Tornado Cuts Swath From Pinellas To Polk Counties, Causing Damage

PINELLAS PARK, FL — Pinellas County police, fire and city workers are assessing the damage after a tornado ripped through the county around 3:53 p.m. Wednesday.

Just before the storm hit, the National Weather Service issued a warning for Tampa Bay, noting that a “large, extremely dangerous tornado" had been spotted moving 35 mph northeast.

Pinellas Park police and fire departments, along with police and fire units from other parts of the county, were called out after structural damage occurred in both residential and industrial areas. Police say there was damage to about 25 buildings.

Police said the damage seems to be concentrated in the area of Bryan Dairy Road and 66th Street as well as 49th Street North of 118th Avenue North.

Over two hours, the tornado cut a swath across the center of Pinellas County before dissipating over Tampa Bay. Then, according to the weather service, the tornado reformed at 4:30 p.m. near East Lake-Orient Park, bringing wind and hail as it headed past Temple Terrace, Ybor City, Busch Gardens and the University of South Florida.

It then touched down again in Polk County near U.S. 98 and West Daughtery Road, where it caused additional damage.

The tornado damaged buildings, downed trees and caused power outages, but there were no reports of injuries. According to Duke Energy, about 2,000 homes and businesses remain without power. Duke Energy said at least 25 power poles needed to be repaired or replaced after being damaged.

“We’re extremely fortunate, and we hope the injury report stays where it is,” Pinellas Park Police Capt. Adam Geissenberger said.

The weather service said the tornado produced high winds on the Howard Frankland Bridge as well but that the only damage was to a sign that was knocked down, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Additionally, Feeding Tampa Bay will host two emergency distributions Thursday morning in the wake of Wednesday's tornadoes. No identification or screenings will be required. All social distancing and coronavirus safety protocols will be in place.

The distributions will take place:

• From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tropicana Field, 16th Street, St. Petersburg. Enter Lot 1 via 5th Avenue South.
• From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northwest Presbyterian Church, 6330 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

Additional distributions can be found here.