Florida Needs Water

South Florida made it on the news this morning on CNN.com and it would be a crime if I didn't report it! No, it wasn't for a voting crisis or illegal immigrants crossing any borders. According to CNN, we are unfortunately facing the strictest water restrictions...well...ever.

This is our 18th month in a dry spell and evidence of our lack of rain is everywhere. Browning grass, low lake water and a miserable sugar cane crop are attributes of South Florida agriculture at this time. CNN says, "Lake Okeechobee, the region's primary reservoir, is down to 9.3 feet above sea level -- less than half a foot above its record low. Farmers and the area's 600 golf courses must use 45 percent less water in the hardest-hit areas, and home sprinklers are restricted to once a week. Officials are comparing the drought to another in 2001 that caused an estimated $400 million in agricultural losses."

Florida agriculture is already suffering with a decrease in farms throughout the state, many local farmers hurt by the state Greenbelt Law. It is far too easy for companies to claim their lots as farms and benefit from tax breaks in my opinion. These laws aren't protecting the neighborhood farmer in West Palm Beach who simply wants to sell what he grows in his community.

Although rainclouds and thunder could be heard throughout the southern part of the state during the weekend, many parts didn't see a drop of rain. For those that did, it was sparse and may have only lasted minutes. CNN reports, "Voluntary water restrictions were recommended around the start of this year, and mandatory limits came in March. Tighter clamps were ordered in April, and last week the toughest restraints in history took effect in some areas, limiting home watering and cutting commercial use by almost half. Authorities hope the rainy season, which typically begins June 1, will wash away the trouble, but the area is so dry that even an average summer wouldn't break the drought."

It seems that this hurricane/rainy season may be welcomed with open arms for once. I know I don't appreciate rainstorms everyday at 3 p.m. but the way things have been going, I'm looking forward to them! Just leave out anything hurricane-related.