Given Whitfield's location, just east of Sarasota and about 6 miles from the Gulf coast of Florida, it is inherently prone to hurricane threats. While its fairly low elevation (around 20 feet) does not significantly protect it from storm surge, its slight distance from the coast may mitigate the full force of some storm surge events, depending on the hurricane's path and intensity. Historically, the area has experienced a number of hurricanes and tropical storms, including significant flood risks, especially from heavier, slower moving systems that saturate the area. In the past 30 years, this region has been impacted by a number of major hurricanes. More recently, Hurricane Irma (2017) and Hurricane Charley (2004) tested the area's endurance with extensive wind damage, flooding, and storm surge impacts. Earlier in the '90s, the area was familiar with the wrath of hurricanes as it felt the effects of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Given the combination of its proximity to the Gulf, low elevation, and hurricane history, the residents of Whitfield should have well-established plans for evacuation and securement of their homes, and stay informed during the hurricane season to ensure their safety.