Daytona Beach officials are set to address a painful community loss. After two young brothers drowned in a retention pond earlier this month, city commissioners will meet on Wednesday to discuss possible fencing requirements for storm‑water ponds throughout the city.
Agenda and Options
The commission will not vote on any new ordinance during the session; instead, staff will be asked to study whether fencing should apply to city‑owned ponds, privately owned ponds, or both. Current city policy does not generally mandate fences around storm‑water basins in new developments.
City engineers note that state water‑management standards may already require fencing in certain situations, particularly when a pond’s slope presents a heightened risk of accidental entry.
Community Voices
Residents near the apartment complex on Clyde Morris Boulevard have voiced strong support for additional safety measures. “I agree with it 100%,” said Timothy Jacobs, a neighbor who said the tragedy has left the community in deep sorrow.
Noelia Batista Torres, who lives nearby, described the loss as “two little angels who are gone” and called the incident a shock to the entire neighborhood. She urged that fencing be considered wherever young children live near water features, adding, “It would be a good idea not just here, but in every state with water ponds where young children live nearby.”
Faith and Hope
Both Jacobs and Batista Torres expressed prayers for the grieving family. “God bless them all. God will keep us in safe hands,” Jacobs said, reflecting the community’s reliance on faith during this difficult time.
Next Steps
After the discussion, commissioners may direct staff to draft a recommendation for the city manager and legal counsel. Any formal rule change would likely require a public hearing and a vote at a later date, giving residents ample opportunity to weigh in.
The city’s public works department will also review whether existing state guidelines on pond slope and safety could be applied more broadly, potentially reducing the need for new local ordinances while still enhancing protection for families.
Why This Matters
Retention ponds are essential for managing storm‑water runoff in a coastal city like Daytona Beach, but they can become hidden hazards, especially for young children playing outdoors. By exploring fencing options, the commission aims to balance essential infrastructure with the safety of families—a core concern for the city’s traditional values and parental‑rights priorities.
Commissioners are expected to report back to the public after the study is completed, ensuring transparency and giving residents a clear view of any proposed changes.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
