St. Armands Residents Association |
Sarasota history books show that the city rarely suffers direct hurricane hits.
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.
Others believe that they blessed the lands to stay eternally safe from destructive storms and hurricanes. Still others think that it’s an ancient Indian burial ground on the lands of Sarasota that keeps it protected.
Now, as you might imagine, these Sarasota Indian myths have been put under scrutiny. Pretty much everyone who studies Native American beliefs or culture say that no such legends exist.
Local archeologists say that they are myths passed around by word of mouth rather than any reality regarding Native American culture.
There is no question, however, that Sarasota has had relatively good fortune regarding hurricanes for nearly a century for some reason.
The Indian Burial Ground Legend in Sarasota By Stacy Hanan | October 11, 2017
Despite this, Sarasota was hit by hurricane Donna in 1960 and the associated storm surge reportedly put St. Armands under water! Hurricane season in Sarasota starts June 1 and ends officially on November 30 every year.
1848 - present | Historical articles and photos of hurricane impacts on Longboat Key: click here |
1888 - present | Sarasota, Florida's history with tropical systems: click here |
September 10, 1960 |
Hurricane Donna hits from the south with 120mph winds. Water was pulled out of all bays & inlets and brought back in when she pulled north causing heavy damage here. more info
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June 9, 1966 | Hurricane Alma 105mph just west from the south. |
1972 | Hurricane Agnes caused beach and property damage on Longboat and Siesta Keys. |
September 10, 2017 | Hurricane Irma passes 35 miles to the east while moving north with 100mph winds. ABC7 article, Observer article |
September 28, 2022 | Hurricane Ian passes 40 miles to the south causing massive damage to many southwest Florida communities. Sarasota Magazine article, Observer article, Sarasota Magazine article. |