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. The area hit the hardest is where the Sparkman Channel and Ybor Channel meet, next to Port Tampa Bay. Or, the American Indians who once. However, legend has passed down from Tampa resident to Tampa resident whatever the mounds were for, they somehow offer protection from hurricanes. "On the Port Resiliency Index, developed by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, the Port scored 95%.". The headline read, "Weatherman Optimistic for Future.". Tampa Bay is shallow and many low-lying neighborhoods get flooded during a strong rainstorm. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Most of the dead drowned in the storm surge. Neighbors rescued them. 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. The Tocobaga people are the land ancestors of Tampa Bay. However, that hasnt prevented the scientific community from noticing this odd pattern. "Tampa City of Ruins," "Bayshore Swept Clean," "Estimate Losses More than a Million Dollars," "Refugees Flee from Flood at Oldsmar," "Two Dead at St. Petersburg: Twelve are Trapped on Island," "One Drowns and another Electrocuted. 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. attacks, and spam will not be tolerated. And areas just miles away from the storm like Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa did not even experience hurricane force gusts. Or, the ancient American Indian burial grounds scattered throughout the county are keeping the storms at bay. "The Spaniards called them gentle giants and said they were. Tampa Bay has had some close calls with hurricanes. If there is an extra high tide, 18-20 feet higher than normal tidal level. ", Ybor City Tampa Bay, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2019. This causes the hurricane to become downgraded as it moves inland. Depends on who you ask, says Rui Farias, who knows a thing or two about local history. . It just never seems to happen, St. Petersburg resident Leonard McCue told the Washington Post in 2017 following Hurricane Irma. Some people believe American Indians here blessed the land to protect from hurricanes. The petroleum facilities would be out of business for days at a time. 13 Miami, Why would Florida Republicans want to name a road after Rush Limbaugh? Still, the Hurricanes have used players like Gostisbehere effectively in years past. The mounds were used as temples, homes and burial grounds. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. No one spared the storm's wrath from Tampa to Tarpon Springs to Oldsmar to the Village of Cortez. The last direct strike was in 1921. 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. Those numbers also go a long way to explaining why it would be naive to expect property insurance rates in Floridas coastal counties to tumble anytime soon. They lived in the area from around 900 to 1500s. VIDEO: Man casually rides jet ski near Sarasota as Hurricane Ian moves in. 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. Technically, Irma did make a direct hit on part of Tampa in 2017, though it was a bit of a glancing blow from a weakened hurricane. It is one of the few coastal places skipped over by Spanish explorers, the only people who wrote descriptions of early Florida. And two, we wonder why we're lucky.". A report from the First Street Foundation paints the states grim hurricane future. Over the past 173 years, Tampa Bay has only been hit by two major hurricanes. 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. "Technically speaking, Native Americans lived everywhere around the state," said Anne McCudden, executive director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The main ingredients for fertilizer. 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. 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. Paluska and ABC Action News photographer Reed Moeller worked on this report for several weeks. We keep building in the most storm-prone areas. The oldest remaining one is located near Old Tampa Bay. "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. "I wasn't a believer before, but I am now," Farias said Tuesday as the sun shone over Tampa Bay. While that figure includes pets of all kinds, dogs Today, the U.S. economy looks very different than it did hundreds of ago. Pulling back from the most vulnerable areas must be part of the overall strategy, but its unrealistic to think coastal communities will just close up shop. Skyrocketing property insurance rates will change some minds. SARASOTA COUNTY -- Marcus Joel heard it from a co-worker. We havent done enough to fortify coastal areas against sea-level rise. Was Florida red tide made worse by Hurricane Ian? Storm surge maps are constantly updated. "The village of Cortez looked different before 1921, and it was never built quite the same again," Chasey said. A storm like the 1921 hurricane would turn Pinellas County from a peninsula into two separate islands. There are urban legends that the Sunshine Skyway protects Tampa Bay. This is no joke. Did American Indians who roamed the land centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing? It was a formidable storm, but nowhere near as strong as it could have been. Like Tampa, The Big Easy has an 11 percent chance of experiencing the impact of a hurricane in an average year. Reports said that once the storm passed, soldiers celebrated in the streets drinking whiskey, grateful that no lives were lost. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. "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. Want next-level safety, ad-free? The evacuations could affect 300,000 people or more in Hillsborough County alone. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Just as an example, the city of Tampa had about 51,000 residents in 1920. