Water levels across west-central Florida are unusually low for this time of year, and it’s not just a small dip, according to Dr. Mark Fulkerson, chief professional engineer with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Mark has spent more than 20 years studying the Withlacoochee River, Green Swamp and surrounding areas. He has seen water levels rise and fall over time and Mark says, “All of our regions, rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, creeks, even the aquifer, they’re all dependent upon rainfall. Without it, we’re going to see water levels drop.”
This year, the region may be heading into another unusually dry cycle. After the flooding brought by Hurricane Milton in 2024, the region saw very low rainfall in 2025, leaving water bodies without the seasonal boost they rely on. Over the past 30 years, extreme droughts have occurred roughly every seven years. It’s been about nine years since we’ve had one, and Mark predicts, “It seems like this year, coming into 2026, is going to be another one of those extremely dry years.” Despite the current challenges, he emphasizes that these conditions are part of long-term natural cycles.
Check out the video to learn more.