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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

It's the 39th Annual Oktoberfest celebration at the German American Club in Cape Coral. It's one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in Florida with a sprawling biergarten, dancing, and bands from Germany. Enjoy carnival rides and of course food. Lots of food and lots of beer too. More info here.

Fort Myers Brewing Company’s 12th Annual Oktoberfest always draws big crowds. This four-day celebration features lots of live music including the Ben Allen Band and a diverse lineup of food trucks. We can't forget about the craft beer and the seasonal selections. Then there is the annual stein-hoisting competitions. October 3-6th. More info here. 

It's the 10th anniversary of Farmer Mike's Fall Festival at the farm's Bonita Springs location. There is a second location on Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a haunted corn maze, a friendly corn maze, and lots more.  The festival runs through October 27th. Ticket prices and times vary. More info here.

The calendar of events at this North Fort Myers Farm is pretty extensive. You can enjoy everything from a pumpkin patch and hayrides to a haunted maze and a petting zoo. There are lots of family friendly activities and even more parking to accommodate the crowds this year. Festival events run through October 27th. More info here.

Lakes Park Fall Festival has a roster of fun planned this year. There is a pumpkin patch, hayrides and a Halloween Express train ride too. The park comes alive with inflatables and creative scarecrows too. Scarecrow in the Park is an annual competition that you can even vote on. This year's theme is The Great Outdoors. October 11th-31st. Lakes Park is in Fort Myers on Gladiolus Drive. More info here.

This is the Nature Center's 61st annual Haunted Walk and it can get frightening walking through the elevated boardwalk in the woods. The Haunted Walk takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October starting at 7:30-11:30 pm. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. The Nature Center is on Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers. More info here. 

Boo at the Zoo returns to Naples Zoo this year with a movie theme. There will be costumed characters for meet and greets and even some of the animals will join the fun. Enjoy trick or treating too so be sure to dress up. Event dates are Oct 11-13th and 18th-20th. 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Regular admission prices apply. More info here.

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. 

This huge event in Port Charlotte has haunted hay rides and houses, a pumpkin patch, food, entertainment under a haunted big top tent and a mechanical bull for good measure. There is even a dance party each night. Charlotte County Fairgrounds. Dates are October 18th-20th, 25th-27th, and the 31st. Ticket prices vary. More info here.