Why here? Since it seems to be working, many people still believe in the legend. Since then, the Tampa Bay has remained untouched. About 2,000 people lived in the county originally, historians estimate. 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. Meaning anyone north of Miami did not bear the brunt of the storm. A number of other explanations for the relative safety have surfaced, most of them questionable. In July, Hurricane Elsa made a close pass but stayed offshore. Many of the 347,645 people living in the area have homes along the coast, making residents susceptible to storm surge. Storm survivor Ethel Swanson was 7-years-old when the storm hit. And next week, forecasters are predicting yet another one within striking distance. The area hit the hardest is where the Sparkman Channel and Ybor Channel meet, next to Port Tampa Bay. "Something about this being sacred ground or something? Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. ", "They ended up using a pole skiff similar to the one behind me here because the waters were moving too quickly. "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. Is there a plan in place for those?" High winds can cause a tremendous amount of damage during a hurricane. 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. ", On October 27, 1921, a report in the Tampa Daily Times predicted the 100-year streak of good luck that followed. "The wind speeds move counterclockwise around these storms if it moved and it landfall north of Tampa Bay the Southwest winds would funnel all that water into Tampa Bay it would turn Pinellas County into about two islands, and the water would get trapped there for days," LaMarre said. At least eight people died and damage was estimated at $5 million at the time. 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. Most recently in 2004, Hurricane Charley caused $16 billion in damages when the Category 4 storm made landfall just south of Tampa. The two which affected the Bay Area were Charley and Irma. 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. Paluska asked Dr. Mark Luther, an Associate Professor in the College of Marine Sciences at the University of South Florida. 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. One, we are very worried about hurricanes. Central Florida. These include high winds, heavy rains, a storm surge, and tornadoes. Tampa, situated on a peninsula lying along Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is exposed to hurricanes entering the Gulf and systems forming in the Atlantic. They also make sure the petroleum tanks themselves are at least halfway full. Even so, some of those facts are slow to sink in. 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. How about spending more on preventing crime? Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. TAMPA, Fla The National Weather Service (NSW) provided preliminary surge and reverse surge measurements Thursday morning in the wake of then-Hurricane Ian. The most recent near-miss occurred in August 2021 when Tropical Storm Fred came within 195 miles of Tampa. "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. Tampa Bay has had some close calls with hurricanes. Gov. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. Storm surge maps are constantly updated. Some estimates are as much as 15 feet of storm surge. 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. "As time goes on, it comes true.". Or is there a supernatural force protecting us? 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. Paluska and ABC Action News photographer Reed Moeller worked on this report for several weeks. "But it was still a hurricane and caused lots of damage.". If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. I just keep counting my blessings. Ive lived here 34 years, and Ive yet to see a hurricane hit us. Although there were tragically two deaths in the Sarasota area, and reports of damage and power outages elsewhere, the region was, for the most part, spared. Neighbors rescued them. Then, early Monday morning, Irma's sudden downgrade to a Category 2 reaffirmed her belief. 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 faded ink had several names at the top that were illegible. The evacuations could affect 300,000 people or more in Hillsborough County alone. As time goes on, it comes true.. "The land around New Orleans is sinking, which puts the city in more danger if another major hurricane strike.". The Saffir Simpson hurricane scale categorizes these storms as catastrophic damage producers. So we are very fortunate we have not been hit by a major hurricane in close to a hundred years.". ", In the Tarpon Springs Leader, the newspaper rejoiced following the passing of the storm, "Sponge Boats Safe; No Greek Life Lost. 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. But the storm quickly weakened as it moved north. What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. While that figure includes pets of all kinds, dogs Today, the U.S. economy looks very different than it did hundreds of ago. 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. Over the past 173 years, Tampa Bay has only been hit by two major hurricanes. 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. 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. 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. A safe haven for so many families caught off guard by the winds and surge. In any given year, there are some U.S. cities that are at higher risk than others to experience the impacts of a hurricane. McNoldy, the University of Miami researcher, noted that Hurricane Andrews storm surge today would be 7 inches (17 centimeters) higher than it was when that storm pounded South Florida 30 years ago. 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. 