A stretch of the Upper Peace River from just south of Lakeland to Fort Meade is expected to run dry within days as drought conditions force water managers to make a stark tradeoff.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is closing the structure that releases water from Lake Hancock into the river — a move that will help to protect the 4,584-acre lake and wetlands around Circle B Bar Reserve.
But the move will effectively cut off the river’s primary source. With little rainfall to replenish it, officials expect the river to run dry and become unnavigable within days, then stay that way until the June rainy season.
Why it’s happening
Water managers are required to maintain minimum lake levels to protect fish, wildlife, and water quality during declared shortages…