Red Flag Warnings in Eight Counties; Polk Under Phase III Through July 1

Wildfire risk dominated the week on the water. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings April 20–21 for Lake, Polk, Osceola, Orange, Sumter, Marion, Seminole, and inland Volusia counties as low humidity and gusty northeast winds pushed fire danger to high. A 120-acre brush fire in northern Lake County near Umatilla — started by a new homeowner clearing land — had crews working into Tuesday evening, with voluntary evacuations issued and Wiygul Road closed.

Results

The spring pro circuit has moved out of state. MLF's REDCREST wrapped at Table Rock Lake on April 19, and Jacob Wheeler took the win.

Coming Up

The FWC Southwest Florida Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup wraps today, April 26. The weigh-in is the public-facing piece — educational exhibits, family activities, and a chance to see the bullseye snakeheads, clown knifefish, and tilapia that anglers brought in over the three-day event.

FWC's Cast for Cash program is now live statewide. Anglers are paid for recording trip data through the program, which FWC and SFWMD are using to track species distribution and help remove invasives.

Worth Knowing

Polk County remains under SWFWMD Modified Phase III water shortage restrictions through July 1. Lake levels on the Winter Haven chains are running low, and the lack of rain this spring continues to show on the gauges.

The Phase III restrictions affect irrigation schedules and pressure-washing, which matters for anyone scheduling dock or seawall work in Polk County that needs water. The Winter Haven and county notices carry the current rules. Burn bans and outdoor watering rules are both in effect.