District Extends Modified Phase III Water Shortage
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted to extend the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage through Oct. 1, 2026, due to ongoing drought conditions throughout the region, which require all residents, including those on private wells, to continue following one-day-per-week watering restrictions with strict watering hours.
Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, watering hours remain reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. or 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows.
The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County.
The district received below-average rainfall during its 2025 summer rainy season and, at the time the Modified Phase III was declared, had a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. The rainfall deficit for May 2026 was 11.4 inches. In addition, water levels in the district’s water resources, such as rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are severely abnormal. Moreover, public water supplies are extremely low.
Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50 percent of water consumed by households, and residents should know and follow their local watering restrictions as well as conserve water wherever possible. Residents should check with their city or county for their allowable day and times, as many have different schedules or stricter hours in effect. Below is the standard schedule:
If your address (house number) ends in…
…0 or 1, water only on Monday
…2 or 3, water only on Tuesday
…4 or 5, water only on Wednesday
…6 or 7, water only on Thursday
…8 or 9*, water only on Friday
* and locations without a discernible address
Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties one acre or larger may only water before 4:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.
For additional information about the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order, visit the district’s website WaterMatters.org/Restrictions. For water conserving tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Water101.
Two Killed, Two Injured in Crash at Turkey Creek Road and SR-60 Intersection
Two people were killed, and two others suffered minor injuries following a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of North Turkey Creek Road and State Road 60.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, a Chevrolet Cobalt was traveling northbound on North Turkey Creek Road while a Dodge Journey was traveling eastbound on SR-60. A Kia K5 was stopped in the westbound left-turn lane on SR-60 at the intersection with Turkey Creek Road.
Authorities said the driver of the Chevrolet Cobalt entered the intersection against a red traffic signal and crossed into the path of the Dodge Journey. The Dodge Journey collided with the Chevrolet, causing the Cobalt to travel into the northeast corner of the intersection, where it struck a shed.
Following the initial impact, the Dodge Journey continued northeast and collided with the stopped Kia K5.
The driver of the Chevrolet Cobalt, a 59-year-old Plant City woman, and her passenger, a 59-year-old woman from Dover, suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Dodge Journey, a 71-year-old Sebring woman, and the driver of the Kia K5, a 20-year-old Plant City woman, sustained minor injuries in the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
Aspire Plant City recently hosted its annual Kentucky Derby fundraising event, raising an impressive $16,000 to support the children served by Everyday Blessings.
Community members, local businesses, and supporters gathered to celebrate the excitement of the Kentucky Derby while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in foster care. Through sponsorships, donations, and event participation, attendees helped generate funds that will directly benefit children living in Everyday Blessings’ family-style homes.
The funds raised will be used to purchase a new transit van, providing safe and reliable transportation for the children in Everyday Blessings’ care. The vehicle will be used to transport children to medical appointments, family visits, school and extracurricular activities, community outings, and other important events.
“Reliable transportation is essential to meeting the daily needs of the children we serve,” said Richard Stroud, Executive Director of Everyday Blessings. “This generous gift from Aspire Plant City will help ensure our children can access important services, maintain family connections, and participate in experiences that support their growth and well-being.”
Everyday Blessings provides residential care for children who have experienced foster care, abuse, neglect, or other challenging circumstances. Through its family-style care model, children live in nurturing homes led by full-time, live-in house parents who provide stability, consistency, and support.
The success of the Kentucky Derby fundraiser reflects Aspire Plant City’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the local community and supporting organizations that make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Everyday Blessings extends its sincere gratitude to Aspire Plant City, event sponsors, volunteers, and attendees whose generosity will have a lasting impact on the children and families served by the organization.
Thanks to the support of the Plant City community, a new transit van will soon help children reach the places that matter most—from doctors’ offices and family visits to educational opportunities, recreational activities, and memorable experiences that help them thrive.
