Update on Mill Pond Condition: Encouraging Progress Reported

By: Shelia Mader

At the June 10, 2025 meeting of the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners, the condition of the Mill Pond took center stage during round up as Commission Chairman Jamey Westbrook and other board members discussed updates and future oversight of the treasured local waterway.

Chairman Westbrook opened the discussion, emphasizing the importance of continuing to monitor and manage the pond’s health. “We are working toward getting somebody from the Water Management District involved,” Westbrook said. “And I’d like to offer the idea of forming a local committee from the Mill Pond area to help keep us accountable and informed.”

Commissioner Paul Donofro, Jr. confirmed the discussion has been in the center mix on the Mill Pond, noting he had recently seen community comments shared online. Interim County Administrator Rett Daniels reassured the board that recent aquatic vegetation treatments have been effective. “The last treatment, by what I’m hearing, has been successful,” Daniels reported. “I’ve heard a lot of feedback from residents as well as recreational users.”

Daniels acknowledged some herbicide limitations in areas with restricted water flow, such as certain coves and dock areas, but stated that from Mill Pond to Spring Creek and the Chipola River, conditions have notably improved. He credited county staff and collaborative monitoring efforts for helping contain the issue and emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent future overgrowth.

Commissioner Donofro echoed that sentiment: “I think staying on top of it with FWC and our local partners is going to be the key.” He praised Daniels for keeping the board informed and pointed to the importance of ongoing communication and transparency.

Westbrook requested direct updates from the administration moving forward. “I would like to be told right away about progress, about the lack thereof, because I haven’t been fully in the loop,” he said. He added that he had recently met with a resident from Indian Springs to begin forming a community committee to aid in keeping the county’s efforts on track.

The conversation also briefly shifted to Lake Seminole, with Commissioner Donnie Branch asking if the county could pursue similar efforts there. Daniels explained that involvement with Lake Seminole is more complicated due to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' jurisdiction and funding challenges. While the county refers local complaints to the Corps, Daniels noted that they do maintain communication and continue to advocate for improved conditions.

In closing, board members agreed that while the Mill Pond is showing signs of recovery, proactive measures and open communication with state agencies, residents, and environmental partners are essential to maintaining progress.

“This has been a topic of discussion in most of our meetings,” Donofro said. “It’s good news, but we have to stay on top of it.”