Two children with autism drowned in Jacksonville retention ponds within weeks of each other on the city's Northside in August 2026. City Council member Reggie Gaffney Jr. is drafting legislation to establish new safety requirements around retention ponds following the deaths.
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Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. is preparing to draft legislation after two children with autism drowned in Jacksonville retention ponds.
A Jacksonville City Council member is pushing for possible new safety requirements around retention ponds after two children with autism were found dead in neighborhood ponds just weeks apart.
Two Jacksonville children with autism drowned in Northside retention ponds within a matter of weeks, prompting city leaders, healthcare professionals and community members to begin searching for ways to prevent another tragedy.