County: Pinellas
ZIP Codes: 34695
Safety Harbor, Florida, due to its location on the west coast of Florida off Old Tampa Bay, is susceptible to the dangers associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Although the town stands only a few feet above sea level, it is critical to take into account the significant threat storm surge poses to this community. As hurricanes approach, the force of the winds can push water onshore, leading to potential flooding. Safety Harbor has experienced several flood events in the past, predominantly caused by heavy rainfall during hurricane season. High winds associated with these storms have also resulted in damage to buildings, power lines, and trees. In the last 30 years, some notable storms have directly impacted Safety Harbor. For instance, Hurricane Elena in 1985 caused significant ocean surge and wind damage throughout the county and town. In 2004, Hurricane Charley, although a category 4 hurricane, hit Safety Harbor indirectly, yet it did cause significant structural damage and power outages in the town. However, the most severe recent impact came from Hurricane Irma in 2017, which resulted in widespread flooding and structural damage. Therefore, considering these historical impacts and the town’s geographical attributes, Safety Harbor residents should always stay informed about potential hurricane threats and adhere to any evacuation orders from their local disaster management office.