The fall of 2024 brought two of the most significant hurricanes in recent history to the southeastern United States in rapid succession.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in late September as a Category 4 storm, but it was the inland flooding — particularly in western North Carolina — that caused unprecedented devastation. Communities in the mountains were cut off for days. More than 200 people were killed. The death toll made Helene one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the continental U.S. in decades.
Hurricane Milton and Tampa
Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton — which briefly intensified into a Category 5 storm in the Gulf of Mexico — made a direct path toward Tampa Bay. The storm struck near Siesta Key on October 9, 2024 as a Category 3. Tampa experienced its worst storm surge in decades. Tornadoes spawned ahead of the storm caused significant damage across the region.
Tampa's Response
Our city came together in the aftermath. Fuego, like many local businesses, supported recovery efforts. The Tampa Bay community showed what it's made of. We are resilient, and we are proud to call this city home.