South Tampa church installs new steeple nearly two years after Hurricane Milton

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 were sitting in the middle of our sanctuary. I mean, wouldve put us out of commission," said Associate Pastor Rev. Justin Morrisroe.Morrisroe said the church installed a new steeple in late September. The churchs 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.Its amazing that the steeple landed on the lawn the way it did and didnt cr