Hurricane Charley, which struck Florida on August 13, 2004, as a Category 4 hurricane, remains a significant event in the state's history. Making landfall near Cayo Costa with 150 mph winds, it caused 15 deaths and billions in property damage, particularly affecting Polk County and Fort Myers. Charley was the first of four hurricanes to hit Florida in the 2004 season, followed by Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, marking an unprecedented period of tropical activity. The storm's unexpected veer to the east spared Tampa Bay but caused massive destruction in areas like Punta Gorda. Despite advancements in forecasting technology, predicting exact landfall points remains challenging, as evidenced by Charley's rapid intensification and unexpected path changes. The storm's impact and the subsequent hurricanes underscored the need for better preparedness and emergency response strategies in the state.