Calm Before the Storm

Navigating Florida During Hurricane Season

St. Pete Pier, St. Petersburg, Florida

I recently had an opportunity to mix work with a bit of Gulf Coast exploration when I visited St. Petersburg, Florida. Unlike many of my trips, this one was relatively close to home, just under an eight-hour drive away. Opting to drive gave me flexibility and control over my travel schedule, something that would be much more appreciated after receiving notice of the hurricane that would be bearing down on the city shortly after my arrival.

A Sudden Change in the Forecast

Upon arriving in St. Petersburg, I was greeted by beautiful weather: sunny skies and a gentle breeze. Everything felt perfect. But before I could settle in, I received a text from my fiancée:

“What are you going to do about the hurricane?”

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club on the St. Pete waterfront.

That was when it hit me — it was hurricane season in Florida. I should have expected it, but with the clear skies overhead, it was hard to believe anything could be brewing. But surely enough, when I checked the forecast, it was confirmed. I had a few days before the storm would make landfall.

I didn’t immediately panic. But I did make sure to monitor the situation before making a final decision. Meanwhile, it was time to enjoy and explore this lovely beach town.

Exploring St. Pete

Along the Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg's prime location (ignore the impending storm) is a beautiful mix of beach vibes and active city life. I took full advantage of the sunny weather, taking early walks around the waterfront. St. Pete Pier was a standout area.

The pier offers stunning views, where you can watch the sunrise over the water—something I made sure to do during my early morning walks. St. Pete felt alive, with locals biking, jogging, and walking along the beach right up until the day before the storm.

Despite the impending weather, the energy was vibrant. It’s easy to see why it has grown in popularity over the last decade. The restaurants and bars were packed, and the entire area was full of life.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

As the storm drew closer, I had to make a decision. The state was put under an official state of emergency, and the reality of the situation set in. I needed to plan my escape route. With evacuation orders on the horizon, I knew the major highways—especially I-75 North—would be clogged with traffic.

My best option would be to avoid the main roads and take smaller, less-traveled routes. I mapped a path through back roads and highways that would lead me to the Atlantic coast, where the storm was expected to be less severe.

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer to anyone traveling to areas prone to severe weather is always to have backup plans—multiple escape routes if possible. I-75 wasn’t going to be a great option, so I focused on smaller auxiliary roads that would keep me moving, even if they added time to my trip. The goal was to get out safely, not quickly, and to keep moving away from the path of the storm.

Surprisingly, having my vehicle turned out to be a saving grace. While many travelers who had flown into the area were now stuck, dealing with delayed or canceled flights, I had the freedom to leave whenever I wanted. Even with potential traffic delays, I had the advantage of flexibility, which would have been impossible had I relied on air travel. I wasn’t at the mercy of flight schedules or airport closures; I could simply get in my car and go.

Lessons Learned

Despite the looming hurricane, I enjoyed my time in St. Petersburg. It's a beautiful city, and as something who is not a “beach person,” I found myself appreciating the peaceful vibes of the Gulf Coast. I managed to get work done while soaking in the beauty of this coastal city. But if I had to do it all over again, I would avoid traveling to Florida during hurricane season. There are too many unpredictable variables when it comes to weather, and even with the flexibility of driving, it’s a stressful situation to navigate.

Ultimately, this trip was a valuable reminder to always plan for the unexpected, especially when traveling to areas known for extreme weather. Flexibility is key, and having the ability to pivot—whether through alternative travel routes or backup plans—can make all the difference when things don’t go as expected.

If you're ever traveling to Florida (or any area prone to severe weather), be prepared. Have multiple routes planned, avoid relying solely on major highways, and consider driving if possible to maintain flexibility. Safety should be your main priority, and no one will prioritize it more than you.

Sunrise at St. Pete Pier