No.

Much of Florida is under extreme drought conditions, leading to advisories from officials to conserve water.
While Sarasota’s growing residential development isn’t necessarily helping to conserve water, it’s not the primary factor for the water shortage either.
The region is facing a 13.7-inch rainfall deficit compared to the average one-year total. Additionally, water resources such as lakes and rivers are declining, and public water supplies are below the average for this time of year.
Sarasota residents are in a phase three water shortage through July 1, which limits watering lawns to one day per week.
The number of residents in an area contributes to the amount of water used, but Sarasota –– along with many other Florida counties –– are under these restrictions due to the drought.
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Suncoast Searchlight partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims.
Sources
- Southwest Florida Water Management District Water Restrictions
- City of Sarasota Water Restrictions Press Release