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.. "It looks a lot better out there from any of the beaches to the south," Heil said. According to NOAA, a hurricane makes landfall within 50 miles of New Orleans about once every seven to 11 years. In 2004, Hurricane Charley made a turn towards Punta Gorda, sparing Tampa. Thats all the more reason for people and places to get prepared. The headline read, "Weatherman Optimistic for Future.". In fact, historians have no idea which tribes even lived in Sarasota County. attacks, and spam will not be tolerated. Although West Florida has been fortunate, proper hurricane protection for homes and businesses is still essential. Eight people were killed when the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph. The company Elev8 Fun will open its next location at Citrus Park Mall. Wind too strong.". Did American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing? Ben Gamel has a familiar feeling in joining Rays, Rays get quick feel for new rules in exhibition opener, Bastille concert Monday in St. Petersburg canceled due to Hurricane Irma. Why them? And, taking into account climate change, areas that wouldn't flood before could now be under several feet of water. "The Port of Tampa would have lots of water in it. Follow @TBTimes_Opinion on Twitter for more opinion news. The findings highlight a counterintuitive effect of . It also once saved the life of an early settler after bringing his family to the bay to escape a storm surge. We havent done enough to fortify coastal areas against sea-level rise. 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. And affordable property insurance could be added to the endangered species list. Hurricane Easy in 1950 produced 38.70 inches of rain in Yankeetown within 24 hours. Key West with maximum elevation of 18 feet above sea level makes it susceptible to heavy flooding and storm surge during a hurricane event. 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. With reverse storm surge, especially in larger storms like Ian, the opposite happens, explained Pastelok. 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. told the Washington Post in 2017 following Hurricane Irma. 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. 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. 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. If there is an extra high tide, 18-20 feet higher than normal tidal level. I keep my fingers crossed all hurricane season," Dr. Luther said. The Tocobaga people are the land ancestors of Tampa Bay. Whether Sarasota residents actually believe the American Indian myth depends on whom you ask. Its easy to scream retreat! but most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the coast. Many of the other cities in the region have experienced similar explosive growth. 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. Eight people were killed when the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph winds. "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? Want next-level safety, ad-free? 13 Miami, Why would Florida Republicans want to name a road after Rush Limbaugh? Kottlowski cautions that the Tampa Bay area is "long overdue for a landfall," but he attributes the region's location and the history of tracks that storms take as the reason the area has escaped the worst throughout the years. she said. On the western edge of St. Petersburg, Doris and Erik Anderson live on Sacred Lands. However, many people lost power and much of the state was still affected. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, waves from the bay almost breaking in the streets of Ybor City. Was Florida red tide made worse by Hurricane Ian? Flooding and wind damage from hurricanes is getting more common in the United States, and that trend will accelerate and threaten millions of people as the Earth gets hotter according to new research. That has been our story for nearly a hundred years now," Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, told AccuWeather. The storm caused roughly $5 million in damage at the time. The NWS describes the hurricane as "the forgotten nightmare." There are urban legends that the Sunshine Skyway protects Tampa Bay. I was at work. No one spared the storm's wrath from Tampa to Tarpon Springs to Oldsmar to the Village of Cortez. 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. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 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. 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. Part of that legend is the many mounds built by the Tocobagan tribe in what is now Pinellas County that some believe are meant as guardians against invaders, including hurricanes. The others from the hazards of the fallen debris like live wires. In the Village of Cortez, the storm wiped out nearly every home of the small fishing village. So while we love the memes of a carefree Tampa: Make sure to prepare for every hurricane. It could have been because of storms or mosquito levels. Like Tampa, The Big Easy has an 11 percent chance of experiencing the impact of a hurricane in an average year. Finally making it by boat to the Cortez Public School, now the Florida Maritime Museum. The last time Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921. Have the app? 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. Just how vulnerable? 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. This article represents the opinion of the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board. Everything underwater, massive flooding," Dr. Luther said. 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 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. However, legend has passed down from Tampa resident to Tampa resident whatever the mounds were for, they somehow offer protection from hurricanes. This part of the state is hit by hurricane season as . Thats not going to drain out quickly, said Cathie Perkins, emergency management director in Pinellas County, where St. Petersburg and Clearwater are located. It's certainly possible some of the pipelines could be damaged.". "Given all the development across Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, the Tampa Bay area, the devastation would be catastrophic. 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 western coast of Florida has endured its share of hurricanes, and the city of Tampa is no exception. But the legend grows each year that goes by without a destructive storm battering the Tampa Bay area. "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. On October 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay Area suffered the most destructive hurricane to hit the area since the 1800s. Have lots of damage. `` rains, a report in the area since the 1800s for relative! Residents susceptible to storm surge, especially in larger storms like Ian, the storm hit than tidal..., massive flooding, '' Dr. Luther said many families caught off guard the... Live on sacred Lands these storms as catastrophic damage producers but most Florida residents within. Last time Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board the faded ink had several names at the time, estimate. Ancestors of Tampa Bay has only been hit by hurricane Ian although Florida. 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