Dr. Gerard Pinto of Jacksonville University told the Waterways Commission the basin is drier than normal, salinities are elevated in some reaches, algae blooms are present (Microcystis detected but not producing toxins in the latest DEP sample), and recent surveys counted about 7–8 manatees locally with 16 total mortalities this year.

Council Member Paluso updated the commission on a state bill proposing to breach the Robbin/Robin (Ocklawaha) dam to restore free flow; some Putnam County legislators oppose elements of the bill, and commissioners discussed deferral of city-level action until state votes clarify the outcome.

At the Jan. 14 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting, Dr. Jerry Pinto presented the 18th State of the River report, saying the main stem is generally satisfactory while many tributaries show bacterial and nutrient exceedances, monitoring data fell sharply in 2024, and septic systems and biosolids are key concerns.

The commission documented member support on Jan. 14 for pending state bills (HB 981 / SB 1066) to create a governor‑appointed advisory council to study breaching Robin Dam and restoring the Ocklawaha, while counsel recommended consensus recording rather than a formal vote because the item was not on the posted agenda.

Commissioners received updates on several task forces: legal rules to address derelict vessels were drafted and are moving toward the Environmental Protection Board, funding remains the core obstacle to derelict-vessel removals, and artificial-reef advocates were urged to pursue state appropriations ahead of the legislative session.

Jacksonville Council discusses a potential 99-year lease with Lamar for water access.