Drought

Even though it's rained the past few days, local officials say our drought continues. Now, Tampa is doubling down on enforcing water restrictions.

Mosquito control groups are hard at work during the drought, making sure today's low mosquito count doesn't become a population boom.

The worst water shortage in nearly a decade has drained regional water reserves and prompted emergency water restrictions and rule changes along the Peace River, raising concerns about the long-term impact on Southwest Florida’s ecosystems.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have reopened spillway gates at three dams along the Caloosahatchee River. The spillways were opened this week to restore the downstream flow of freshwater, which is necessary to counteract the tides pushing saltwater up the river

Suncoast Searchlight reviewed water-restriction complaints and enforcement records across Sarasota County during Southwest Florida's most severe drought in nearly a decade and found municipalities are taking sharply different approaches to enforcement.

The ongoing drought has lowered water levels which has increased concentrations of containments. However, drinking water and overall water supply for firefighting wildfires has had little to no impact.

Why is a region of the U.S. more often known for thunderstorms and humidity in spring seeing so many wildfires? Here's what's happening to drive these conditions.

Florida is experiencing one of its worst droughts in decades, causing widespread wildfires and evacuation orders in large swaths of the state.

The amount of rainfall needed to end the drought around Florida varies from a few inches across Central Florida to nearly 30 inches along the Interstate 10 corridor.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will hold water in Lake Hancock — protecting Circle B habitat while cutting off downstream flow.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning – the highest weather risk for wildfires – for several counties across the greater area. The warning expires at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Wildfire activity is increasing across Florida as significant drought conditions persist, with more than 100 fires burning nearly 12,000 acres.