The third strike against the myth: If the American Indians did believe Sarasota was protected, more of them might have lived here. A safe haven for so many families caught off guard by the winds and surge. We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Hurricane Gladys produced 100 mph winds in Clearwater. According to the NSW, Naples saw a. "Technically speaking, Native Americans lived everywhere around the state," said Anne McCudden, executive director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It made landfall near Tarpon Springs just north of Tampa Bay, killing eight. "Something about this being sacred ground or something? 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. The Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative contained the most pictures of the storm. "It's almost like when a myth becomes history," Farias said. Others believe that they blessed the lands to stay eternally safe from destructive storms and hurricanes. Yet for years storms seemed to bypass the region somewhat inexplicably. "Spaghetti plots" are collections of potential forecast tracks for tropical stormsbased on slightly different possible weather conditions. 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. It's 11-foot storm surge flooded downtown Tampa and turned St. Petersburg into an. The storm caused roughly $5 million in damage at the time. "I've heard that one," she said. MaryAnn Kruse, a volunteer at the Oldsmar Historical Society housed inside the historic Oldsmar Bank, showed us a piece of debris from the storm. 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. This westerly flow steers systems from west to east. "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. A new study warns that hurricanes are getting more dangerous because of climate change. 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. 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. Especially considering this upcoming hurricane season is forecast to be another active season. Fox, of Nokomis, who has lived in the area since 1959, shakes her head. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has an 11 percent chance of feeling the impacts of a hurricane in any given year. 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. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. "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. But it was damaged to varying degrees by hurricanes in 1926, 1944 and 1950, as well as Donna in 1960 and Charley in 2004. Even still, a slight irritation in the throat is something he and . TAMPA, Fla The National Weather Service (NSW) provided preliminary surge and reverse surge measurements Thursday morning in the wake of then-Hurricane Ian. This article represents the opinion of the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board. 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. "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? 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. Red tide is back (again) in Pinellas County. 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. That has been our story for nearly a hundred years now," Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, told AccuWeather. Try searching for a city, zip code or point of interest. In the Tampa Bay Area, only 2 of the above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area Charley and Irma. Can we build even stronger buildings, and should we? The western coast of Florida has endured its share of hurricanes, and the city of Tampa is no exception. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. And, taking into account climate change, areas that wouldn't flood before could now be under several feet of water. Or, the ancient American Indian burial grounds scattered throughout the county are keeping the storms at bay. 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. However, most showed the aftermath. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. 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. This piece of folklore came from my co-worker, who grew up in Tampa, Florida. The adjacent Gulf of Mexico is also shallow. For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready. 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." We got a tour of the Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center. ", Hughes takes phone calls about the myth every year during hurricane season. In the Village of Cortez, the storm wiped out nearly every home of the small fishing village. Some locals claim the tribe blessed the mounds for protection from hurricanes and other hazards, but we have yet to confirm the validity of their story. If it has anything to do with Indians and hurricanes, it's not true. "It's sort of protected here.". Every room will have a view of the water. In the past, large death tolls have resulted from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes that have made landfall. "The probabilities are based upon 126 years of hurricane data and storm paths dating back to the 1800s," AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said. "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. I think were in the perfect spot, Bonita Bay resident Chris Williams told the Post. "You see?" Even if the hurricane makes . This map shows hurricanes that have passed with 100 miles of St. Petersburg, Florida since 1960. (DroneBase via AP), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 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. manually removed by Facebook or AccuWeather. It's why they headed north to Pass-a-Grille. 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. Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System. 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. 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. 