Dry season getting dryer

This year's dry season currently ranks as the third driest hydrologic season in recorded Florida history, according to the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, the U.S. Drought Monitor, which identifies general drought areas by intensity, has recently categorized all areas of the South Florida Water Management District as either moderate or severe drought zones with a prediction of possible drought intensification.

The drought and subsequent water shortage of 2007 are the result of persistent low rainfall dating back to 2006, which ranked as the sixth-driest year on record in terms of district-wide rainfall. The trend has continued through the first three months of 2007, as only 2.61 inches of rain has fallen year to date district-wide; this is 37 percent of the historical average for the three-month period ending March 30, 2007. During the month of March, only 0.60 inch of rain has fallen District-wide; this is 21 percent of the historical average for the month.

Fort Myers

Challenger Johnny Streets defeated longtime city councilwoman Veronica Shoemaker for a seat on the Fort Myers council. Streets is a retired police officer and activist. Shoemaker represented east Fort Myers for nearly 25 years. Councilman Michael Flanders defeated challenger Terry Hall for the other seat in elections held Tuesday, April 3. They were sworn in to office on Monday along with Thomas Leonardo who won the new Ward 6 seat in a February election.

Cape Coral

City voters overwhelmingly defeated a proposal to borrow up to $110 million to build a new public safety building by a 78 to 22 percent margin. Only about 15 percent of registered voters went to the polls on Tuesday, April 3. City officials are trying to come up with alternatives to the pricey building that voters rejected.

Bonita Springs

U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers, told a Bonita Springs crowd last week that Southwest Florida has big problems that Congress is ignoring. Mack said officials aren't spending enough money in our area for Interstate 75 and immigration.

Alva

Manatee Park on Palm Beach Boulevard recently opened Ethnobotany Trail to teach about plants. Guided trail walks are every Saturday in April at 10 am. The program is free. n