They didn’t have names yet, but the Hurricane of October 25, 1921 delivered 100 mph winds and plenty of water to the Sunshine City. Although power lines were downed and structures affected throughout the city, the majority of damage was limited to waterfront areas. The 1913 wooden Municipal Pier was damaged, the famous Shell Fence surrounding the Albright house was destroyed and the Yacht Club (pictured) was badly flooded. Mayor Noel Mitchell, ever the marketing champion, shrugged off the the storm and declared St. Petersburg survived the hurricane virtually unscathed. Visitors agreed, as even the storm of October 1921 couldn’t stop the mighty boom that followed.
For more information about St. Petersburg Museum of History exhibits, hours, and ticket pricing visit SPMOH.com.
