Drought Plus Lightening Is Devastating

With all of the press articles regarding the drought conditions in areas of the western United States, the drought conditions in south Florida are sometimes forgotten. Darren J. Davis, Director of Golf Course Operations, at Olde Florida Golf Course in Naples, Florida was gracious enough to sent me these pictures and a description of what mother nature can do in a drought situation.

South Florida has not received rain in over two months and then last Thursday (June 3, 2004) a lightening bolt hit the outer perimeter of Olde Florida Golf Course around hole number 6. Cabbage palms, pines, and cypress trees surround Olde Florida Golf Course, which went up in flames quickly. The fire moved along 5 other holes destroying 6 holes worth of perimeter trees, a rain shelter and a 700- foot bridge that crossed a wetland area. The fire burned for three days.

Regarding the bridge, a 6-inch irrigation main ran under the bridge. Fortunately, Darren Davis had designed the irrigation system with a valve at each end so the only inconvenience is it lengthened the run time since the system no longer "looped".

Water is a critical resource globally. Although periodic drought conditions can occur in the Great Lakes Region and flooding (like last year), we are fortunate to have a plentiful supply of fresh water and frequent rains.

This photograph shows what is left of the cart bridge across the wetlands area at Olde Florida

Authors: Karl Danneberger