County: Pinellas
ZIP Codes: 33786
Belleair Beach, located on the west coast of Florida and directly on the Gulf of Mexico, is in a high-risk zone for hurricanes and consequent flooding. Its geographical location, with an extremely low elevation of 10 feet above sea level, makes it vulnerable to hurricane-related impacts, including storm surges, heavy rainfall-induced flooding, and high-velocity winds. The town's coastal positioning also means it is susceptible to the added risk of coastal erosion during hurricanes. Belleair Beach's structural landscape, with a significant portion of residential properties, could exacerbate the level of destruction. Over the past 30 years, the area has experienced several significant hurricanes and their associated impacts. In 2004, Hurricane Charley severely impacted the region, triggering considerable damage due to storm surge and gusty winds. More recently, in 2017, Hurricane Irma stormed through the region, leading to devastating flooding and property damage throughout Belleair Beach. Given these historical incidents and the town's geographical constraints, it's critical that residents take proactive measures for future hurricanes, including modernizing infrastructure, implementing comprehensive disaster management strategies, and investing in individual disaster preparedness.