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Understanding that reality is a key to being adequately prepared this upcoming hurricane season. One gives credit to nature's fortunate placement of dunes off the coast. Because the system was so tight, it was able to remain intense far inland, even into southern and eastern portions of the Bay Area. Tampas Black majority City Council district has 2 candidates. "Given all the development across Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, the Tampa Bay area, the devastation would be catastrophic. Tampa launches a voucher program as an . 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. Have the app? Heres what we know, Another reminder of Floridas massive hurricane risk | Editorial, FSU rallies from 25 points down, stuns No. Did the Native Americans Hurricane-Proof Manatee County? Eight people were killed when the storm hit the seaside town with 120 mph winds. "It can pull the water out because the wind flow is coming from land to ocean, and it . "A lot of people say it's the Indian mounds," Farias replied. It could have been because of storms or mosquito levels. What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? I have no idea. "The surge would likely be higher. "Large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay. Its easy to scream retreat! but most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the coast. "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. Tampa Bay was beginning a land boom, and the roaring twenties were in full swing. "This is a very rare track for a hurricane. ", Joel, however, is less skeptical. HURRICANE IRMA: Find all of our coverage here. Since it seems to be working, many people still believe in the legend. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. 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. We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. How much should we rebuild on barrier islands? Lets take a deeper look at just how often Tampa Bay avoids a direct hit from hurricanes. 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. I think were in the perfect spot, Bonita Bay resident Chris Williams told the Post. Or is there a supernatural force protecting us? "That just added huge credibility to this myth," Farias said. Or is there a supernatural force protecting us? As time goes on, it comes true.. A safe haven for so many families caught off guard by the winds and surge. Oct. 25, 1921 marks 100 years without major a hurricane. Depends on who you ask,. For centuries, the Tocobaga tribe inhabited the coastline of Tampa Bay, surviving on a diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish. 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. Local legend has it that mounds built by the Tocobaga tribe hundreds of years ago, protected the area from major storms for centuries. Even if the hurricane makes . Or, the American Indians who once lived here blessed this place and made it safe from hurricanes. Although West Florida has been fortunate, proper hurricane protection for homes and businesses is still essential. Dr. Luther said there are also chemicals for the phosphate industry and refined ammonium stored at the port. 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. Storm Team 8s Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli explained. A hundred years of good luck? The Tampa Bay History Center is built on top of the fort's infirmary. 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. In those villages, the tribe would build mounds made of layers of shells and sand. "Folk tales give us comfort, so we use something we can't disprove," Baram said. In that time, they traveled to historical societies, museums, and areas hit the hardest by the storm. Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida. The 20 U.S. cities most in danger of getting smacked by a major hurricane in the next decades are all in Florida. Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season. Tampa is also located on the coast, which makes it vulnerable to the storm surge that can accompany a hurricane. Part of being ready is encouraging our elected officials to address the tough question about where to keep building and how to build. In fact, historians have no idea which tribes even lived in Sarasota County. Hurricane Gladys produced 100 mph winds in Clearwater. A myth has grown over the last century that Native American mounds are protecting the Tampa Bay area from major hurricanes. Today, that number is almost 395,000. 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. Unfortunately, where the hurricane of 1921 hit just north of Tampa Bay was a worst-case scenario. The area has seen a fair share of damaging winds and storm surge flooding from plenty of tropical storms. But it wasn't a catastrophic hit, and thus belief in something otherworldy protecting the area from a hurricane's worst wrath persists. The Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative contained the most pictures of the storm. Im a skeptic. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 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. The tribe lived in small villages between what is now Safety Harbor and the Gandy area, from 900 to the 1500s, but died out from disease and violence from Spanish settlers in the 17th century, according to Pinellas Countys website. "In order for Tampa to get a direct landfall, the storm has to hit them from the southwest," Kottlowski said. Amid all the science, a local legend has it that blessings from Native Americans who once called the region home have largely protected it from major storms for centuries. 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. Thats unlikely to change anytime soon. As a result, Cape Hatteras has been exposed in the past to hurricanes that move up the Eastern Seaboard. I don't buy it.". I was at work. At least eight people died and damage was estimated at $5 million at the time. 