Drought

Afternoon showers have been popping up throughout Southwest Florida since the year began, but more so since the summer rainy season started May 15 in places like Collier County where 4.5 inches have fallen in less than three weeks. That’s inspired the watering restrictions and outdoor burn bans to an end in some communities, while others are leaving them in place for now.

A drop in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index to below 600 and has prompted Lee County and the City of Cape Coral to lift the temporary burn ban issued in January.

The small business administration is offering up to $2 million in low-interest loans

Floridians could be advised to celebrate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary without fireworks if heavy, ground-soaking rains don’t soon arrive.

Fifty percent of household water consumption comes from outdoor use. Households restricted to one-day watering schedule

Call the DeSoto County Sheriff's office to report burn ban scofflaws.

Highlands County is driest county south of Orlando.

Highlands county burn ban extended because of extreme dought

Despite rains that extremely dry ground siphoned up almost as soon as it fell Thursday, Friday and Saturday, several brush fires still managed to erupt across the area. The largest is in the Big Cypress National Preserve, in an area north of I-75.

Severe, extreme, and exceptional drought expands across Florida as temperatures remain warm and high pressure keeps showers and storms focused only on some areas.