TAMPA, Fla. — The Southwest Florida Water Management District is expected to consider extending its Phase III Modified Water Shortage Order during a board meeting Tuesday, as the region continues to face a significant rainfall deficit.
The district says summer storms have helped stabilize conditions, but they have not been enough to erase the long-term shortage. According to the district, the rainfall deficit grew slightly from 15.2 inches in July to 15.4 inches in August.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows moderate to extreme drought conditions still affecting much of the greater Tampa Bay area…