Florida is notorious for its most prominent natural event—the hurricane. As a scholarly publisher located in the state, University Press of Florida has many books on the history and science of these devastating storms. This list of books offers detailed accounts of infamous hurricanes from the past, as well as insight into why tropical cyclones happen and what researchers are doing to help residents in the paths of storms stay safe.
Tossed to the Wind: Stories of Hurricane Maria Survivors
María T. Padilla and Nancy Rosado
Framed by the stories of Hurricane Maria evacuees, this is the gripping account of the wreckage, despair, and displacement left in the wake of one of the deadliest natural disasters on U.S. soil. It is also a story of hope and endurance as Puerto Ricans on the island shared what little they had and the diaspora in Florida offered refuge.
Category 5: The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane
Thomas Neil Knowles
In the midst of the Great Depression, a furious storm struck the Florida Keys with devastating force. With winds estimated at over 225 miles per hour, it was the first recorded Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States. In this book, Thomas Knowles pieces together this dramatic story, moment by moment.
In the Eye of Hurricane Andrew
Eugene F. Provenzo, Jr. and Asterie Baker Provenzo
Based on interviews with survivors and rescue workers in the weeks and months that followed Hurricane Andrew in 1992, this book is the extraordinary story of one of the most destructive natural disasters in modern American history as told by the people who lived through it. From a psychological and social point of view, Andrew was unprecedented.
The Politics of Disaster: Tracking the Impact of Hurricane Andrew
David K. Twigg
The way elected officials respond to natural disasters can leave a permanent mark on their political careers. This fascinating book reveals how elected officials adjusted their strategies and activities in the wake of Hurricane Andrew and points out the possible effects of other disaster events on political campaigns.
In Katrina’s Wake: The U.S. Coast Guard and the Gulf Coast Hurricanes of 2005
Donald L. Canney
This book presents a riveting account of the astounding operations undertaken by the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While other government agencies struggled to mobilize and failed to provide real solutions, one small, decentralized agency stepped forward and performed above and beyond the call of duty.
The Wind Engineers: Building a Hurricane-Safe House
At the University of Florida’s Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, wind engineers study storm systems and design buildings to better withstand the forces of nature. Follow their stories as they work towards their goal of making sure our houses are still standing, and we are safe, after the storm.
Florida Weather and Climate: More Than Just Sunshine
Jennifer M. Collins, Robert V. Rohli, and Charles H. Paxton
With many maps, helpful diagrams, and clear explanations, this book is an illuminating and accessible guide to Florida’s dramatic weather and climate. In addition to revealing why severe weather phenomena such as hurricanes occur, the book also reviews the procedures in place to track and measure these events and warn citizens in danger.
The Florida Bookshelf 