The red means "high hazard" which is *exactly* what the conditions are on Tampa Bay right now. Credit: Cathy Salustri

The red means “high hazard” which is *exactly* what the conditions are on Tampa Bay right now. Credit: Cathy Salustri
The National Weather Service issued a marine warning for Tampa Bay.

The warning lasts until 11 a.m., at which time it will either get extended or expire. But use your judgment, y'all.

Folks, if you need to be told not to take your boat out in this crap, we really can't help you. But if, for some reason, you feel the need to do so, you're on your own. Tow boat services don't have any obligation to come get you when there's a marine warning. Which means you'll need to call the Coast Guard and trust us, they have better things to do.


This article appears in Dec 20-27, 2018.

Cathy's portfolio includes pieces for Visit Florida, USA Today and regional and local press. In 2016, UPF published Backroads of Paradise, her travel narrative about retracing the WPA-era Florida driving...