Southwest Florida Water Management District

The 6 billion-gallon reservoir is designed to build reserves from the river during the summer that can be tapped during the drier fall and winter. An unusually dry rainy season in 2025 disrupted that cycle.

In addition to rain, river flows have picked up since late August. The reservoir that serves Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties is about 72% full.

The trade-off from a quiet hurricane season? The El Niño brewing in the Pacific Ocean could result in the most severe winter weather conditions ever recorded in Florida.

So when is the rain coming? No major storms are currently forecast.

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

Water district officials are doing surveys of seagrasses around the Tampa Bay area this week. And the results are mostly good.

It's the largest preserved area in the fastest growing part of the state. But despite being sandwiched between two large cities, few people have heard of it. Come along on a three-day trek to learn more.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District sent a letter to Fort Meade officials saying they can’t use the city’s existing water infrastructure to supply the center under new rules approved in December.

The restrictions apply to all residents, even those with private wells. Starting April 17, citations can be issued without warning. A Phase Three Extreme Water Shortage has been issued.

The region hasn't experienced such dry conditions for decades. Restrictions are in place to further limit outdoor watering.

SWFWMD is expected to go into Phase 2 restrictions, reducing lawn watering to once a week for properties of less than 1 acre.