PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Strict outdoor watering limits will stay in place across Pinellas County through March 31, 2027, as long-term drought conditions continue to drain regional reserves.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District made the call Wednesday to extend its “Extreme” Water Shortage Order for the county and surrounding areas. Even with recent summer storms rolling across the coast, rainfall over the past 12 months is running 15.4 inches below normal, according to district data. Water levels across local lakes, rivers, and the underground aquifer remain far lower than normal for late September.
District officials emphasized that cutting back on outdoor irrigation remains one of the fastest and most effective ways to protect the public water supply…