Air, water, fire: Southwest Floridians face growing challenges from nature

Southwest Florida has been plagued by a series of environmental issues that could affect the largest industry in the area, tourism.

Dry weather brings an increase of wildfires, threatening homes and at times blanketing the area with smoke.

A recent outbreak of red tide is driving beachgoers away from the shoreline. And, ongoing Lake Okeechobee water quality and capacity issues have prompted Gov. Rick Scott to expedite repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding the lake.

We break down the environmental challenges Southwest Floridians are currently facing:

Drought in Southwest Florida