By mid-July 2026, drought-affected areas were home to 15.5 million of Florida’s 23.5 million residents. Dryness lasting into lightning season raised wildfire risk; prolonged drought can threaten clean-water access, with 16.2% of Florida in extreme drought.
National Integrated Drought Information System data showed drought across all of Sarasota and Manatee counties. June 2026 was Sarasota’s fifth-driest in 132 years and Manatee’s fourth-driest.
Sarasota County has a year-round once-a-week watering schedule; Manatee County says it maintains multiple water sources and follows water-shortage plans when needed. ManaSota-88 raised concerns that the Southwest Florida Water Management District may draw from additional natural sources if it lifts its water-storage emergency order. The district said current protections are designed to prevent such withdrawals: minimum flows and levels protect natural waters from significant ecological harm. It has also prioritized more than $600 million in cooperative funding for alternative water-supply projects over the next 20 years.
