Jacksonville Waterways Joint Task Force Meeting on Fort George River No-Wake Zone – October 15, 2026

On October 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., the Jacksonville Waterways Commission joint task force held an informational meeting about a proposed no-wake zone at the Fort George River sandbar. Attendees included task force chair Matt Jones, Commissioners Scott Thomas and Andrew Freyden, JSO Marine Unit Lieutenant Kevin Kilcoin, Captain Haney, Councilman Gay, and members of the public. No agenda or minutes were available, so this summary is based solely on the raw transcript. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. No formal vote was taken.

Background and Purpose

• Matt Jones said the proposed no-wake zone is an urgent and essential public safety measure to reduce dangerous wakes, protect swimmers and children, and prevent collisions, capsizing, and life-threatening boat accidents in a congested area.
• On June 10, the Jacksonville Waterways Commission voted to form a joint task force to collect data. On August 21, a charge memo was issued naming Matt Jones, Jay Hobson (excused absence), and Scott Thomas to gather documentation and competent substantial evidence needed to support a finding under Rule 68D-21.004, Florida Administrative Code.
• Jones cited Florida Statutes 327.46, noting municipalities may regulate vessel speed in affected waterways, but such ordinances cannot take effect until FWC determines by substantial competent evidence that the ordinance is necessary to protect public safety.
• Jones pointed to a color photograph in the task force legislative proposal as an example of a documented navigational hazard under Section 68D-21.004(3)(b) and asked whether the sandbar itself qualifies as a navigational hazard.

Discussion Items

• JSO Lieutenant Kevin Kilcoin said he requested a CRAM analysis of calls for service for the last two years in the Fort George area. The CAD system is address-based, so nearby locations were included. He noted there are not substantial numbers of accidents or serious injuries in the area, and congestion cannot be statistically quantified because there are no waterborne traffic counters.
• Councilman Gay recalled previous efforts to address boat traffic, described issues at Shad Creek, and said new state legislation expected around December or January could allow expanded slow-speed and no-wake parameters that might also apply at Fort George.
• Jim provided historical context, saying FWC and JSO officers had previously asked the city for a no-wake zone because of dangerous congestion. He said the sandbar shifts constantly, the issue is public safety, blind areas, congestion, and ability to maneuver, and there have been fatalities in the area, though not necessarily boating crashes. He asked law enforcement representatives whether they would support a zone.
• Captain Haney responded that the JSO Marine Unit supports anything that promotes public safety on the waterways, though proving increased congestion statistically is a challenge. Slowing boats could also benefit manatees and other wildlife.
• Brian clarified the approval process: a city ordinance would be submitted to FWC Boating and Waterways for review and permit issuance, not directly to the FWC commissioners; if denied, an appeal process exists. He said the National Park Service, which manages Kingsley Plantation, supports the effort, and state parks could be contacted for a formal position.
• Andrew Freyden played devil's advocate, noting boaters are already responsible for their wakes, questioning whether the zone should be seasonal, and expressing concern about no-wake zones spreading to other areas. The task force responded that the effort is focused solely on Fort George.
• Jim and Matt Jones described Fort George as a destination rather than a pass-through, with no residential impact; surrounding land is state, county, or National Park Service property. Jones said the area has changed in 30 years from water-skiable water to one giant sandbar with small channels, and unfamiliar boaters arrive fast because there are no speed-zone signs.
• On seasonality, Jim suggested a year-round zone to reduce confusion. Matt Jones agreed, saying a year-round permit would be easier to adjust later to seasonal than the reverse. The group leaned toward recommending a year-round zone.
• The group agreed to seek clarification from general counsel and FWC about whether the sandbar is a navigational hazard under 68D-21.004(3)(b), and it was noted that the city would likely need to fund the signage if a permit is issued.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comments were limited to three minutes each.

• John Nooney, a Jacksonville resident, praised the meeting and cited Resilient Jacksonville from October 2023, saying 90 percent of Duval County waterways are private and only 10 percent are public. He emphasized that Fort George is a destination and called for additional public waterway access.
• Lisa Almeida, owner of Freedom Boat Club and self-described 35-year Fort George boater, said she is not normally in favor of no-wake zones but strongly supports this one for the safety of children and everyone. She described witnessing unsafe behavior, an unreported jet ski accident that summer, irresponsible operators, and the sandbar silting in. She said her club has 42 boats and could have 80 people at Fort George on a busy day, and she advocates for boat safety and no alcohol while boating.

Key Outcomes

• No formal vote was taken; the meeting was informational only. Broad support for the no-wake zone was expressed by the task force chair, Councilman Gay, Jim, Lisa Almeida, and law enforcement representatives, though Andrew Freyden raised questions and concerns.
• The task force requested JSO/FWC data, including calls for service and accident and injury statistics, and planned to pursue a public records request for statistical data.
• The task force will seek clarification from general counsel and FWC on the correct approval path, city ordinance with an FWC Boating and Waterways permit rather than FWC commission approval, and on whether the sandbar qualifies as a navigational hazard under Rule 68D-21.004(3)(b).
• The group leaned toward a year-round no-wake zone and will continue gathering documentation before presenting a formal recommendation to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission; future city council action may be needed to fund signage.