Daytona Beach to Discuss Retention Pond Fencing
City commissioners will review potential new safety requirements following the recent deaths of two young brothers.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Accidents
Daytona Beach officials are set to debate whether to require fencing around retention ponds in local developments. The discussion follows the tragic drowning deaths of three-year-old Kashh Williams and five-year-old Elijah Hawkins earlier this month.
Why it matters
The proposed policy change seeks to address potential safety gaps in stormwater infrastructure following a fatal accident at a pond near the Reserve at Clyde Morris Landings.
The city is currently reviewing standards for fencing around stormwater ponds, as local regulations generally do not require barriers despite state-level slope guidelines. The safety discussion remains an active agenda item.
The players
Kashh Williams
He was a three-year-old boy who died in a drowning incident.
Elijah Hawkins
He was a five-year-old boy and brother to Kashh Williams who died in the same incident.
Ken Strickland
He is a city commissioner who proposed discussing the funding of safety fencing for property owners.
The details
City commissioners will deliberate on mandating security fencing for both private developments and city-owned properties. Commissioner Ken Strickland has proposed that the city examine potential funding mechanisms to assist private developers, apartment complexes, or homeowners in installing these safety barriers.
Timeline
The drowning deaths occurred in October 2026.
City commissioners are scheduled to discuss pond safety on October 21, 2026.
Legal Context
The city proposal to mandate fencing for pond safety extends the existing Florida state water-management standards that currently dictate requirements based on bank slopes. Future local ordinances may impose stricter barriers than those currently required by state-level engineering protocols.
The city's upcoming policy review may eventually lead to new safety measures such as mandatory fencing around residential and commercial retention ponds. Residents living near such sites should monitor the commission's decision regarding potential site-specific security enhancements.
The takeaway
Local governments often re-evaluate land-use safety regulations following public tragedies to mitigate recurring risks in residential areas. Residents can participate in upcoming city commission meetings to provide input on the proposed infrastructure requirements.
Further reading
For additional updates on local safety initiatives, visit the Daytona Beach accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKMG.