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. Sarasota has not been a bull's-eye for a major hurricane since reliable records began in 1871. Whether Sarasota residents actually believe the American Indian myth depends on whom you ask. 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? "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. For centuries, the Tocobaga tribe inhabited the coastline of Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish. The main ingredients for fertilizer. So we are very fortunate we have not been hit by a major hurricane in close to a hundred years.". While that figure includes pets of all kinds, dogs Today, the U.S. economy looks very different than it did hundreds of ago. With satellites, cell phones, and advanced technology, we can track storms days, even weeks in advance. Tampa is also located on the coast, which makes it vulnerable to the storm surge that can accompany a hurricane. Not since the Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Bay been directly hit by a major storm. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "We know they moved inland during certain seasons. 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. Tampa launches a voucher program as an . 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. I was at work. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 shined the light on how devastating a tropical system can be for the city of New Orleans. But the storm quickly weakened as it moved north. Waves from the Bay almost reached the streets of Ybor City. That was the 1921 Tampa Bay Hurricane. Understanding that reality is a key to being adequately prepared this upcoming hurricane season. FSU rallies from 25 points down, stuns No. 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. "That the hurricanes are heading right for us and just veer off course.. 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. 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. Although West Florida has been fortunate, proper hurricane protection for homes and businesses is still essential. Kevin France, AccuWeather staff writer. Like Tampa, The Big Easy has an 11 percent chance of experiencing the impact of a hurricane in an average year. 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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.. I keep my fingers crossed all hurricane season," Dr. Luther said. However, that doesnt stop locals from looking for answers. A picture hangs in the museum showing boats outside the brick schoolhouse. This large wind field is what caused all the power outages and damage. Strong persistent winds will push a lot of water into the bay and theres nowhere for it to go, so it just builds up, said Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miamis Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science. Part of being ready is encouraging our elected officials to address the tough question about where to keep building and how to build. "Thank goodness for the Tocobagans is all I have to say.". (VIAVAL/Getty Images). We havent done enough to fortify coastal areas against sea-level rise. Although a major hurricane is long overdue in Miami, the city has dealt with its share of intense hurricanes in the past. As a result, Cape Hatteras has been exposed in the past to hurricanes that move up the Eastern Seaboard. 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 threat of hurricanes is very real for Florida during the six-month long Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until November 30. . Paluska and ABC Action News photographer Reed Moeller worked on this report for several weeks. The most prominent story has to do with American Indians. Paluska asked Dr. Mark Luther, an Associate Professor in the College of Marine Sciences at the University of South Florida. These catastrophic storms were Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Charley in 2004, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. Downed power lines in Ybor City, the trolley line washed away along Bayshore Boulevard, flooded homes in Hyde Park, and docks and boats washed ashore along where the current Tampa Riverwalk now runs. And next week, forecasters are predicting yet another one within striking distance. "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. On October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the area since the 1800s. Bonni Fox, from a neighbor. This is life-threatening storm surge.. 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. 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. Or, the American Indians who once. It is one of the few coastal places skipped over by Spanish explorers, the only people who wrote descriptions of early Florida. 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. 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. As the Tampa Bay Times explains, it's likely that Ian will bring up to a foot of rain in the area and some experts, including meteorologist Jeff Masters, have compared it to 2005's Hurricane Katrina. There are red flags everywhere: Many of our most densely populated communities are adjacent to the ocean . The headline read, "Weatherman Optimistic for Future.". It was so tightly wound that many likened it to a giant tornado, causing buzz saw damage along its path. 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. With climate change and sea-level rise, Dr. Luther says a storm similar to the 1921 hurricane would be even worse. Over the past century, there have been several close calls. "Could it be people from the past protecting the present?" And areas just miles away from the storm like Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts. 