This is Paul Janensch with a Treasure Coast Essay about our severe drought. Yes, on April 13, the National Weather Service declared that all of Indian River and St. Lucie counties plus inland Martin County are experiencing a severe drought. Okeechobee County and south Brevard County also are suffering severe drought. About a third of the state is in a severe drought. Governor Rick Scott issued a state of emergency because of an increase in wildfires. The dry season is drier and hotter than usual. In March, St. Lucie and Martin counties received only an inch of rain, less than 30 percent of the average amount. Those of us in the drought areas are being told to limit lawn irrigation to conserve water. Will the rainy season start June 1, as scheduled? How much rain will fall? Keep your fingers crossed. I’m Paul Janensch.
