E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R ’ S M E S S A G E J o h n F . K y n e s –
H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
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Milton brought ferocious winds in excess of 100 mph as well as catastrophic flooding , with some areas experiencing a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event . Parts of Tampa Bay got more than a foot of rainfall . Milton ’ s monster winds also blew the roof off the dome at Tropicana Field in St . Petersburg . Officials emphasized that although Milton was a significant storm , it did not deliver the “ worst case scenario ” in part because the Tampa Bay region did not get a direct hit .
Nonetheless , Milton caused immense property damage and human suffering . At least 17 deaths across the state have been attributed to the storm to date .
In the aftermath , it ’ s evident the storms didn ’ t deliver a knockout punch , but they are powerful reminders about the unpredictability of life and the importance of resilience in the face of major challenges .
The last time Tampa Bay took a direct hit from a hurricane was in 1921 when a Category 3 storm swept through the area with winds gusting more than 100 mph .
The Tampa Bay region ’ s population at the time was about 135,000 . Today , the Bay area ’ s population exceeds 3 million .
Winds from the 1921 hurricane pushed an estimated 11-foot wall of water into Tampa Bay , causing major flooding in low-lying areas and in Ybor City .
One uplifting aspect of facing these most recent natural disasters has been the remarkable sense of community that has been on display , with neighbors stepping up to support each other in every way possible .
The coordinated efforts and steadfast leadership of local , state , and federal emergency management officials , both before and after the storms , have been commendable .
The bravery of first responders , who tirelessly worked to ensure our safety and carried out hundreds of rescues , often at great personal risk , has been truly heroic .
Additionally , the humanitarian efforts of numerous community and faith-based organizations , dedicated to feeding and housing thousands of displaced families and individuals , have been invaluable .
As the recovery continues , Tampa and Florida ’ s legal community will continue to step up in a major way as “ second responders ” to help those in need of legal assistance .
One way to help is to volunteer to answer questions from residents who call the Florida Bar ’ s YLD Disaster Relief Hotline . A link to sign up to volunteer is on the
HCBA ’ s website , along with other hurricane relief information . Additionally , if you are an HCBA member displaced by the hurricanes , you are welcome to temporarily work out of the Ferguson Law Center . Please call ( 813 ) 221-7777 to confirm space availability .
David Kalteux , an attorney at FordHarrison and a YLD Board member , experienced significant flooding in his home due to Helene and wind damage from Milton .
Despite this , Kalteux recently expressed gratitude on social media for his family ’ s safety and thanked his friends and colleagues in the HCBA for reaching out and their support and assistance during this challenging time .
“ When I needed it the most , my HCBA friends and colleagues came through ,” Kalteux said . “ I am forever grateful .”
The journey to recovery from these hurricanes will be long and arduous . However , I am confident that the HCBA , in collaboration with its community partners as it has done since its inception in 1896 , will play a crucial role in helping the Tampa Bay community rebuild stronger than ever . n
N O V - D E C 2 0 2 4 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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