Severe drought conditions along the Withlacoochee River have pushed water levels far below normal, prompting the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
to lower the gate at the Wysong Water Conservation Structure, located between Citrus and Sumter counties.
District chief professional engineer Dr. Mark Fulkerson said current water levels haven’t been seen in roughly nine years — the last time officials had to fully open the Wysong gate was in June 2017.
“We have to allow the river to flow,” Fulkerson said, adding that officials anticipated serious low-water conditions heading into the April–June dry season.
Fulkerson first flagged declining river levels back in February, when water in the Green Swamp Preserve was already running 2 to 3 feet below where it stood the previous year. He says little has changed since then due to persistent lack of rainfall.
Looking ahead, Fulkerson warned the situation could extend well beyond this year. “If we don’t get a good wet season, if it’s like 2025, we could have a multiple-year drought period,” he said. Relief is not expected until summer rains return.
Local businesses dependent on the river are feeling the strain. Jim Veal, whose family has owned the Pana Vista Lodge on Lake Panasoffkee for decades, said low water is affecting the fishing-based operation, though he noted he has seen worse multi-year droughts before.
Officials say wildlife and birds are faring reasonably well despite the conditions. On the positive side, the low water levels will allow crews to carry out repairs to the dam structure, with that work expected to begin within the week.
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