Grieving family wants changes to retention pond rules

Family, friends say goodbye to 6-year-old Jamarion Lee

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family and friends are wanting retention pond regulations to change as they said goodbye Saturday to 6-year-old Jamarion Lee, who drowned in a neighborhood retention pond on the Westside earlier this month.

"This is not the first time this has happened and this will not be the last time," said Briana Davis, Jamarion's cousin. "This will happen so until something is done. It will continue to happen."

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It was about two weeks ago when Jamarion lost his life when he drowned in a pond.

Family members now want regulations to change so retention ponds in neighborhoods are surrounded by fencing to keep children away from harm.

"Retention ponds are dangerous, and I feel like they need fences or (not) even put them in neighborhoods where they know a lot of children are," Davis said.

Jamarion's family came together to honor his life. Many wore shirts that read "The Incredible Jamarion" because he loved the color green and the Hulk.

"Vibrant. Full of energy. Loved his brothers, sisters, mother, grandmother, uncle. Very respectful. Very lovable. Great student," Davis said. "It's tragic. It happened on Mother's Day."

News4Jax has learned the Department of Children and Families took Jamarion's siblings out of the home and into protective services.

DCF said the children were taken Friday, but the department wouldn't say whether its reason involved neglect or abuse.

But DCF did say the only reason children would be taken from the home is if there is evidence of neglect or abuse.

DCF said it cannot release the siblings' name and ages because of privacy laws.