County: Hillsborough
ZIP Codes: 33578, 33619
Progress Village, Florida, located about 15 miles inland from the coast of the Tampa Bay region, is under a considerable threat from hurricanes, primarily due to high winds, heavy rain, and inland flooding, rather than storm surge as it's somewhat distanced from the coastline. Despite being inland, it is essential to note that the region has a low elevation, averaging about 49ft, which can facilitate substantial flood risks. Additionally, the flat topography of the area can further exacerbate these risks, as water can accumulate quickly and increase the hazard of inland flooding, causing significant local damage mainly to residences and infrastructure. In the last 30 years, several hurricanes have had considerable impacts on Progress Village. In 2004, Hurricane Charley, a Category 4 storm brought extensive damage to the area with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and inland flooding. Additionally, in September of 2017, Hurricane Irma, another Category 4 Hurricane had caused severe damage statewide and included this area. Historical flood events have also plagued the area, such as the massive flooding in 2015 due to record rainfall over Southwest Florida. As a result, hurricane preparedness and response plans should take into account these historical events whilst providing provisions for heavy rain, inland flooding, and strong gusty winds.