Here are some lessons learned from Tampa Bay’s historic 2024 hurricane season

The 13 days brought two storms and countless lessons.

Whether you have a more clear understanding of your home’s flood risk, favourable hurricane snacks, or the importance of friends and family, our experiences with Helen and Milton in Tampa Bay have taught us something new to each of us.

Ahead of the start of the new hurricane season on June 1, we asked Tampa Bay Times readers to share the most important lessons they learned last year. The reactions that came together highlight a smarter, stronger, more elegant community from the other side of repeated natural disasters.

What lessons have you learned? This is what you had to say.

Dodge the flood

Pay attention to surges and tides. If it is not directly exposed to the water, don’t assume that there will be no flooding. – Patsy Stills, Clearwater

Raise at least 12 inches of expensive furniture on the floor to prepare the water for your home. Seal the toilet and shower drains to prevent the septic tank backup from being placed in the home. – Paul Howck, Hillsboro County

Keep the lithium batteries away from potential flood areas. Our e-bike set fire to burn the house down. – Amber Valente, Treasure Island

A $5/piece biglow bucket is a cheap way to grow furniture. The large vacuum seal bag is perfect for storing clothes and leaving them dry.

If water gets in and the walls are wet, start removing the seat lock two feet above the water line to prevent mold. – Kelly Kenson, Dunedin

After last year’s hurricane season, we promoted the A/C capacitor. We lived in the D evacuation zone and there was no need to evacuate 35 years later. Last year, the condensers were at risk for flooding as there was heavy rain in the three storms and so many standing waters in the garden. – Mindy Bacon, Palm Harbor

Vulnerability to Storms

I learned how incredibly easy it can be to wipe off the grid physically and digitally. There was no place between Helen and Milton taking only electricity, water, services, gasoline, or cards/cash, and the food was rare. – Christan Detroia, Riviera Bay, St. Petersburg

I have lived in Pinellas County for 41 years and the 2024 season has strengthened the storms to be bigger and stronger than ever before. Climate change is real! – Linda J. Smith, Pinellas County

We had been flooded twice before and never expected this serious thing. Everything was ruined. I knew that climate change was invading, but I didn’t think it would be very fast and dramatic.

I am applying to promote Florida. They also try to sell, but the market is bad. We’re restoring, but our home was for sale for $800,000 (historic arts district, close to the water and has a pool) before the hurricane. Now – maybe $350,000? – Elizabeth Riggs, Gulfport

Our house is outside the flood zone, but we still had 2 feet of water in our front yard and most of the house was water. In addition to setting up the shutter, you will need to suck on the door. – Nick Underwood, Central Oak Park, St. Petersburg

I will not buy or rent the first floor again. – Southernpa, Reina Rade Olivera

It’s not a magical number for people to act like a 10-foot elevation, but it’s not. I learned to live where I am. I have to fully embrace this as a part of my life or move to the highlands. – Amanda White, St. Petersburg

Psychological sacrifice

The trauma and uncertainty of riding a storm was something I never wanted to experience again. – Sharon Henry, Wellswood

My biggest lesson was that I tried to keep working. After that I realized that the stress of the storm had really affected me. I realized I should have taken away some time to recover later, but I was trying to keep up with my work and the stress was causing me to struggle.

The storm takes their toll and tries to take a break to recover mentally the next time. – Alexandra Fantari, Wesley Chapel

I didn’t know you could lose everything within a few hours and you couldn’t do anything about it. That’s what I learned from Helen and Milton. – Phil, St. Petersburg

Generator

One thing you think is necessary is to buy a generator. We were in the highest area in Pinellas County, so we didn’t flood. But we lost our strength for a few days. – Gary Salmons, St. Petersburg

If you’re looking for a new generator, consider a generator that takes propane instead of gasoline. Propane tanks are easier to store than liquid gasoline and reduce the risk of fire. – Lewis Santana, Tampa Bay Times photojournalist

I have a generator and keep some extra cans of gas. – Bri Margolis, Southeast Seminole Heights

More gas reserves. Keeps 15 gallon gas backup for the generator. We are not in a flood zone so we stay in place. 15 gallons should be given 3 days and then refilled. This year there will be five five-gallon containers and even more reserves. – Vaughn Perez, Kenneth City

Have a dual or trilife el generator for when the gasoline runs out. and Xanax. – Bonnie Agan, St. Petersburg

Tips and tips

Next year, all meat in the fridge and freezer will be removed before evacuation. We lost our power and all the meat was rotten so we had to get a new fridge. That was… the worst. The smell, what a disaster. Never again. – Anonymous, Bartlett Park

My dog ​​refills for over 3 weeks guarantee to take care of! …The clinic was naturally flooded with a major emergency, so it was very difficult to fill it… That’s one thing you really don’t think about when you’re evacuated despite your best efforts. – Lauren Fielder, Seminole Heights

Please document what you have in each room on video. Send a copy of all your insurance information, driver’s license, and more to your out-of-state contact or put it in the cloud. – Lauri Ingham, Largo

Don’t trust the store’s website for two days since landings from the storm. They’re lying to you about having a battery-powered lamp and a flashlight. There are no battery-powered lamps or flashlights anywhere. – Shauna Mackle, reporter for the Tampa Bay Times

I had a cell service from Consumer Cellular using AT&T network, which failed in 4 days. My sister was visiting during the suspension and had a Verizon service, but it never went down. – Larry Binder, Ruskin

After watching last year, I chose to invest in tree trimming and removal instead of storm shutters. For a home that has not been flooded, trees seem to be the cause of overwhelming damage. – Jay Preble, Safety Harbor

1. Do not scramble at the same time as others to restock/purchase what you need for a hurricane on the weekend of the end of June.

2. Don’t let all fresh foods from number 1 as snacks before the actual storm hits. -Ana Underwood, Central Oak Park, St. Petersburg

I’ll stick together

I learned that my husband and I have a very solid relationship (that was undoubtedly, but those weeks/months proved that we could survive the zombie apocalypse!). Friends and family were our true heroes – Jennifer Lamb, Duneden

I learned more about people’s values ​​than things. That friend, family and complete stranger will help you move when you ask for help on Facebook. People choose to be kind and help, create a horrific situation in which no one has to be traumatized. – Deborah Kelly, the town’s land

The best way to survive a hurricane is to unite. – Rufus Del Valle, Terrace Park

The Tampa Bay Times launched its Environmental Hub in 2025, focusing on some of Florida’s most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through the Journalism Fund by clicking here.

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