111 Homeowners.
One Demand.
Fix What You Broke.
The City of Jacksonville has spent three decades destroying Hogpen Creek through unpermitted stormwater mismanagement. We're done asking. We're demanding.
Cease
All unpermitted stormwater discharge
Build & Maintain
The missing 4th weir & permanent infrastructure
Return to Baseline
Restore pre-neglect conditions through dredging
“It doesn't speak well of Mayor Deegan that she has previously dismissed the pollution in Hogpen Creek as ‘not the city's problem.’”
— Robin Lumb, Former City Council Member (September 2025)
0ft
Canal Outfall
at Mean Low Water
0ft
Adjacent AICW
at Mean Low Water
January 2024 Professional Hydrographic Survey
The Sandalwood Canal is choking OUR creek. The data proves it.
What's Happening — And What Must Change
What's Happening
The city funnels 33 million gallons of stormwater from an 11-square-mile watershed through Sandalwood Canal into Hogpen Creek.
No Environmental Resource Permit has ever been found for the Sandalwood Canal — potentially operating illegally for decades.
The city built 3 of 4 required weirs — deliberately skipping the one that protects Hogpen Creek.
The city admitted fault in 2003, admitted fault again in 2010, paid for dredging both times — and still hasn't fixed the infrastructure.
What We Demand
Cease Unpermitted Discharge
Immediately stop all unpermitted stormwater mismanagement into Hogpen Creek. No more dumping 33 million gallons per rain event without treatment.
Build & Maintain Infrastructure
Construct the missing 4th weir, restore the failed silt retention pond, and budget permanent maintenance — not another 20-year deferral.
Return Us to Baseline
The city caused the sedimentation. The city must pay to restore the creek to pre-neglect conditions through dredging — not shift costs to the 111 homeowners they harmed.
Next Step: Formal IG Complaints to FDEP & USACE
Comprehensive complaint packages are being finalized for submission to the Florida DEP Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, documenting 30+ years of violations against the City of Jacksonville. Your signature on the petition strengthens these official filings.
Seven Ways Jacksonville
Fails Its Own Waterways
Every contradiction below is documented in public records.
The Administration Won't Even Budget a Study
The current administration has indicated it would not proactively include a watershed study in its budget, despite Councilman Diamond pledging $300,000 for one. The City continues to characterize sedimentation as a "natural process" while operating the infrastructure causing it.
Source: Jacksonville Today (May 2026), Comprehensive Report Section 7
Enforcer vs. Polluter
The City enforces erosion and sediment control on private developers, yet denies responsibility for sediment pollution from its own 11-square-mile canal system.
Dredged Before — Now Denies It
The City dredged Hogpen Creek after its 2007 canal project — acknowledging sedimentation risk. It now refuses any ongoing responsibility.
Manatee Plan — Destroyed by Their Own Work
The City maintains a Manatee Protection Plan while its canal infrastructure has made Hogpen Creek too shallow for manatees to navigate.
No Permits. No Records.
No Environmental Resource Permit found for the Sandalwood Canal. No design specs, maintenance logs, or performance data for weirs installed over three decades ago.
Violating Their Own Federal Permit
Under MS4 Permit FLS000081, the City must reduce pollutant discharge to the "maximum extent practicable." Ongoing sediment deposition shows failure to comply.
"Natural Process" Through an Engineered System
The City calls sedimentation "natural" while operating an engineered system channeling an 11-sq-mile watershed into a single discharge point.
Talking Out of Both Sides
In 2026, a resident spent months meeting with Council Members, presenting engineering proposals, and building political support — only for the Mayor’s office to claim they couldn’t fund a study due to ‘liability concerns’ while the Mayor publicly champions ‘resilience-first’ infrastructure.
Every claim above is sourced from public records, court filings, and official permits.
The Destruction in Plain Sight
Photographic and video evidence of ecological damage, sedimentation, pollution, and infrastructure failures affecting Hogpen Creek and surrounding waterways.
