County: Pinellas
ZIP Codes: 33715
Tierra Verde, Florida, which forms the southern part of popular Pinellas County, faces significant risk from hurricanes due to its coastal location and low-lying nature. Directly located on the Gulf of Mexico, the island community stands vulnerable to not only high-speed wind damages, but serious storm surge threats as well. The elevation of most of Tierra Verde is less than 10 feet, exacerbating the potential for coastal flooding. The community's waterfront-dependent economy and residential areas also expose it to potential property damage and business interruption during widespread flood conditions. In the past three decades, Tierra Verde has seen several hurricane threats, which have underscored its vulnerability. One of the most impactful was Hurricane Irma in 2017. While the storm didn't make direct landfall in the area, it caused extensive damage due to storm surge and strong winds. Flooding has also been a recurring issue for the community during periods of heavy rainfall, especially in its low-lying areas. It's important for residents and authorities to adequately prepare for the hurricane season and to heed evacuation orders when severe storms threaten. The town's history and geography are clear indicators of its high-risk profile when it comes to hurricanes and flooding.