Will History Repeat?
Recalling Lessons Learned from the 1921 Hurricane By Amanda Hagood
HERITAGE VILLAGE LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
I don’t have to remind you that it’s still hurricane season. But what you may not know is that October 25, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most devastating storms in Gulfport’s history – the 1921 Tampa Bay Hurricane.
Gulfport’s recorded hurricane lore dates all the way back to the “Great Gale of 1848” – or, as one survivor put it, “the granddaddy of all hurricanes” – which swept in from the Gulf on September 23, 1848 as what would now be considered a Catego-
Questions about Medicare?
“We simplify insurance planning so you can enjoy the stress-free life you deserve”
cell: 727-501-3064 office: 772-210-1020 www.OwenInsuranceGroup.net richard@oweninsurancegroup.net 1611 Nw Federal Hwy. N. Stuart, FL
Licensed Agent, Richard Doebler A069769 Member: National Association of Health Underwriter
ry 4 hurricane. It literally changed the face of the map, slicing through the barrier islands to create John’s Pass, demolishing Passage Key (which has since returned – and become a popular spot for nude boating!), and toppling the newly constructed lighthouse on Egmont Key. Accounts tell of the Edwards family (keepers of the unfortunate lighthouse) riding out the storm in a skiff tied to a palmetto tree, and of the total destruction of Antonio Maximo Hernandez’s profitable fish rancho at Frenchman’s Creek (now Maximo Park). But the 1921 Hurricane was different. Though technically weaker than its legendary counterpart, the tempest that slammed into Tarpon Springs on October 25, 1921 struck a region that was far more developed, with extensive railroads and streets, grand hotels and civic buildings, many more businesses and homes, and an estimated 27,000 more people. A 10.5-foot storm surge and 120 mph winds reduced Gulfport’s famous Casino to “a broken pile of kindling.” It tore away fishing piers, crumbled seawalls and damaged the local school. Perhaps hardest hit were Gulfport’s fishermen, whose boats – and livelihoods – were swamped. And that was just Gulfport. Damage was also extensive in St. Petersburg, where the famous city pier (then a wooden structure) was destroyed, and in Tampa, where luxurious new neighborhoods were leveled and bayside parkways washed out. (Even a raft of cedar logs destined for Ybor’s famous cigar facto-
EXPERIENCE COUNTS – AND SAVINGS ADD UP Find out about the Competitive Rates and Special Benefits available through our agency for all your insurance needs! Ready to learn more? Contact our agency now! Call today for your FREE, no obligation quote. HOME • FLOOD AUTO • BUSINESS COMMERCIAL
14
727-344-4500 6524 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710
theGabber.com | October 21, 2021 - October 27, 2021
