A strong cold front moved southeast through the eastern Gulf of Mexico and Florida Peninsula on the 20th, preceded by a squall line. The storms produced 4 tornadoes, and damaging wind gusts, in addition to strong gradient winds behind the front on the 21st. The strong onshore winds also produced coastal flooding along the coast and moderate to major beach erosion from Pinellas County to Lee County. .

High Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 21-DEC-18 04:00:00 to 21-DEC-18 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The NOS/CO-OPS site at Clearwater Beach (CWBF1) recorded a 62 knot gradient wind gust. The 1,200 foot Redington Long Pier collapsed in several sections due to high surf and crashing waves.  The pier was 56-years-old was closed in February of 2018 due to safety concerns from damage from 2017 Hurricane Irma. Damage estimate unknown.

Coastal Flood in COASTAL LEE, FLORIDA
From 21-DEC-18 12:28:00 to 21-DEC-18 12:31:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A meteotsunami flooded the north end of Sanibel Island with up to 4 feet of water.  A video of the event was available on YouTube.  Water did enter a few cottages and cars in the parking lot had water mid way up the doors.  Damage amount is unknown.  Time estimated from the public.

High Wind in COASTAL LEE, FLORIDA
From 21-DEC-18 12:52:00 to 21-DEC-18 12:52:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The WeatherFlow station near Boca Grande (XBCG) recorded a 55 knot gradient wind gust.

High Wind in INLAND LEE, FLORIDA
From 21-DEC-18 12:50:00 to 21-DEC-18 12:50:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS at Fort Myers Page Field (KFMY) recorded a 51 knot gradient wind gust.

Tornado in MANATEE, FLORIDA
From 20-DEC-18 08:32:00 to 20-DEC-18 08:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: OAK KNOLL
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media report that damage included a car port was destroyed, trees that fell on a shed, numerous branches knocked down along a narrow path.

Tornado in POLK, FLORIDA
From 20-DEC-18 09:14:00 to 20-DEC-18 09:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: CROOKED LAKE PARK
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 45.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Damage was found to the southeast side of a 4-unit duplex. The southeast unit sustained partial uplift of roofing material and broken windows on the east side of the building. Some roof damage extended to the the northeast unit as well. The building was built before the building code changes in the mid 1990s. Estimated damage including contents is $45,000.

Tornado in POLK, FLORIDA
From 20-DEC-18 08:45:00 to 20-DEC-18 08:51:00 (EST-5)
Location: FORT MEADE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported trees uprooted near US 98 and Pool Branch Road but no structures were affected. The only damage indicator is hardwood trees uprooted.

Tornado in CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA
From 20-DEC-18 12:28:00 to 20-DEC-18 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MURDOCK
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Damage path provided by Charlotte County Emergency Management. A weather station on a public building near the end of the tornado path recorded a 75 mph wind gust and was used to determine the timing. There was roof damage to a business on Veterans Boulevard and trees and branches down along the path.

Thunderstorm Wind in SARASOTA, FLORIDA
From 20-DEC-18 11:04:00 to 20-DEC-18 11:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: SIESTA KEY
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A public social media post showed a tree blocking Midnight Pass Road near Hidden Way in Siesta Key.

Thunderstorm Wind in PASCO, FLORIDA
From 20-DEC-18 07:40:00 to 20-DEC-18 07:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: LUMBERTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 137.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency Management reported 73 manufactured homes sustained damage in Forest Hills Mobile Home Park. Most of the homes sustained minor damage, although 5 had major damage. No damage was reported outside the community.

High Wind in COASTAL HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 21-DEC-18 08:45:00 to 21-DEC-18 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 68.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge was closed from around 9 am to 5 pm on December 21 due to 78 mph wind gusts at the the road surface which is about 200 feet above the water.