Williams Team Wins at Panasoffkee; Driest Year on Record Drops Lake Levels Across Central Florida

2026 is now the driest year on record for Central Florida. Orlando is 15.29 inches below average rainfall, and lake levels are well below normal across the region, per News 13.

Results

Xtreme Bass Series — Citrus Division Stop 7, Lake Panasoffkee, July 26 Brandon Williams and Jesse Williams won with an 11.39-pound, three-bass limit over an 11-boat field.

Worth Knowing

Water shortage holds through October 1 SWFWMD's Governing Board voted June 23 to extend its Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage through October 1. The order covers Polk County, Winter Haven, and the rest of southwest Florida. Citations and fines apply for violations. Most of Lake County falls under the St. Johns River Water Management District, which prohibits watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. year-round.

Lake Okeechobee algae alert still active The Florida Department of Health issued a public safety alert July 10 urging people to avoid contact with toxic blue-green algae in Lake Okeechobee. Avoid water that appears bright green, has surface scum, or smells bad. Check current advisory locations before launching.

Trophy Catch deadline FWC Trophy Catch Season 14 runs through September 30. Anglers have until October 15 to complete submissions for bass logged this year. There are no new freshwater regulation changes for 2026–2027. Bag and length limits carry over from last season.