County: Sarasota
ZIP Codes: 34240
Old Miakka, Florida, located as it is in Sarasota County, has a moderate threat level from hurricanes, primarily because of its distance from the coast. While being approximately 20-30 miles inland does offer some level of protection from direct storm surges, the town is not completely safe. The major threats in this area come from the strong hurricane-induced winds and flood risks associated with heavy rainfall. Considering the flat topography of the region, these risks are heightened, even though the elevation of Old Miakka is slightly higher than most of Florida. Historically, Old Miakka and its vicinity have seen the impacts of several major storms. Hurricane Charley in 2004 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 are notable examples that caused considerable damage in Sarasota County, even though Old Miakka, being inland, was spared from the most severe impacts. Flooding risks exist due to the relatively high annual rainfall in the region. For instance, in 1992, the no-name storm, also known as the "Storm of the Century," resulted in significant flooding in the area despite Old Miakka being inland. The town鈥檚 residents should be well-prepared and have a plan for the hurricane season considering these historical precedents.