It is true that air temps have been a bit lower than normal and we have definitely been drier here in Central Florida the past several weeks, but there is still heat in the water. Just checking a couple of buoys with water temp in the Gulf shows the following:

Station 42036 (106 miles WNW of Tampa water temp 77.5 F
Station 42003 (208 miles W of Naples water temp 80.2 F
Station ID: 8724580 in the Keys has a water temp of 79 F
Station 42039 (115 miles ESE of Pensacola has a water temp of 78.1 F

These are borderline hurricane temps, but with the right weather pattern, they can support a decent system over the short term. And temps/humidity have been on the rise this week and will continue into the weekend. (highs in the mid/upper 80s through mid next week).

We could actually use a good rain event as these has been almost zero rain for the past month. Keep us posted as this seems to be developing into something we need to watch closely (no doomsday here...just caution).