Drought

It’s a surge in dryness throughout the area. All of Southwest Florida is under serious drought conditions, while three counties have entered severe warning.

More than 100 wildfires were burning throughout Florida at the end of April, 14 million state residents are gripped by drought, and hurricane season's coming.

The drought is showing signs of expansion across the Panhandle, the only area that is not currently experiencing a drought. At the same time, other parts of the Peninsula have received only a fraction of the average rainfall so far this year—time to conserve water even more.

About 60 percent of Florida is experiencing a drought, with the worst one affecting South Florida and worsening.

Conditions for a burn ban have been met; Lee County will continue to monitor conditions.

A water shortage in Cape Coral and Lee County. Parched soil and worsening drought throughout Southwest Florida. Wildfires are expected next, and not small ones.The restrictions were put into place to protect the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer and drinking water supply in that area. The area affected is bound by NE Pine Island Road on the south, Neilson Road N on the west, NE 24th Avenue and Garden Boulevard on the east and the Gator Slough Canal on the north.

A six-acre wildfire in Naples caused homeowners to evacuate, and Sarasota County added itself to the growing list of counties with an outdoor burn ban

Florida's wildfire season is heating up early this year. Right now, blazes surround Southwest Florida

Some isolated spots received slight relief from the drought courtesy of the low pressure that dissected the state earlier this week. Can we expect more soon?

The Charlotte County Commission and the City of Punta Gorda have imposed a ban on all outdoor burning, including the use and discharge of fireworks and sparklers, due to ongoing drought conditions and increased fire risk.Burn bans also remain in effect in Collier, Sarasota, Glades, Hendry and Highlands counties in Southwest Florida.