The area is under one day per week watering restrictions as first responders urge the risk of brush fires.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Warm, dry weather continues to contribute to severe drought throughout the Tampa Bay area. As watering restrictions remain, first responders warn the risk of brush fires is still high.
Level Up Lawn Care Owner Carlos Giddings said business during the winter typically slows down but recently, it’s hitting harder.
“This is the slowest winter I’ve ever experienced in my time in business,” Giddings said.
Employees have been reduced by at least half and trucks have been reduced, Giddings said. In addition, he has been unable to hire as much despite receiving employment inquiries.
Normally in season, phone calls requesting service are non-stop but Giddings said it has gone down to about one or two calls per week.
The drought, combined with the recent freeze, has damaged lawns across the area.
“I’ve got a lot of cancellations because the grass just isn’t growing, which is understandable,” Giddings said.
All Tampa Bay area counties are now under burn bans. Brush fires in recent weeks have prompted first responders to call on homeowners to act responsibly and help prevent brush fires.
The events have led to Governor Ron DeSantis signing an executive order on Feb. 10, declaring an executive order after local growers had also reported a hit from winter weather earlier this month.
“This action helps facilitate emergency harvesting and protects Florida agriculture from further losses with expedited recovery under state authority and prompt assistance to be provided to Florida’s farmers,” the governor stated.
Giddings said those especially with St. Augustine turf are facing harsh conditions from the drought and watering restrictions.
This month, a water shortage order from the Southwest Water Florida Management District Governing Board took effect. Residents — including those on private wells — must follow one-day-per-week lawn watering restrictions through July 1.
While the slowdown is affecting business, Giddings said he remains hopeful that this dry spell will soon pass and business will begin to rebound again.
“I just have faith, so I’m not too worried,” Giddings said. “I have a lot of great customers that have been with me for numerous years and they know that as soon as April comes, the grass is going to be growing again.”