SPC Stats
Path length: 3 miles
Width: 400 yards
Fatalities: 2
Injuries: 45
Rating: F3
County: Sarasota
Four tornadoes were reported in the state of Florida on March 17, 1985. The strongest occurred early in the AM. It was given a rating of F3 and traveled a short path of 3 miles through parts of Sarasota County. The tornado developed 2 miles SW of Venice and moved to 3 miles SE of town. 55 houses, many well-constructed, were destroyed. 220 other homes had minor to major damage. A 65-year-old woman was killed inside a camper. A 66-year-old man was killed while standing on his front porch. 45 people were injured.
Tornado Path
Click Map To Enlarge
SPC coordinates: Start: 27.08 / -82.48 End: 27.07 / -82.42
Note: Exact tornado path may not be straight and/or continuous.
Damage Photos from the March 1985 Storm Data Publication
Newspaper Clippings
Sources:
March 1985 Storm Data Publication
Grazulis, Thomas P. (1993). Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VT: The Tornado Project of Environmental Films. Page 1265.
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