Polk County in Central Florida was struck directly by Hurricane Charley in 2004 as a Category 4 storm, causing extensive damage to the Punta Gorda to Orlando corridor. The county's numerous lakes create localized flooding challenges, and its location in the I-4 corridor makes it a common hurricane track. Sinkhole activity adds a unique geological hazard.
// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 6 / 10 Moderate Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Flooding |
| Secondary Hazard | Tornado |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone X (Moderate Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 38 |
| Last Major Event | Hurricane Charley (2004) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 5–7 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (863) 534-5600 |
| Emergency Shelters | 26 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-4 East, I-4 West, US-27 North, US-27 South |
// Recommended Preparedness Gear
Based on Polk County FL's primary hazard profile (Hurricane / Flooding), the following gear is recommended for a Moderate risk area.
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// County Profile
| County | Polk County FL |
| State | Florida (FL) |
| Population | 725046 |
| Area | 1875 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone X (Moderate Risk) |
// Other Florida Counties
Hillsborough County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
8/10
High
Collier County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
8/10
High
Duval County FL
Hurricane / Flooding
7/10
High
Palm Beach County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
8/10
High
Indian River County FL
Hurricane / Flooding
7/10
High
Hernando County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
7/10
High