Floridians Beg Publix to Bring Back Hurricane Cakes

Each Floridian deals with incoming storms and hurricanes differently, but there was once one delicacy that united us all, and it was the infamous Publix hurricane cake.

In August 2023, Publix officially discontinued its controversial hurricane cakes, many shaped like storm radars, with blue, green, red, and white swirls representing the storm's severity. They were also decorated with messages like "Leave Florida Alone" and "Go Away" in an act of sweet solidarity. Due to mixed reviews on social media, the company discontinued them, claiming they went against its policies.

Now, as Florida enters a devastating hurricane season, the bold dessert is truly missed — especially at hurricane parties in Miami. It's being missed so much that Reddit user Italics12 posted a photo of the cake with the caption, "Bring back hurricane cakes." The post collected more than 1,400 upvotes and 80 comments in just three days.

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Titled "Bring back hurricane cakes," Italics12 pleaded for Publix to bring the hurricane cakes back. "As we face another hurricane, please bring back the cakes. Will it stop a hurricane? No. But could it be a useful way to take care of aggression. Right now, I have very strong aggression and I want to eat my feelings," reads the post.
To this day, the decision was embraced by some but criticized by others, and comments on the viral Reddit post remain torn. While many miss the cakes and see it as a light-hearted hurricane tradition to eat their feelings away ahead of the uncertainty of a serious storm, others find it insensitive due to the gravity of these hurricanes and the immense impact they can have on locals.

One commenter says, "Not appropriate with so many people currently suffering." Another argues, "People being too sensitive is why we can't have nice things."

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In an update shared by Italics12, they expressed having called their local store and spoken to a manager about the possibility of having the cakes make a comeback but using the profit to support relief efforts.

The Reddit user says their local Publix team is discussing the possibility with management.

In the meantime, New Times has to ask: What's your opinion? Should the hurricane cakes make a comeback?