PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla — The severe drought is taking a toll on Palm Beach County’s sugar cane crops.

Normally June through August is South Florida’s rainy season when the sugar cane thrives, growing about an inch a day. But with barely any rain and less water available from Lake Okeechobee, sugar cane growers stand to lose millions.

Growers say part of the problem is because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who help manage the lake, release water when the lake’s level rises above 15 feet.

“There are concerns about the integrity of the dike but maintaining low levels in the lake makes dry situations drought situations,” said Judy Sanchez, U.S. Sugar Corporation.

Sugar industry officials say with the lake being so low, we are going to see a bigger impact on next year’s crop because we will not have enough water available for irrigation.

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