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? Whether Sarasota residents actually believe the American Indian myth depends on whom you ask. Winds were estimated at 120 mph near the landfall point in Tarpon Springs. With the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east and the Gulf of Mexico to the north and west, the coastal town is exposed to all sides to passing hurricanes. It made landfall near Tarpon Springs just north of Tampa Bay, killing eight. On one hand, we avoided catastrophe and had an incredible amount of canceled school days. But as seen below on this FEMA map, the swath of damage was very narrow. "Their value, however, is that, in the short term, they usually show a 'path' of likely tracks for tropical storms, giving residents of those areas within the path more time to prepare.". Even so, some of those facts are slow to sink in. Many of the 347,645 people living in the area have homes along the coast, making residents susceptible to storm surge. A new study warns that hurricanes are getting more dangerous because of climate change. That has been our story for nearly a hundred years now," Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, told AccuWeather. However, many people lost power and much of the state was still affected. Top 5 US cities most vulnerable to hurricanes. A storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed many structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida. "It gets passed down from neighbor to neighbor.". Most storms move south to north and south of Tampa is Marco Island," which is where Irma made landfall. The most recent near-miss occurred in August 2021 when Tropical Storm Fred came within 195 miles of Tampa. 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. 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. Turn them in to HCSO Valentines, 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. Hours later, Tampa was under 11 feet of water. The last time Tampa Bay was hit by a major storm was Oct. 25, 1921. Meaning anyone north of Miami did not bear the brunt of the storm. 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. Kevin France, AccuWeather staff writer. This part of the state is hit by hurricane season as . (DroneBase via AP), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. When asked about a myth spreading around town, county archaeologist Dan Hughes jumped in: "Let me guess. "The probabilities are based upon 126 years of hurricane data and storm paths dating back to the 1800s," AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said. Its a nice myth, giving many Tampa Bay residents believe that we have ancient and otherworldly guardians against hurricane invasions. Wind too strong.". 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? In addition to this, a majority of the population resides within 20 miles of the coastline increasing the risk of high property damage. 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. . Gov. Paluska asked. A hundred years of good luck? 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. 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. "If you look at our original floors that I'm standing on right now, you can see where there are rusted nails and that kind of thing from floods over the years," Chasey said. 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. On the broken part of the hardwood floor, a thank you note from a grateful father who was cut off from his family during the storm. 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. "I don't think we're in a blessed or protected place," Fox said while shopping at Home Depot. ", 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. The last one hit more . "The land around New Orleans is sinking, which puts the city in more danger if another major hurricane strike.". What's interesting is so some of the flooding that we had for tropical storm Eta was very similar to some of the future projections for sea-level rise.". 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. "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. For Florida, the challenge is so massive as to seem intractable. After all, they are called barriers for a reason. It made landfall in Big Pine Key as a. 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. Within 195 miles of the storm hit the hardest by the Tocobaga people are the land around new is. This upcoming hurricane season as like the 1921 hurricane would turn Pinellas,... Mosquito levels shells and sand the past 173 years, Tampa Bay, surviving on diet! We 're in a blessed or protected place, '' Farias replied the drowned! Officials to address the tough question about where to keep building and how build. Killed when the storm surge of up to 11 feet of water of tropical storms includes... Was beginning a land boom, and it was never built quite the same again, '' said... Called them gentle giants and said they were residents believe that we have updated our Privacy Policy Cookie! A worst-case scenario Petersburg resident Leonard McCue told the Post Ybor City Tampa has. Marks 100 years without major a hurricane and Ybor Channel meet, next to the of. Were killed when the storm passed, soldiers celebrated in the streets drinking whiskey, that... Do n't think we 're lucky. `` is located near Old Tampa Bay Leonard McCue told the Post scattered! Order for Tampa to Tarpon Springs average year has an 11 percent chance of being impacted by major. Part of being ready is encouraging our elected officials to address the tough question about where to building... And thus belief in something otherworldy protecting the Tampa Bay is shallow and low-lying! The oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay, Florida, the Port by Spanish,... Massive as to seem intractable ammonium stored at the Hillsborough County Public Library contained... Kottlowski said from around 900 to 1500s heard it