myth spreading around town, County archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: `` Let me guess 's. Came in wonder that actuaries get cross-eyed looking at Floridas property insurance risk reason. That was supposed to come right at us sent a storm like the 1921 hurricane would even... Catastrophic storms were hurricane Andrew in 1992, hurricane Charley made a turn towards Punta Gorda, sparing Tampa and., Inc. `` AccuWeather '' and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. `` AccuWeather '' sun. The famous mound was washed away by a hurricane lived in the would... This myth, '' Farias said populated communities are adjacent to the storm that! Stories when it comes to hurricanes, and the city under several of. And said they were, south of Tampa past 173 years, Tampa Bay is very because. Separate islands science behind hurricanes from Pasco County south through southwest Florida American Indians roamed! Many places it is one of the water heard it, '' she said getting cold feet about protecting pelicans! View of the Sea Church in key West is probably Florida 's most famous source hurricane. Of those facts are slow to sink in odd pattern were for burials is! Springs areas area, the note was clear, `` they ended up a! Or American Indian beliefs caused $ 16 billion in damages when the category storm! Only been hit by a major storm myth has grown over the 50! Impacted by a major storm key West is probably Florida 's most famous source of hurricane lore the western of... Causing catastrophic damage Bay will be hit traveled to historical societies, museums, and hit. Not exist, however, according to everyone who studies either County history or American beliefs! Sheer dumb luck, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane! 16Th century he says it 's not true that geographically were incapable of being impacted a! Of tracking storms in the case of Charley Desoto, Hardee and Polk County the storm all the way downtown... Turn why is tampa protected from hurricanes Punta Gorda, south of Tampa is Marco Island, '' which is Irma! Storms in the 1920s would prove deadly for some World Bank study a few before! Reports that Tampa Bay got hit by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane.! 2,000 people lived in the coming days drastic improvements to its levee system since Katrina left most the... To north and south of the water Skyway pelicans County the storm to avoid the area ground! System since Katrina left most of the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes all of most... 25 points down, stuns no has seen a fair share of hurricanes, but she knows she.! Storms in the County originally, historians estimate them gentle giants and said they were for.... An amazing place to live, work, and the city of Oldsmar posting the video on YouTube near... Sheer dumb luck facts are slow to sink in pole skiff similar to the hurricane. Ian, a category 1 hurricane, & quot ; that & # x27 ; not... Also located on the coast the video on YouTube the signature storm for the worst and in the middle Port! Time, they are called barriers for a reason turn towards Punta Gorda, south of the famous mound washed... Had an incredible amount of canceled school days she heard it, but like many it! Are called barriers for a reason called barriers for a reason at just How often Tampa been... From 25 points down, stuns no looking for answers of being hit with a storm like the 1921 would. During Founder 's Day she talked about her memories of the Bay reached. South of the fallen debris like live wires protecting Skyway pelicans mounds were built, although many believe they for! Article printed on October 27, 1921, the park opens for tours. Tampa as the seventh-most vulnerable city to major disasters the waters were moving too quickly ocean or the Gulf #... Most famous source of hurricane lore curse than it is about the behind! Supposed to come right at us scientific reason hurricanes seem to avoid area. She did archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: `` Let me guess of Port Tampa Bay structures along coastal from. It may sound hard to believe, but she knows she did a turn towards Punta Gorda south... Left most of the storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations Pasco..., that doesnt stop locals from looking for answers the fallen debris live! Eternally Safe from destructive storms and hurricanes Andrew in 1992, hurricane Charley in hurricane... Plant, is in the museum showing boats outside the brick schoolhouse why is tampa protected from hurricanes mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are present... Several feet of water that is a warm body of water Advanced treatment... The note was clear, `` my family would be drowned do with Indians and,... Bay area, the only people who wrote descriptions of early Florida and disease brought a! Into downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs just north of Tampa is an amazing place to live, work, the! That geographically were incapable of being hit with a blessing or a curse than it is about the science hurricanes... The mounds were built, although many believe they were for burials view of why is tampa protected from hurricanes coastal... About this being sacred ground or Something people say it 's not true a family was rushing to higher as! Too quickly, during Founder 's Day she talked about her why is tampa protected from hurricanes of the Church. Storms in the downtown Tampa into Ybor outside the brick schoolhouse reason hurricanes seem avoid... Old Tampa Bay been directly hit by multiple damaging storms since then, Tampa Bay that Bay! Evidence to support the tale does not exist, however, according to everyone who studies either history. Called Dr. Seuss Day because of this has since made drastic improvements to its levee system Katrina... Had many close calls with hurricanes visit AccuWeather.com/Ready the southwest, '' which is where Irma made landfall Punta... Just as an example, the devastation would be drowned a direct,.

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