Jacksonville Waterways Commission Meeting - April 15, 2026

The Jacksonville Waterways Commission convened on April 15, 2026, at 9:30 AM and adjourned at 10:56 AM. The agenda included updates on the St. Johns River, a contract extension for the Manatee Protection Program, the Emerald Trail/McCoys Creek restoration, a legislative update, public comments on the George Crady Bridge and Hogpen Creek, approval of derelict vessel removal funding, and updates on Shad Creek and George Crady Bridge.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of February 11, 2026 and March 11, 2026 meeting minutes (both passed unanimously).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ulysses Cromity, Leatrice Bell, and James Bell expressed strong support for restoring the George Crady Bridge, emphasizing its historical and recreational significance and the need for safe fishing access.
• Brad Huntley, Charlie Bender, Philip Fallyer, and Jake Jacobs urged the commission to fund a watershed study of Hogpen Creek to evaluate sediment buildup and the impact of the Sandalwood Canal, stormwater runoff from road expansions, and JEA utility work. They cited loss of navigability, wildlife decline, and safety hazards.
• John Nooney spoke on multiple issues including McCoy’s Creek, Hogpen Creek, the George Crady Bridge, and raised concerns about representation of Community Planning Advisory Committees (CPACs) and the Office of General Counsel.

Discussion Items

• St. Johns River Status Report: Dr. Gerard Pinto reported water temperature (~70 °F), higher salinity due to a six‑inch rainfall deficit, and the northward movement of Microcystis algae currently in Crescent Lake and Lake George, expected to reach Jacksonville as waters warm. He noted two manatee deaths (one near Quarantine Island, one perinatal in Goodby’s Creek). Chair Amaro asked about algae risks; Dr. Pinto explained that Microcystis produces the liver toxin microcystin and that repeated exposure can be harmful.
• Manatee Protection Program Contract Extension: Eric Hinton outlined the city’s contract with Jacksonville University, which pays $90,000 per year (increasing to $103,000 per year under the second extension). The program includes Dr. Pinto’s reports, manatee sightings, public education, and coordination with law enforcement. Funding comes from the Mayor’s Office. Commissioner Hobson asked about grant opportunities; Mr. Hinton said grants had not been pursued but could be explored. Chair Amaro questioned whether commission action was required. OGC attorney Shannon MacGillis stated the commission does not have a direct vote on the mayor’s contract but could place it on a future agenda as an action item. The chair expressed a desire to take formal action.
• Emerald Trail/McCoys Creek Restoration: Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, presented the project. She reported that Groundwork has secured $24.5 million (including $9.4 million for McCoys Creek), while the city has contributed $193 million overall ($124 million for McCoys Creek). The restoration is designed to reduce flooding by two feet and remove 50 homes and businesses from the 100‑year floodplain. The project uses natural channel design and includes floodplain expansion, daylighting buried sections, and bridge modifications. Phase 1 restoration is complete; Phase 2 outfall is done; the remaining design continues through 2027. Ms. Ehas described a home‑repair program in North Riverside (51 homes completed, funded privately) and plans to expand to other neighborhoods. Commissioners praised the project's environmental and community benefits, including gentrification mitigation. The presentation highlighted planned amenities at Hollywood Park and a walkway overpass restoration due in June.
• Legislative Update: Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper, reported that the state legislative session had ended. She noted several victories: a ban by 2028 on transporting biosolids from South Florida to North Florida, regulatory guardrails on Class AA pollution, and mandatory quarterly PFAS sampling at utilities. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is building a St. Johns River watershed‑wide nutrient pollution model; 80 % of Duval County’s nutrient pollution originates upstream. Two bills that failed: the Blue Ribbons Project bill (which would have eliminated local county participation in large developments) and a fix‑it bill for SB 180 (which currently prevents local counties from adopting stronger resiliency measures). Asked about the Ocklawaha River restoration bill, Ms. Rinaman said it will return but faces local vs. regional perception challenges. Representative Dean Black supported starting early discussions for the next session.
• Old Business: Shad Creek Resolution: Council Member Gay updated that he is working with OGC and Captain Suber to develop a plan to respond to the state’s response and possibly move legislation forward. He is holding back his Community Benefits Agreement funding to pay for signage and awaiting FWC approval.
• Old Business: George Crady Bridge: Council Member Gay noted the economic importance of the bridge area (over 327,000 visitors in 2025, $39.3 million direct economic impact, 551 jobs supported, as cited by Commissioner Hoyles). He announced a noticed meeting in late May to review options from the Department of Environmental Protection. Multiple commissioners and Representative Black committed to ongoing efforts to restore the Duval County side of the pier. Commissioners Hardesty and Hoyles underscored the adverse impacts of nearby planned bridge construction on access and local businesses.
• Hogpen Creek Purview Discussion: Chair Amaro asked OGC whether the commission could pursue a study of silt buildup and the Sandalwood Canal’s effects on Hogpen Creek. Shannon MacGillis confirmed the subject matter is within the commission’s purview but that funding is a separate question; she will research the matter further. Commissioners Peluso and Gay suggested using CBA funds or the Duval Delegation process to support a study.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimously approved minutes from February 11, 2026 and March 11, 2026.
• Derelict Vessel Removal Grant (2026‑0226): The commission unanimously approved an ordinance appropriating $77,440 in grant funding from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the removal of four derelict vessels in the Ribault River, Trout River, Clapboard Creek/Cedar Point Creek, and near Jacksonville University.
• Manatee Program Contract: OGC will determine whether the contract extension requires a commission vote and, if needed, place it on a future agenda as an action item.
• George Crady Bridge: Council Member Gay plans a noticed meeting in late May with DEP to explore restoration options. Commissioners and Representative Black will continue advocacy; the public is encouraged to attend the Duval Delegation meeting.
• Hogpen Creek Study: The commission affirmed its subject‑matter purview; OGC will examine funding sources and potential liabilities. Commissioners noted that council members can allocate CBA funds and urged residents to raise the issue at the Duval Delegation meeting.
• Shad Creek Resolution: Council Member Gay is holding CBA funding for signage and awaiting FWC approval, working with OGC and Captain Suber on a plan to advance legislation.