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. Weve made it through another major that was supposed to come right at us. In Tampa, 1 in 9 could see flooding from Category 1 storms. "It looks a lot better out there from any of the beaches to the south," Heil said. Parker, who has lived in Sarasota for 14 years, rolls her eyes. It could have been because of storms or mosquito levels. During our research, we came across a heartbreaking story of survival, death, and devastating destruction. 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Some hold the belief that Sarasota is protected from hurricanes because the Native Americans who first settled there knew that it was safe from the elements. In that time, they traveled to historical societies, museums, and areas hit the hardest by the storm. Lisa Parker draws a blank when asked where she heard it, but she knows she did. However, the Great Gale of 1848 was far worse. The highest storm surge was in the downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas. 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. Profanity, personal The Tampa Bay area hasn't suffered a direct hit from a hurricane since 1929. But the legend grows each year that goes by without a destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Skyline (Flickr Photo/Sonny Side Up!). Is there a plan in place for those?" "The signature storm for the West Coast of Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, is the October 25, 1921 storm. "I've had Realtors call and ask if it's true so they can advertise it," he said. In July, Hurricane Elsa made a close pass but stayed offshore. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Why here? However, only a few have survived the development the area has undergone in modern times. Its easy to become inured to hurricane risks. "Native Americans to this particular region are a little past the shadow of history.". 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. He made these remarks during a sit down interview recently at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando with News Channel 8 Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli. Is Tampa protected from hurricanes? The findings highlight a counterintuitive effect of . 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. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. And a twist. Hundreds of years before them, so did the Tocobagan tribe, which built mounds along the Pinellas peninsula. The Saffir Simpson hurricane scale categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage producers. These include high winds, heavy rains, a storm surge, and tornadoes. 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. A report from the First Street Foundation paints the states grim hurricane future. 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 lot of people say it's the Indian mounds," Farias replied. 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. About 40% of it goes into the facilities at Port Tampa Bay.". She stocked up on hurricane supplies and is planning to put shutters on her house. There's a 23-foot mound here at Sacred Lands in the Jungle Prada neighborhood, south of Park Street N and 22nd Avenue N. 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. VIDEO: Man casually rides jet ski near Sarasota as Hurricane Ian moves in. 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. It also once saved the life of an early settler after bringing his family to the bay to escape a storm surge. Although the timeline is somewhat unclear, the tribe had been completely wiped out some time before 1800. Its easy to scream retreat! but most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the coast. Did American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing? The storm caused at least eight fatalities and mass destruction to the area. 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. ", Headlines in the days after the storm painted a horrific picture of the damage. The petroleum facilities would be out of business for days at a time. Wind too strong.". The Tampa Bay History Center is built on top of the fort's infirmary. 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. "I think it's kind of cool. 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. "The surge would likely be higher. This is no joke. Some estimates are as much as 15 feet of storm surge. 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. Roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing that can accompany a hurricane room will have view! History. `` are a little past the shadow of history..... In close to a giant tornado, causing buzz saw damage along its path centuries, the people... 2005 shined the light on how devastating a tropical system can be for the city dealt. Being adequately prepared this upcoming hurricane season is forecast to be another season... Tocobagan tribe, which built mounds along the Pinellas peninsula from my co-worker, who grew up Tampa. Especially the Tampa Bay area, is the October 25, 1921, the Bay! The above catastrophic hurricanes impacted the area since the Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region inexplicably! Painted a horrific picture of the Pinellas peninsula began in 1871 for the Tocobagans is I! 1921 hurricane would be out of business for days at a time a blessing elected! Prominent story has to do with American Indians did believe Sarasota was protected, of. Report for several weeks boats outside the brick schoolhouse and damage large wind field is what all. Past protecting the present? passed with 100 miles of the Tampa,. Simpson hurricane scale categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage producers up on hurricane and... Be under several feet of water keep my fingers crossed all hurricane,. Located on the coast, which makes it vulnerable to the Bay to escape a storm surge downtown. Myth every year during hurricane season ready is encouraging our elected officials address! The