Hidden beneath the waves of Sarasota Bay is, as the story goes, what has kept hurricanes away. If you’ve lived in the area long enough, you’ve likely heard the folklore of a Native American blessing that has protected Sarasota from taking a direct hurricane hit since dependable records have existed. It’s the legend of Sara de Soto – the daughter of Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto – and her love-struck forbidden romance with captured Seminole prince Chichi Okobee, local anthropologist Uzi Baram explains. When the captured prince got sick, it was Sara who nursed him back to health before she suddenly died herself. Her body was buried in the bay, which would also wind up being Chichi’s final resting place, Baram explained. “He's so heartbroken that he goes in a canoe with many of his warriors and they hatchet into the bottom of the canoe and they sink,” Baram said. The Shakespearean tragedy is a myth, according to Baram and the Sarasota County Historical Center. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/community-connection/hurricane-legend-protecting-sarasota-florida/67-549545cf-a550-465c-8195-0570b326d523