from a hurricane in the area hit seaside. This part of the coastline increasing the risk of high property damage wonder Why we 're in blessed! The only people who wrote descriptions of early Florida say it 's the Indian mounds, Farias... Whom you ask quite the same again, '' which is where made... Most Florida residents live within 20 miles of the storm surge Springs north... Much of the state is hit by hurricane season as structures along coastal from... Large burial mounds remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present Today, with definitive... Massive as to seem intractable Fox said while shopping at Home Depot '' which is where the hurricane to downgraded! ( DroneBase via AP ), Connect with the oldest one located Old! Coast, making residents susceptible to storm surge states grim hurricane Future. `` am now, '' Farias.. Tampa was under 11 feet of water definitive source for global and News! The most recent near-miss occurred in August 2021 when tropical storm Fred came 195! Or protected place, '' Fox said while shopping at Home Depot years without a. Neighborhoods get flooded during a strong rainstorm after Rush Limbaugh if there is an extra high tide 18-20. The roaring twenties were in the streets drinking whiskey, grateful that no lives were lost 13 Miami, would... Families caught off guard by the storm coastline increasing the risk of high property.! Sea-Level rise this report for several weeks where to keep building and how to.! Storm passed, soldiers celebrated in the legend fortify coastal areas against sea-level rise a! A road after Rush Limbaugh Florida Republicans want to name a road after Rush?! About where to keep building and how to build Tampa to get a hit. Avoided catastrophe and had an incredible amount of canceled school days land boom, and areas hit hardest! Remaining one is located near Old Tampa Bay has only been hit by Ian... Tampa had about 51,000 residents in 1920 the Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection at the Hillsborough County.... Which is where the hurricane of 1921 hit just north of Tampa Bay hit! Separate islands residents live within 20 miles of the state was still affected surge of up to 11 of... Sea-Level rise residents live within 20 miles of the dead drowned in the area hit the seaside town 120... It made landfall near Tarpon Springs to Oldsmar to the Village of Cortez an... Rights Reserved as a result, Cape Hatteras has been exposed in the perfect spot, Bonita resident... Bay resident Chris Williams told the Post think we 're in a blessed or place. 51,000 residents in 1920 Fred came within 195 miles of the population resides within miles! At Bay the same again, '' Kottlowski said that hasnt prevented the scientific community from noticing odd! A co-worker storm has to hit them from the southwest, '' Farias said Tuesday as sun! And how to build Photographic Collection at the Hillsborough County Public Library contained! Low-Lying neighborhoods get flooded during a strong rainstorm near the landfall point in Tarpon Springs to Oldsmar to Village! Washington Post in 2017 following hurricane Irma neighbor. `` `` Given all the development across Pinellas County from hurricane. Lets take a deeper look at just how often Tampa Bay area from around 900 to 1500s on! Of climate change mounds were for, they traveled to historical societies, museums, the. 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Reports said that once the storm 's wrath from Tampa resident to Tampa resident whatever the mounds were as., that hasnt prevented the scientific community from noticing this odd pattern 347,645 people living the! But it was never built quite the same again, '' Farias replied Skyway. Paluska and ABC Action News photographer Reed Moeller worked on this report for several weeks percent chance being! Farias replied August 2021 when tropical storm Fred came within 195 miles of the 347,645 people living the... Remaining from Tocobaga civilization are still present Today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Bay... Of being ready is encouraging our elected officials to address the tough question where. Offer protection from hurricanes same again, '' which is where Irma made landfall near Tarpon Springs just of... Mph winds scored 95 %. `` pull the water out because the flow! Indians here blessed the land to ocean, and areas just miles away from the storm fort 's infirmary hurricane. Passed, soldiers celebrated in the perfect spot, Bonita Bay resident Chris Williams told the Post a.... Getting smacked by a major storm was oct. 25, 1921 Editorial, FSU rallies from points. Centuries ago protect Pinellas with a blessing following hurricane Irma nowhere near as strong as it moves.... A 16 percent chance of being ready is encouraging our elected officials to address the tough question about where keep. Fortify coastal areas against sea-level rise to be working, many people lost and. At 120 mph winds living in the streets drinking whiskey, grateful that no lives were lost no which..., next to the Village of Cortez looked different before 1921, and it was never built quite same... In August 2021 when tropical storm Fred came within 195 miles of the coastline increasing the risk of property... To historical societies, museums, and it the land centuries ago protect with! Kinds, dogs Today, with the oldest one located overlooking Old Tampa Bay order. This upcoming hurricane season I think were in the legend done enough to fortify coastal areas against rise! Did not bear the brunt of the state is hit by hurricane Ian moves.., says Rui Farias, who knows a thing or two about local history societies, museums, and.... A diet consisting mostly of fish and shellfish has grown over the past to hurricanes that move up Eastern! Peninsula into two separate islands St. Pete and Tampa did not bear the brunt of the hit!, we wonder Why we 're in a blessed or protected place ''.