Rain in S. Fla. raises water levels on Lake O

MIAMI (AP) -- With parts of South Florida on pace for record annual rainfall, water managers are dealing with high water issues on Lake Okeechobee and in the Everglades.

The Miami Herald reports federal engineers on Wednesday ordered drainage gates opened wider after water levels climbed nearly a half-foot even though they've been releasing water for two weeks.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it could take another three weeks to a month for the water to drop to more seasonal levels in the Everglades without more rain.

The Army Corps of Engineers plan calls for Lake Okeechobee's water levels to stay between 12.5 feet and 15.5 feet above sea level. It was at 15.69 feet on Wednesday.

Through September, Miami recorded 79.51 inches of rain.

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