HAINES CITY, Fla. — Starting April 3, restaurants across the Tampa Bay area will only be allowed to serve water if customers ask for it.
The new rule is part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order. The advisory also includes a stricter watering schedule and other changes to water usage.
According to the SWFWMD, the restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; the city of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County…