Close-up of oil sludge and heavy sediment buildup in Hogpen Creek — toxic contamination visible at water's edge
sedimentation
Boats stranded on exposed mudflats at low tide — sediment has filled the channel making navigation impossible
sedimentation
San Pablo Road construction site actively pumping turbid, sediment-laden water directly into Hogpen Creek
infrastructure
Resident's view from their dock — massive exposed mudflats at low tide where navigable water once flowed
sedimentation
Hogpen Creek sediment buildup — water depth reduced to inches at low tide
sedimentation
Sandalwood Canal — city-operated drainage system for 11-square-mile watershed
infrastructure
Creek sedimentation creates expansive mudflats where channels once existed
sedimentation
Manatees can no longer navigate the shallowing channel — a protected species displaced
ecological
Stormwater outfall pipe — sediment-laden discharge enters waterways unchecked
infrastructureBroken Promises, Documented
Mayor Deegan ran on infrastructure, resilience, and trust. Here's how every one of those promises fails at Hogpen Creek — sourced from her own campaign materials.
She Promised
"Resilience infrastructure for environmental challenges"City of Jacksonville — Mayor's Priorities
Hogpen Creek Reality
No watershed study funded. Public Works Director cited "liability concerns" to block research into the city's own stormwater system.
She Promised
"Make city government more accessible, restore trust, and ensure every neighborhood shares in Jacksonville's growth"Donna Deegan for Jacksonville Mayor
Hogpen Creek Reality
Residents have petitioned for years. No public timeline, no accountable lead, no milestones, no transparent reporting.
She Promised
"Long-overdue repairs and upgrades: streets, sidewalks, drainage"City of Jacksonville — Mayor's Priorities
Hogpen Creek Reality
30+ years of unpermitted stormwater discharge via the Sandalwood Canal. The missing 4th weir was never built. Canal outfall depth: 0.5 ft.
Hogpen Creek Reality
The city permitted upstream development without requiring stormwater controls for the receiving waterway.
Hogpen Creek Reality
111 homeowners bear ecological decline and property damage while the city profits from upstream development.
Every promise above is sourced from Mayor Deegan's own published platform and the City of Jacksonville's official priorities page. The Hogpen Creek failures aren't an edge case — they're a pattern.
Three Decades of Neglect
A documented chronology of infrastructure failures, regulatory gaps, and community impact — all sourced from public records and official documents.
Sandalwood Residential Development Begins
The Sandalwood residential area is developed, marking the initial construction of portions of the Sandalwood Canal stormwater system. Original construction predates modern digital permitting systems.
Source: Comprehensive Report, Section 2
FDEP Delegates Permit Program to SJRWMD
Florida DEP delegated the permit program for construction of new stormwater ponds in Jacksonville to the St. Johns River Water Management District, establishing regional regulatory oversight.
Source: Comprehensive Report, Ref. 14
USGS Monitoring Station Active on Sandalwood Canal
The U.S. Geological Survey operated monitoring station USGS-02246835 on the Sandalwood Canal, collecting field measurement data — the only known historical official dataset for the canal.
Source: USGS Waterdata, Ref. 19
City Defunds Pond Maintenance Inspections
Jacksonville's Environmental Quality Division reportedly defunded its pond maintenance inspection program due to budget cuts, reducing proactive oversight of stormwater infrastructure.
Source: Comprehensive Report, Ref. 14
Multiple Stormwater Ordinances Enacted
City Council passes ordinances 2003-748-E, 2003-873, 2004-68-E, 2004-1264-A, and 2004-1369-A related to stormwater management operations.
Source: City Ordinance Records
Hodges Blvd / Sandalwood Canal Project Completed
The City of Jacksonville completed the "Hodges Blvd./Sandalwood Canal project," a significant modification/expansion of the canal system. City claims sediment-trapping weirs were installed but no design specs or maintenance logs exist.
Source: Comprehensive Report, Refs. 1, 3
City Performs One-Time "Preemptive" Dredging
Following canal construction, the city dredged Hogpen Creek — described as a one-time preemptive measure, not an admission of ongoing liability. This is the LAST known city-funded dredging.
Source: Comprehensive Report, Refs. 1, 3
LaRue v. City of Jacksonville Filed
Homeowners file Case 2015-CA-1413 in Circuit Court against the City of Jacksonville and SJRWMD regarding stormwater damage and sedimentation in Hogpen Creek.
