Jacksonville Waterways Commission Meeting – June 10, 2026

The Jacksonville Waterways Commission convened on June 10, 2026, at 9:31 a.m. and adjourned at 11:29 a.m. during the final meeting of the council year. The commission received a water quality and manatee update, heard public comments, considered a small-scale land use amendment, and discussed Hogpen Creek watershed analysis, a Fort George River no-wake zone proposal, and updates on Shad Creek and the George Crady Bridge.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (May 13, 2026): A motion to approve was made, seconded, and approved without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carnell Oliver spoke on economic development through the Jacksonville Port Authority, advocating for a community trust fund for black Americans and a "freedman zone" within original city limits.
• John Nooney discussed FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District) and JWC, referencing recent trust funds and a planned movie project.
• Leatrice Bell commented on the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier, invited commissioners to tour the site with the Mayor on June 22 at 9:30 a.m., and expressed concerns about unannounced development and restricted public access.

Discussion Items

St. Johns River Status Report on Water Quality & Manatees (Dr. Gerard Pinto)

• Dr. Pinto reported that rainfall had increased, reducing salinity though levels remained high; water temperature was approximately 82°F. A year-to-date rainfall deficit of 5 inches persisted, but May brought 5–6 inches of rain. Mixed algae were present with no detectable toxins.
• Manatee mortality: Five additional deaths since the May meeting – three watercraft mortalities near Mayport, Huguenot Park, and Sisters Creek (suspected mating group struck by a large vessel), and one at the Queens Harbor lock, the third lock-related death this year. Aerial surveys counted 71 manatees.
• Lock safety: The management company is coordinating with state and federal agencies. Dr. Pinto noted a hydrophone system might be needed. Adam Hoyles suggested inexpensive steerable sonar; Dr. Pinto agreed. Chair Amaro asked about cost; Dr. Pinto stated the management company would bear it.

New Business: Small-Scale FLUM Amendment (2026-0475) – 0 Granite Place (WD-WR to LI)

• Ed Lukacovic (Planning Department) presented the proposed change from Water Dependent-Water Related (WD-WR) to Light Industrial (LI) for a 1.91-acre site, of which approximately 1.42 acres are Category 1 salt marsh wetlands. The site lies in a flood zone and the coastal high hazard area. Flows from the site reach Nichols Creek via a 400-foot cross drain.
• Applicant Brian Small stated a buyer wants to park up to five box trucks for a moving company and will not disturb wetlands; the change is needed because the trucks are not port-related.
• Commission concerns: Marc Hardesty noted nearly 80% of the site is wetlands and expressed reluctance, citing flooding risks and prior wetland destruction. Andrew Fraden worried about future changes after approval. Michael Barker questioned whether LI would allow more use; Lukacovic said no difference. Shannon MacGillis cautioned against discussing the companion rezoning bill (quasi-judicial).
• Representative Dean Black argued the current designation already allows parking with magnets, so approving causes no harm.
• Motion to recommend approval failed 4–5, effectively denying the amendment.

Other New Business: Hogpen Creek Watershed Analysis – FIND Letter of Support

• Michael Barker requested adding the study to FIND’s project list. Brian Burket (Parks) clarified the study itself is not FIND-eligible; only recommendations can be funded at 25% reimbursement (no public access facility), with 50% of match from benefiting properties. A public facility could raise reimbursement to 50%, but opportunities are minimal.
• Matt Carlucci asked about study cost; Burket estimated unknown without hiring a consultant. Jim Suber noted dredging is not a permanent solution.
• Shannon MacGillis recommended no commission action because Councilmember Rory Diamond committed to securing funding for the analysis. The commission took no vote.
• Marc Hardesty tied the issue to persistent shoaling problems (e.g., Clapboard Creek) and stressed the need for agency acceptance of future studies.

Other New Business: Fort George River Sandbar Boating Hazard – No-Wake Zone Proposal

• Matt Jones proposed designating the Fort George Inlet a No Wake Zone, citing up to 200–300 boaters on weekends, shifting sandbars, and safety risks. He noted minimal cost for signage. Support expressed by Councilmember Gay (who discussed increased patrols) and Jim Suber (who had received requests from FWC and JSO).
• Shannon MacGillis explained that municipal regulation under F.S. 327.46 requires an ordinance, competent substantial evidence for FWCC review, and coordination with FDEP, Coast Guard, and Army Corps due to the site’s protected status (Timucuan Preserve, Outstanding Waterway). She recommended creating a task force to gather evidence.
• Chair Amaro called for a task force with a 90-day deadline. A motion to authorize its creation was made, seconded, and approved without objection. Amaro proposed three commission members (Jones, Gay, Hardesty) and two public members; MacGillis will draft a charge memo by June 12.

Old Business: Shad Creek Resolution Update

• MacGillis stated the waterway lacks adequate features for municipal speed regulation under statute, so the matter rests with FWC. Burket suggested applying to FWC for zone expansion, noting a navigation study was not done when the bridge was replaced. No further action.

Old Business: George Crady Bridge Update

• Acting Chair Gay reported meeting with FDEP, which is open to developing a plan for reopening the fishing pier. Work in progress.

Key Outcomes

• Land Use Amendment 2026-0475: Denied by a vote of 4–5.
• Fort George River Task Force: Authorized unanimously; three commission members and two public members to be appointed; charge memo due June 12; report due within 90 days.
• Hogpen Creek: Commission acknowledged the FIND letter but took no action; Councilmember Diamond’s funding commitment noted.
• Shad Creek: Municipal regulation not feasible; FWC to lead.
• George Crady Bridge: FDEP engaged; plan development ongoing.
• Meeting adjourned at 11:29 a.m.