City Council acting to prevent future tragedies after 2 children drown in retention ponds

NEWS

Published: September 2, 2026 at 10:54 AM

Tags: Morning Show

The deaths of two Jacksonville children with autism last month are prompting new questions about how the city can prevent another tragedy. Jacksonville City Council has created a special committee on drowning prevention that will examine safeguards around retention ponds and other bodies of water, along with swimming access, education and resources for families. City Council President Nick Howland joined News4JAX to explain what happens next.