The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida is climbing again, increasing to a statewide average of 332 Wednesday from 330 on Tuesday. The driest counties across South Florida are seeing dry conditions worsen. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry.

A brush fire that grew to about 10 acres licked property lines Wednesday as the Wilshire Lakes neighborhood evacuated, smoke stymied commuters.

A brush fire erupted off Interstate 75 in Naples, Florida, on Wednesday, March 26, snarling traffic and prompting a evacuation of a nearby communities and a park. The fire burned 10 acres and was 95% contained.