Sarasota News Leader
September 27, 2013
As people poured into the state, they cleared
land for agriculture and residential uses. That
activity reduces evaporation rates. Roads and
concrete surfaces shunt rainwater directly
into bays, the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic
Ocean. Years of drought and increased demand have reduced water levels in the Floridan aquifer. People are using water faster than
it can be replaced, according to the University
of South Florida. Fresh water is in short supply.
Soon the rains will end. Rivers will recede.
Yards will dry up. No waking up to thunder.
No deluges. But for now, when out your window you hear, "Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit!" relish the
gifts the season brings! %
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