It’s hot and muggy down there - totally saps your energy most of the year and it takes more energy to enunciate every word.
I also think geography has a lot to do with it. My favorite is a Texan accent. Unfortunately I have a touch of philly and new york but say, “eh?” and “y’all” every once in a while. I don’t say wooder for water though.
Have fun!
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/12/20/sunday-review/dialect-quiz-map.html?_r=1&;