Tallahassee Dam Faces Continued Flood Risk Despite Past Incidents
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A dam in Tallahassee’s Canopy Neighborhood continues to pose a flood risk, with concerns stemming from unresolved issues identified after the 2024 Miccosukee Greenway flooding. The Dove Pond Dam is classified as a “high-hazard potential dam,” meaning its failure could likely cause loss of life, according to the National Inventory of Dams.
Report Highlights Valve and Seepage Concerns
A Leon County report indicates the 2024 flooding was likely caused by either valve failures or seepage through the dam itself. Terry Ryan, president of the Tallahassee Region Environmental Group (TREG), emphasized that a crucial first step – inspecting the valves – has not been performed since a permit for inspection was issued in 2019. Ryan stated the report suggested the valves may have been left open accidentally.
The report also noted the flooding could have been caused by seepage through the Dove Pond Dam and/or clogging of natural percolation in the Greenway Wetland due to siltation.
Delayed Valve Inspections and Regulatory Oversight
Private dam inspectors from Florida Environmental Land Services Inc. Noted in January 2026 that the annual opening of the 24-inch gate valve under engineering supervision was overdue. However, responsibility for regulating the dam falls to the North Florida Water Management District, not the City of Tallahassee. Regulators have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Internal Communications Reveal Concerns
Emails obtained by TREG reveal internal concerns within the City of Tallahassee. Michelle Humowiecki, a manager in the city’s Growth Management Department, acknowledged in an email to Ryan that the dam’s operations and maintenance plan only “should” include annual valve inspections, rather than mandating them.
Another email, from a City of Tallahassee employee to the North Florida Water Management District, expressed uncertainty about the source of the flooding and sought to determine if the dam was contributing to the problem.
Ownership and Liability Questions
The ownership of the Dove Pond Dam is complex. While “No Trespassing” signs indicate ownership by “Dove Pond LLC,” the dam is effectively managed by either the Canopy Community Development District or the developer of the Ox Bottom neighborhood, Premier Fine Homes. Steve Drurie, assistant secretary to the CDD board, stated the board does not yet own the dam but will in the coming years. Jason Ghazvini, Ox Bottom Title Manager and president of Premier Fine Homes, has not responded to requests for comment.
Past Statements and Rainfall Event
In 2024, Ghazvini stated the dam and stormwater pond had performed as expected, preventing even worse flooding. However, Ryan disputes this claim, stating the water did not overtop the dam or spillway. The National Weather Service previously indicated that an exceptionally heavy rainfall event contributed to the 2024 flooding, but also acknowledged that development can alter water runoff patterns.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Risks
Inspection reports show consistent monitoring of the dam and surrounding vegetation since the 2024 flooding, but do not indicate valve inspections have been conducted. The dam’s hazard potential remains classified as “High,” underscoring the demand for continued vigilance and risk management. As of March 4, 2026, the dam’s condition assessment is listed as “Not Rated.”