It’s not Gasparilla season yet, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see boats parading up Bayshore Boulevard, apparently. With South Tampa’s iconic roadway under water thanks to Hurricane Helene, a trio of Donald Trump supporters grabbed the opportunity to boat their way along Bayshore during high tide Thursday morning. Their blue “Trump 2024” flag flapped in the wind as they sped north near Orleans Avenue, their motor barely audible over the roar of the wind in video taken by Cory Watilo.

Navigating the Floods

The entire length of Bayshore Boulevard is located in Evacuation Zone A, which is included in the county’s evacuation order that went into effect at 9 a.m. Thursday. Waves were visibly crashing over the balustrade in the video.

Bayshore regularly floods during hurricanes and other storms. Last year, during Hurricane Idalia, a paddleboarder was spotted battling the wind and waves though the flooded road. And in nearly every hurricane, fake photos of a shark swimming along Bayshore go viral.

The hurricane is due to make landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida tonight as a possible Category 4 storm, but its massive wind field is pushing water inland along the entire Gulf Coast.  The Tampa Bay area is expected to see 5 to 8 feet of storm surge tonight as strong winds from the south hold more water in the bay. Those surge numbers will be higher to the north – perhaps as much as 20 feet near the point of landfall.

A Reminder to Evacuate

Earlier in the day, the sheriff of neighboring Pinellas County warned coastal residents not to play “stupid games” and urged those in evacuation zones to “get out.” Though the water had receded midday Thursday, Tampa police blocked off much of Bayshore to traffic, expecting more flooding as Hurricane Helene passes to the west.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the Howard Frankland Bridge were both closed to traffic because of the weather as of Thursday afternoon. 

A Reckless Decision

While the Trump supporters’ boat ride may have seemed like a thrilling adventure, it was a dangerous and irresponsible decision. They were in direct violation of the evacuation order, putting themselves and potentially others at risk. The waters were surging, and there was a significant risk of debris in the water. It was not a time for pleasure cruising.

It is important to remember that during a hurricane, the primary concern is the safety of all individuals. Disregarding evacuation orders can lead to a strain on emergency services and potentially hinder rescue efforts. In this case, the Trump supporters’ actions were not only reckless but also disrespectful to those who had chosen to heed the warnings and evacuate their homes.

A Reminder of the Importance of Safety

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking hurricane warnings seriously. When authorities issue evacuation orders, they do so for a reason. Ignoring these orders can have serious consequences.

The residents of Tampa Bay are no strangers to hurricanes, and they are well-versed in the dangers these storms can pose. However, this event serves as a reminder that even the most experienced residents can make mistakes. It’s crucial to always err on the side of caution and prioritize safety during a hurricane.

The actions of the Trump supporters may have provided some entertainment value, but they also highlight the dangers of disregarding safety guidelines during a natural disaster. It’s important for everyone to remember that hurricane warnings are not meant to be taken lightly. The safety of everyone involved should always be the top priority.