Hurricane Info | Protect Siesta Key

History of Hurricanes affecting Siesta

Despite legends and normally calm storm years, ten major hurricane and storm events have directly or notably impacted Siesta Key:

Two major Hurricanes with direct strikes: Donna (1960) and Milton (2024)
Eight near misses producing significant effects: Hurricane (1921), No-Name Storm (1982), Charley (2004), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby (2024), June 11 (2024), and Helene (2024)

It's important to be prepared for any natural or man-made disaster that could affect our barrier island.

To help you get ready for a hurricane, please visit our Hurricane Prep page for resources, information, and checklists.

If a disaster has already struck our area, visit our Hurricane Relief page for the information you may need to recover from a storm.

The Legend of Sara de Soto

There is a local legend that is said to protect Siesta Key from dangerous storms. According to the story, Sara, the purported daughter of the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, falls deeply in love with a Calusa chief. After the tragic death of young Sara, the chief and his warriors ceremoniously sink themselves, along with their canoes, into Sarasota Bay to eternally guard her resting place. Over time, it is believed that their spirit protects the region by calming storms and shielding the coast from hurricanes. Folklore holds that the whitecaps seen on the water are the spirits of those warriors engaged in an eternal battle against storms.

This romantic myth may offer comfort to those living and vacationing in Siesta Key. However, we have experienced our fair share of storms.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms That Made Direct Impact or Landfall Near Siesta Key

1. Cat. 3 Hurricane (1921)

On October 25, 1921, a Category 3 hurricane struck Tarpon Springs, which is located 75 miles north of Siesta Key. The hurricane caused significant damage in Sarasota County. At that time, Siesta Key was a small fishing community that experienced a 7-foot storm surge, leading to flooding in homes and fish houses, as well as the destruction of docks. This storm was a turning point, changing Siesta from a small fishing village into a coastal community on the edge of transformation.

2. Hurricane Donna (1960)

A devastating Category 4 storm that struck southwest Florida, including Siesta Key, causing significant flooding and damage across the area.

3. No-Name Storm (1982)

Subtropical storms were not assigned personal names until 2002. One notable event, often referred to as the "No-Name" storm by locals, occurred in June 1982. This storm, officially designated as Subtropical Storm One, formed on June 18, 1982, and was unusually powerful. It generated high winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall, beach erosion, and localized tornadoes across Florida. The storm caused significant damage in the Sarasota area, including Siesta Key.

4. Hurricane Charley (2004)

Though Charley’s eye wall passed slightly south in Charlotte County, strong winds and damage affected Sarasota County and Siesta Key, leaving numerous buildings slightly damaged and widespread outages.

5. Hurricane Irma (2017)

A powerful Category 4 hurricane that passed roughly 35 miles east of Siesta Key. While not a direct strike, it produced strong winds, flooding, downed trees, and power outages throughout the area.

6. Hurricane Ian (2022)

Although it made landfall further south, it passed close enough (about 40 miles southeast) to deliver wind and flooding impacts to Siesta Key.

7. Hurricane Debby (2024)

While Debby wasn’t a direct hit on Siesta Key, the storm brought heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, and road closures in Sarasota County and Siesta Key . Siesta Key recorded 13.19 inches of rain from Debby.

8. June storm (2024)

On June 11, 2024, Sarasota County—including Siesta Key—was battered by an extraordinary flash flooding event, driven by a tropical moisture surge (Invest 90L). Rain totals exceeded 11 inches in isolated spots, overwhelming both infrastructure and emergency services. The event was so extreme it was likened to a 1,000-year storm, leaving lasting reminders of just how quickly nature can overwhelm a region.

9. Hurricane Helene (2024)

Helene did not make direct landfall at Siesta Key, but it caused significant surge and flood damage.

Despite the fact, Helene made landfall in the northern part of Florida:

Siesta Key Village businesses were “wiped out” by up to three feet of floodwaters, with picnic tables and signs floating through the streets.
Many homes on Siesta Key experienced extensive flooding—some reported up to 24 inches of water inside their homes

10. Hurricane Milton (2024)

A true direct hit—Milton made landfall on Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane (120 mph winds), causing significant storm surge, flooding, power outages, and structural damage.

Be Prepared! Visit our Hurricane Prep page for resources and information to prepare for any potential hurricane event.