Source: LaRue Case Filing 2015-CA-1413
Ellis Settlement & Case Resolution
The Ellis property case related to Sandalwood Canal flooding is settled. Multiple amended complaints and answers are filed. Cases are resolved through settlement and voluntary dismissal.
Source: Ellis Settlement Agreement; Court Records
JEA Intracoastal Waterway Electrical Project
JEA completed its Intracoastal Waterway Electrical Improvement Project. Some residents speculate debris could contribute to flow obstructions.
Source: Comprehensive Report, Ref. 3
San Pablo Road Expansion Accelerates Sedimentation
Construction related to San Pablo Road expansion accelerates turbid stormwater discharge and sediment loads into Hogpen Creek through inadequate BMP enforcement.
Source: FDEP Complaint Form
Hogpen Creek Special Taxing District Created
Jacksonville City Council approved creating the Hogpen Creek Dependent Special District — a $4.5 million dredging project funded by annual assessments of ~$4,500 per homeowner on 111 properties.
Source: Comprehensive Report, Ref. 2
Resident Outrage Over $4,500 Annual Assessment
News reports highlight widespread homeowner anger. Many claimed they were unaware that signing an initial petition would result in a taxing district with such significant financial obligations.
Source: Jacksonville Today, Ref. 2
Legislation to Dissolve Special District Introduced
City Councilmen Rory Diamond and Chris Miller introduced legislation to dissolve the Hogpen Creek special taxing district in response to intense public backlash.
Source: Jacksonville Today, Ref. 5
City Council Unanimously Dissolves Taxing District
The Jacksonville City Council voted unanimously to dismantle the special taxing district, removing the assessment from tax bills and ending the community-funded dredging initiative.
Source: Jacksonville.com, Ref. 4
Councilman Diamond Pledges Watershed Study
Councilman Rory Diamond publicly pledged $300,000 through a budget amendment for a comprehensive watershed study of Hogpen Creek. The mayoral administration would not proactively include it in the budget.
Source: Jacksonville Today, Ref. 3
FIND Letter of Support for Watershed Study
The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) issued a formal letter of support for the comprehensive watershed analysis of Hogpen Creek, strengthening the case for state and federal involvement.
Source: FIND Letter of Support (June 2026)
Public Works Director Cites "Liability Concerns" to Block Study
After months of resident meetings with Council Members, engineering proposals from Taylor and Gemini Engineering, and growing political support, Public Works Director Nina Sickler stated the Mayor's Office would not fund the watershed study due to "liability concerns" — even as Mayor Deegan publicly champions "resilience-first" infrastructure policies.
Source: Resident Correspondence (June 2026)
FDEP & USACE Complaints Pending
Comprehensive complaint packages are being finalized for submission to the Florida DEP Office of Inspector General and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, documenting 30+ years of violations, permit gaps, and regulatory failures related to the Sandalwood Canal.
Source: FDEP & USACE Complaint Packages (Pending)
Media Coverage
Hogpen Creek sediment buildup frustrates Jacksonville homeowners
Water levels have dropped to as low as six inches at low tide in certain areas. Residents report loss of wildlife including manatees, and the creek has become increasingly difficult to navigate.
City Council to weigh dissolving Hogpen Creek dredging tax
Council members Rory Diamond and Chris Miller introduced legislation to dissolve the Hogpen Creek special taxing district following intense public backlash over the $4,500 annual assessment on 111 homeowners.
$300K watershed study pledge for Hogpen Creek stalls as city backtracks
Council member Rory Diamond pledged a $300K budget amendment for a watershed study after residents raised alarms — but the city has since stalled, citing 'liability concerns' while the creek continues to deteriorate.
The Evidence File
Browse and download official documents, legal filings, research reports, and historical records documenting the Sandalwood Canal violations and Hogpen Creek degradation.
LaRue v. City of Jacksonville - Original Complaint
Original complaint filed in Circuit Court Case 2015-CA-1413 regarding stormwater damage to Hogpen Creek properties.
Second Amended Complaint
Second amended verified complaint expanding claims against the City of Jacksonville.
Third Amended Complaint
Third amended complaint with additional evidence of violations.
Ellis Settlement Agreement
Settlement agreement in the Ellis property case related to Sandalwood Canal flooding.