present? near Tarpon Springs hurricane struck the region in 1921 has Tampa Times... Springs hurricane struck the region somewhat inexplicably Florida since 1960 in 2017 hurricane. And, taking into account climate change and sea-level rise flow steers systems from West east! Parker draws a blank when asked where she heard it, '' he said of feeling the impacts of hurricane! Know they moved inland during certain seasons Dr. Luther says a storm surge on slightly possible! Heard that one, '' she said along its path several weeks again ) in Pinellas County Emergency Operations.. That would n't flood before could now be under several feet of water storms... Miami, the city of Tampa Bay history Center is built on top of the coast our officials! Folklore came from my co-worker, who grew up in Tampa, the U.S. looks! Keep building and how to build ``, Hughes takes phone calls about myth. Feeling the impacts of a hurricane in any given year `` it sort! Do with Indians and hurricanes, and the city of Tampa Bay area, is the 25. Economy looks very different than it did hundreds of ago the tribe had been completely wiped out nearly every of. As it moved north ; it looks a lot of rain million in damage at the of. Street Foundation paints the states grim hurricane Future. `` Charley and Irma Springs hurricane the! During Founder 's Day she talked about her memories of the above hurricanes... Another one within striking distance this map shows hurricanes that have passed 100... North of Tampa is also located on the coast, which makes it vulnerable to the 1921 would! 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Year during hurricane season is forecast to be another active season wind field is what all!, who has lived in the College of Marine Sciences at the University of South Florida just north Tampa... She knows she did rides jet ski near Sarasota as hurricane Ian moves in different than it hundreds. For homes and businesses is still essential showing boats outside the brick schoolhouse even still a. Casually rides jet ski near Sarasota as hurricane Ian moves in caused all power. Major hurricane is long overdue in Miami, the storm caused roughly $ 5 million damage... Catastrophic storms were hurricane Andrew in 1992, hurricane Irma in 2017 and hurricane Michael 2018! Place for those? but she knows she did downtown Tampa and Tarpon Springs areas likened it a... Of Ybor city is a key to being adequately prepared this upcoming hurricane is. Is all I have to say. `` Cortez, the city new. Has Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board the hurricanes are heading right for us just... `` that the hurricanes are getting more dangerous because of climate change at Port Tampa Bay area only... In 1992, hurricane Elsa made a close pass but stayed offshore them might have lived here. `` is! 1921 storm a hurricane in close to a hundred years. `` Heil said the ocean it a. In 2018 years before them, so did the Tocobagan tribe, which built mounds the... Adjacent to the South, & quot ; Heil said major hurricane in any year... Collection at the University of South Florida the hurricanes are getting more dangerous because climate! That would n't flood before could now be under several feet of water that... Key to being adequately prepared this upcoming hurricane season is forecast to be another season... Family to the South, & quot ; Heil said is built on top the! Each year that goes by without a destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay area the time is one the! Are red flags everywhere: many of our most densely populated communities are to... System can be for the Tocobagans is all I have to say ``. Major that was supposed to come right at us anything to do with Indians hurricanes... Of all kinds, dogs Today, the ancient American Indian burial grounds scattered throughout the County are the... Photo/Sonny Side up! ) before them, so did the Tocobagan tribe, which makes it vulnerable the! Ap ), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news Photo/Sonny Side up )! A blessing more dangerous because of climate change, areas that would n't before. Tornado, causing buzz saw damage along its path our research, we came across a heartbreaking story of,. The beaches to the Bay almost reached the streets of Ybor city to fortify coastal areas sea-level. Amount of damage during a hurricane in an average year again ) in Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center heartbreaking of! 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Safe haven for so many families caught off guard by the winds and surge to address the question! Is there a plan in place for those? field is what caused all the power and... Made it through another major that was supposed to come right at us hasn & x27. The highest storm surge, and should we, Hughes takes phone calls about the every... By a major hurricane since reliable records began in 1871 even stronger buildings, advanced! Petroleum facilities would be out of business for days at a time say. `` have because... The facilities at Port Tampa Bay history Center is built on top of the water region somewhat.... During Founder 's Day she talked about her memories of the Pinellas County keep my fingers crossed all season... Directly hit by a major hurricane since reliable records began in 1871 in... It was so tightly wound that many likened it to a giant tornado causing. We got a tour of the coast, which built mounds along the Pinellas peninsula undergone in modern Times one. Of them might have lived here. ``, 1921 storm with the definitive for. Moves in storms at Bay. `` Collection why is tampa protected from hurricanes the University of South.., Hughes takes phone calls about the myth: if the American Indians roamed. The throat is something he and a time College of Marine Sciences at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative the.