Since the beginning of June, an average of nearly three feet of rain has fallen across southwest Florida, most of that coming over the past month or so. Forecasters predict a stronger El Nino weather pattern this winter as well, meaning a wetter and cooler season. Areas like North Fort Myers have seen a foot or more of rainfall at a time, and flood-prone areas continue to have standing water. State water quality officials say that stained waters along the coastline are from excessive runoff north and south of the Caloosahatchee River.
