The Southwest Florida (SWFL) region is experiencing a severe drought. With rainfall deficits running over 13 inches, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has closed the Lake Hancock water control structure.
In the areas known for camping in Arcadia, in Polk County, large rocks that were normally underwater are now jutting out of the surface of the Peace River. Officials believe about 15 miles of the Upper Peace River will run dry.
19FortyFive is on the ground at the Magic Kingdom. Image taken on 8/15/2022.
As residents complain about the continued construction of new housing developments and AI data centers, the obvious signs of drought on the Peace River show no signs of abating until the rainy season begins in June.
How Bad the Drought Is in Florida: Peace River Campground Running Dry
“Normally, the water level is up to the grass, about two feet higher,” Ivan Manriquez with the Peace River Campground told FOX 13 in Tampa.
Manriquez told the news station that the receding waters have allowed him to drive a “land gator” vehicle where real alligators would normally be swimming.
“It’s hard to canoe because most places are low,” Manriquez added. “They have to drag the canoe. Even the airboat people, I don’t think they can get through here.”
If there is a silver lining to the drought at the campground, the fossil hunting should be booming right now in areas that are normally underwater.
Lake Hancock’s Water Control Structure Closure Is Bad News:
With the SWFWMD’s closure of the Lake Hancock P-11 water control structure, in an attempt to maintain lake water levels. The Upper Peace River from Lake Hancock to Fort Meade is expected to go dry and become non-navigable.
The river is expected to remain dry until the summer rainy season begins in June. Most of Southwest Florida remains in extreme drought conditions. Parts of the Florida Panhandle are in worse shape, being in “exceptional drought conditions, according to the state’s Drought Monitoring site.
Fish kills are expected downstream of the P-11 structure, as closing off the river’s flow will trap fish in isolated pools with low dissolved oxygen levels.
Water quality conditions will continue to worsen in Lake Hancock as the lake level declines due to evaporation. Fish kills are also expected in the lake due to low dissolved oxygen.
Most Of Florida Is Running Dry, Residents Waiting For Rainy Season:
U.S. Drought Monitor records indicate that the current drought is the most widespread and severe to affect the state since 2012. Many areas have received less than half their normal rainfall since September 1, 2025, according to the National Weather Service.
The Florida dry season typically runs from October through May, or for most of the year. January is typically the driest month of the year. During the dry season, the average rainfall in southwest Florida is about 3 inches, compared to 7-8 inches in summer. During this time, temperatures can be moderate, and humidity is low.
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Currently, near-to-slightly above-normal temperatures are expected over the next week, which will contribute to greater water evaporation, which isn’t great news.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) issued a Water Shortage Warning for Collier and Lee counties amid ongoing dry conditions and growing water supply concerns along the Southwest Coast.
The drought is affecting 84 percent of Florida.
Recent Rains Have Done Little To Alleviate Drought Conditions:
There have been recent rainstorms in SWFL, but they have done little to ease the region’s abnormally arid conditions. This weekend, more rain is expected in the area. However, that won’t add up to nearly enough to dent the deficit.
And experts say that until the dry season ends and the rainy season begins, typically in mid-May, the situation will not improve.
Ways To Mitigate Drought Conditions:
Drought mitigation strategies involve reducing water demand, enhancing supply, and adopting drought-resistant practices in agriculture and landscaping.
Mickey Mouse at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. August 2022. Image Credit: 19FortyFive.
Key measures include installing water-efficient irrigation (drip systems), soil moisture management (mulching, no-till), planting drought-tolerant crops and landscaping (xeriscaping), and implementing municipal water recycling or rainwater harvesting.
Residents can install low-flow fixtures and EPA WaterSense-labeled products, and use rain barrels or cisterns to save and reuse rainwater.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