Ellis Notice of Settlement
Official notice of settlement in the Ellis property case.
Court Order Following Notice of Settlement
Court order issued following the joint notice of settlement in Case 15-CA-1413.
Joint Notice of Settlement
Joint notice of settlement filed by all parties.
Notice of Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice
Voluntary dismissal filed following settlement resolution.
SJRWMD Answer to Complaint
St. Johns River Water Management District response and answer to complaint.
SJRWMD Answer to Second Complaint
SJRWMD response to the second amended complaint.
City of Jacksonville Answer to 2nd Amended Complaint
City of Jacksonville answer and affirmative defenses to second amended complaint.
City Answer & Affirmative Defenses to Amended Complaint
City of Jacksonville response with affirmative defenses.
City's Amended Answer to 2nd Amended Complaint
City of Jacksonville amended answer and affirmative defenses.
City's Motion to Amend Answer
Unopposed motion for leave to amend answer to the second amended complaint.
City Request to Produce Documents
City of Jacksonville request for production of documents in discovery.
Ellis Lawsuit Documents Analysis
Comprehensive analysis of the Ellis lawsuit documents and their significance.
Comprehensive Research Report: Sandalwood Canal & Hogpen Creek
Full analysis of the Sandalwood Canal, its connection to Hogpen Creek, regulatory compliance concerns, permit gaps, and ecological impacts. Prepared for FDEP Inspector General.
Phase 1: Physical Infrastructure & Historical Origin
Analysis of the Sandalwood Canal physical infrastructure and historical development timeline.
Phase 2: Regulatory Framework & Permits
Examination of the regulatory framework, permit requirements, and documented compliance gaps.
Phase 3: Oversight Structure & Ecological Impact
Review of oversight responsibilities and ecological impacts including manatee habitat loss.
Phase 4: Maintenance Failures & Community Impacts
Documentation of infrastructure maintenance failures and impacts on the local community.
Hogpen Creek Presentation (June 2024)
Visual presentation documenting Hogpen Creek conditions and advocacy efforts.
Sandalwood Issues - Ellis Property
Documented issues related to the Ellis property and Sandalwood Canal flooding impacts.
FDEP Inspector General Complaint Form
Official complaint form submitted to Florida DEP Office of Inspector General regarding Sandalwood Canal violations.
FDEP Complaint Cover Letter
Cover letter accompanying the FDEP Inspector General complaint package.
FDEP Complaint Narrative: Hogpen Creek
Detailed narrative documenting the history and evidence of violations for the FDEP complaint.
Homeowner Impact Statement - Hogpen Creek
Statement documenting the personal and financial impacts on homeowners affected by Hogpen Creek sedimentation.
Hogpen Creek Email Correspondence #1
Email correspondence with city officials regarding Hogpen Creek conditions.
Hogpen Creek Email Correspondence #2
Additional email correspondence documenting official responses and non-action.
SJRWMD Violation Help Introduction
Introduction and request for help regarding SJRWMD violations.
Ordinance 2007-111-E
City of Jacksonville ordinance related to Sandalwood Canal and stormwater management.
Ordinance 2007-294-E
City ordinance related to the Hodges Blvd/Sandalwood Canal project.
Ordinance 2006-289-E
City ordinance related to stormwater and canal infrastructure.
Ordinance 2006-226-A
City ordinance related to stormwater management provisions.
Ordinance 2004-68-E
City ordinance text related to stormwater utility operations.
Ordinance 2004-1264-A
City ordinance related to stormwater management.
Ordinance 2004-1369-A
City ordinance text regarding stormwater operations.
Ordinance 2003-748-E
Historical city ordinance related to stormwater infrastructure.
Ordinance 2003-873 Substitute
Substitute ordinance text related to stormwater management.
Florida Chapter 403 Enforcement Consultation Transcript
Transcript of consultation regarding Florida Chapter 403 enforcement and city weir maintenance for navigable creek dredging funding.
Hogpen Creek Study - Letter of Support (June 2026)
Letter of support for the Hogpen Creek environmental study, dated June 2026, advocating for comprehensive investigation of stormwater impacts.
Sign the Petition
Your signature and impact statement will be included in our official complaints to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Review the Impact Statement before signing.
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