Tampa Could See Their First Hurricane Direct Hit In Over 100 Years
It’s really been over 100 years since Tampa last saw a hurricane direct hit. In fact, there’s only two ever recorded, a Cat 4 storm in 1848 and a Cat 3 storm in 1921. According to legend, the Tampa Bay, Florida area is protected from hurricanes thanks to a blessing by the Tocobaga tribe. The tribe had made burial shell mounds along the coast, but exactly where is uncertain.
One for certain, The Tocobaga Temple Mound, still exists, at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor. It’s quite possible that the city built a picnic shelter and a playground on top of one of the neighboring burial mounds. (You did what?) Many other mounds around Tampa Bay were likely unknowingly destroyed by development. So if you believe in the protection legend, you also need to believe that it may not help.
Hurricane Direct Hit
Update: Milton now forecast to be a Major Hurricane
As it stands on Saturday, the track is showing a major hurricane hitting the Tampa, Florida area Wednesday just after noon. That’s a pretty big cone, and we won’t know specifics of where this storm is going until it develops further. But the current track is a hurricane direct hit on Tampa, which, as we’ve seen, may be slightly preferable to a more northerly track. Because of the surge, which would now be a big issue for Bradenton, Sarasota, and down to Fort Myers.
Hurricane Ian was a monster storm, but because it hit to the south of the Tampa area, the surge destroyed Fort Myers Beach, and Tampa got – almost none of that. Hurricane Helene just passed to the north of the city, and at least a dozen people in the Tampa area died from the surge. Some news outlets are saying things like “they didn’t have to die”, but I live in Fort Myers where a lot more people died from Ian. If you’ve never seen surge, you really don’t understand the power of it. Or some of the things that can happen afterwards. Did you see those idiots that looted the Trump Store on Madeira Beach?
A Hurricane Direct Hit May Be Preferable
Tropical Depression 14, now Tropical Storm Milton, is soon to become Hurricane Milton as it heads towards the Florida West Coast next week, and I’m going to say something that some people may not like. To me, a hurricane direct hit is a better scenario than a storm passing by just to the north. I can deal with wind and rain, and I can prepare for a hurricane direct hit, but coastal surge is just terrifying.
Sure, there’s surge at the point of impact, but there’s always this misconception of “the storm is going to miss us”. And then that southern surge hits. And for this storm, none of this “iT’s OnLy A CaT 3” stuff. This storm could still grow even stronger. There’s some model runs that show Milton could get considerably bigger than that. In the development stage, it’s hard to know exactly what will happen. And who will take the hurricane direct hit.
So, What’s Next?
Prepare to prepare. Know where your hurricane shutters are, but no need to put them up, yet. But we’re close. Know where your supplies are, and know your evacuation route. A hurricane direct hit is possible for anyone on the West Coast of Florida, but being just to the south of one is really, really, bad, too. Just be ready, and please, if you’re told to evacuate, just do it. But there’s something else. Things could get even worse after the storm.
If you lose power, it may stay off for awhile. There’s only so many line workers with bucket trucks and most of them are already busy from Hurricane Helene’s destruction. Also, FEMA has publicly stated that they are running out of money and the way to get more cash is through congress. Congress is currently out, so they’d need to return for a special session to approve funds. These things can take time. So whichever area of Florida takes a hurricane direct hit, and the areas that are effected by the surge, could be in for difficult times.
And that includes the people on the east coast, after the storm passes through Florida.
10 Fun Fall Festivals In Southwest Florida
The stores are stocked with pumpkins and all kinds of decor dripping in shades of brown, orange and gold. The holidays are just around the corner, but we need get through fall first. To get you warmed up here are 10 fun Fall Festivals in Southwest Florida to put on your calendar. From Naples to Fort Myers there is something for everyone.
These events include everything from the annual Oktoberfest at the German American Social Club in Cape Coral to the infamous haunted corn maze at Farmer Mike’s in Bonita Springs. If you like scarecrows, there is a fun family event at Lakes Park in Fort Myers and if animals are your jam, there is Boo at the Zoo too. It’s in Naples.
Find all the details on these events and more by scrolling down.
Besides fall festivals, I’ve included a few Halloween themed events as well. Some of these events are free, others have a range of pricing so be sure to check dates and events online so you are not surprised.
Also, considering we are still in hurricane season, if the weather is questionable, take a look at websites or call ahead for any changes in schedules.
We will continue to update this list so please check back often and share with your friends. Finally, if you know of other seasonal events to add to the list, please send them here.
Put These Fall Festivals In Southwest Florida On Your Calendar
Wonder Gardens Boo-tanical Weekend
The Naples Wonder Gardens gets decked out for the event while providing special programing, games and activities for the entire family. Halloween candy is from brands that support sustainable palm oil production and distribution. Paper bags provided for children to collect it. Opening is October 11 from 5-8pm and one of the few times the gardens are open at night. Then Oct 12th and 13th from 11am to 2pm. Costumes are encouraged. Free for Wonder Gardens members. Regular admission for non-members. More info here.
