Behind the story: Michaela Galligan on Florida’s drought

Sarasota Herald-Tribune intern Michaela Galligan did a great job during her stint this summer, and her Sept. 20 cover story – “Why Florida’s drought is threatening more than lawns” – is a shining example of her work.

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Michaela’s story takes on wide-ranging look at how Florida’s extended drought has raised the risks our region faces in maintaining our access to clean water.

Here’s our Q-and-A with Michaela on her story.

Q. How did you approach this story, and what guided your process in reporting it?

I first discovered this topic through a newsletter email cited in the story and realized that access to clean water is a major issue during times of drought.

I have also been aware of Florida’s drought crisis over the past several months, so it seemed like an important and timely tie-in for a larger story.

I then contacted city, county and organization officials – as well as environmental activists and experts – for their opinions and thoughts on the greater issue, which built the story from there.

Q. What are the biggest takeaways from this story that you hope will stick with readers?

I hope readers will consider the impacts of the usage of clean water, both in times of drought and not.

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In Florida, I feel like we don’t often consider having limited access to water.

We think that it is just an issue in states out west, but that is far from the truth.

It’s important to prepare for drought and know the impacts it can have, from turning the sprinklers on in the yard to the local environment.

Q. What’s the next potential chapter in this story?

I think a follow-up to this a year from now could be very telling.

Have Floridians learned from the severe 2026 drought, or will trends continue into 2027?

The environment and weather patterns are constantly evolving, so this situation could look very different in 12 months.

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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Behind the story: Michaela Galligan on Florida’s drought

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This story was originally published September 20, 2026 at 4:01 AM.