Although Sarasota real estate damage from Hurricane Irma was far lower than anticipated, the fact that there was any damage at all was virtually unprecedented. Sarasota history books show that the city rarely suffers direct hurricane hits.
Before Hurricane Irma, the city of Sarasota did not have a direct hit for over a century. There were partial recorded hits to surrounding areas in 1944, 1950 and from Hurricane Charley (2004) as well as a few other instances.
Irma barely did anything at all, as it had been weakened by hitting Cuba and was downgraded by the time it reached the area. Why is it that when hurricanes occur, Sarasota seems to avoid the worst?
Is Sarasota…blessed? Depending on who you talk to, the answer is yes. There are various Sarasota Indian myths that the lands were blessed by Native Americans to be protected against hurricanes.
Some hold the belief that Sarasota is protected from hurricanes because the Native Americans who first settled there knew that it was safe from the elements.
Others believe that they blessed the lands to stay eternally safe from destructive storms and hurricanes. Still others think that it’s an ancient Indian burial ground on the lands of Sarasota that keeps it protected.
Sarasota Indian myths are probably hearsay
Now, as you might imagine, these Sarasota Indian myths have been put under scrutiny. Pretty much everyone who studies Native American beliefs or culture say that no such legends exist.
Local archeologists say that they are myths passed around by word of mouth rather than any reality regarding Native American culture.
Research has shown that about 2,000 Native Americans lived in the region originally, a relatively low population compared to other parts of the state, indicating that there was no particular preference to live there.
They typically lived all around the state and moved inland during particular seasons, according to Anne McCudden, director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Sarasota has certainly had good luck
There is no question, however, that Sarasota has had relatively good fortune regarding hurricanes for nearly a century for some reason. That alone is probably enough to get people believing in something.
This reputation is so well known that a number of people moved to Sarasota following 2016’s Hurricane Matthew and the devastation it caused on the east coast. And, for the most part, Sarasota real estate was safe and witnessed little of the fury of Hurricane Irma.
Maybe there is a hidden scientific reason behind it all that just hasn’t been uncovered yet.
Other Explanations
Some give credit to unproven geological theories for the safety of the region – proximity to the North, the curve of the coast below, etc.
Others say it is because of the dunes are fortunately placed away from the coast which discourages the storms from entering the area. Some even think the white quartz sand on Siesta Key somehow keeps storms and hurricanes at bay.
As for Sarasota Indian myths – we do know for a fact that Native Americans lived in Sarasota. But, the origin of the Indian burial ground legend is still largely circumstantial, and several people deny the presence of any such blessings – or curses. For each person you talk to, you’ll get a different answer.
However, many still have strong beliefs that something is protecting Sarasota real estate, and the undeniable truth is that the city has remained largely untouched by hurricanes in modern history, even after Irma was expected to do massive damage.
No matter what, it’s always sensible to keep an eye on what’s going on and follow recommended protocols during storm season, whether you live here or are traveling and enjoying the pleasant weather and beaches!
