TAMPA, Fla. — Nearly two years after Hurricane Milton, a south Tampa church has finally completed repairs on its steeple.
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key nearly two years ago. On Oct. 9, 2024, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene, Milton's strong winds caused extensive damage and destroyed businesses and homes.
Milton also ripped the old steeple off of the Palma Ceia Methodist Church bell tower. The steeple landed on the church's lawn.
"Our steeple should have, by any estimation, landed right where we’re sitting in the middle of our sanctuary. I mean, would’ve put us out of commission," said Associate Pastor Rev. Justin Morrisroe.
Morrisroe said the church installed a new steeple in late September.
The church’s original cupola and steeple were constructed in 1953 and stood above the church for 71 years.
After extensive planning and restoration work, the new steeple has taken its place above the church once again.
“It’s amazing that the steeple landed on the lawn the way it did and didn’t crash through the sanctuary roof,” said Senior Pastor Bruce Toms.
The original steeple featured hand-crafted wooden louvers and a cast-iron cross, details that can no longer be duplicated. However, the project team made every effort to replicate the original design as closely as possible.
The new steeple was manufactured in Kentucky by a company that specializes in architectural steeples, cupolas, towers and other structures.
Rev. Morrisroe hopes the steeple serves as symbol of hope.
"Historically, churches would put steeples on the highest point of their buildings to honor God as being in the highest place, both in our hearts and on our buildings," he said.
"It’s an inspiration for our community and a good reminder that in a world that is full of all kinds of storms, there’s hope, and restoration is possible," he added.
Share Your Story with Julie
Julie Salomone works to share the issues that matter to you. And navigating the job market is critical to affording the price of paradise. Julie also focuses on the day-to-day issues in Sarasota County, so be sure to reach out to Julie to start a conversation.
.
'My heart breaks': Woman describes helping injured students after deadly school bus crash in Polk County
A woman on her way to work Monday morning found herself helping injured Winter Haven High School students after a school bus crash that killed two people.
