Congrats on the new pond!
I really like that you already have your groundcover in place and growing.
Six feet is a bit shallow for SC, I fear you will be battling algae and plants in a few years after your fertility increases.
If you are using a well to supplement your water level, then perhaps you have a small watershed feeding the pond and a dam over-topping rain event is unlikely? If so, could you raise the berms a little for another 2' of depth? You could always put a sleeve on your overflow pipe to raise the water control level.
I just realized that no matter what your watershed area, you are still in the potential path of a hurricane. Since you have a well for supplemental water, perhaps you could draw down the pond in the day before a hurricane forecast. If it misses you, then you have the ability to put back the water.
(Just thinking out loud above.)
Good job on running electricity to the edge of the pond. Your shallow pond is going to get warm in the summer. That water will be capable of holding less oxygen, so your fish will be much happier and safer with some aeration. The electricity only to the shallow end is not a problem. Even the weighted airlines are not that expensive for a pond your size. I would recommend doing an optimal aeration design, even if that means spending a bit more money. It will be well worth it in the long term.
Have fun on your next several steps with your new pond!
