Nearly two years after Hurricane Milton, a south Tampa church has finally completed repairs on its steeple.Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key nearly two years ago. On Oct. 9, 2024, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene, Milton's strong winds caused extensive damage and destroyed businesses and homes.Milton also ripped the old steeple off of the Palma Ceia Methodist Church bell tower. The steeple landed on the church's lawn."Our steeple should have, by any estimation, landed right where were sitting in the middle of our sanctuary. I mean, wouldve put us out of commission," said Associate Pastor Rev. Justin Morrisroe.Morrisroe said the church installed a new steeple in late September. The churchs original cupola and steeple were constructed in 1953 and stood above the church for 71 years.After extensive planning and restoration work, the new steeple has taken its place above the church once again.Its amazing that the steeple landed on the lawn the way it did and didnt crash through the sanctuary roof, said Senior Pastor Bruce Toms.The original steeple featured hand-crafted wooden louvers and a cast-iron cross, details that can no longer be duplicated. However, the project team made every effort to replicate the original design as closely as possible. The new steeple was manufactured in Kentucky by a company that specializes in architectural steeples, cupolas, towers and other structures.Rev. Morrisroe hopes the steeple serves as symbol of hope."Historically, churches would put steeples on the highest point of their buildings to honor God as being in the highest place, both in our hearts and on our buildings," he said."Its an inspiration for our community and a good reminder that in a world that is full of all kinds of storms, theres hope, and restoration is possible," he added. ...read more read less