The St. Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District was originally established by the Florida Legislature in the late 1930s to fulfill a requirement of the Army Corps of Engineers’ St. Augustine Inlet project.
The legislation gave the district ad valorem taxing authority as well as a broad range of authority for building warehouses, wharfs, bridges and other structures for the commercial development of the port.
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Five at-large elected commissioners govern the district, each serving four-year terms, with staggered terms. Two seats on the board are on this November’s ballot.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| GROUP 2 CANDIDATES |
Doreen Duffy
Occupation: I currently work for a Federal Contracting Company that I helped to found.
Age: 60
Family: I live with my partner of 15 years
Education: College, VCU
Political experience: None
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The biggest issue facing the St. Augustine Port Waterway & Beach District is likely the delicate balance between preserving the natural environment and promoting economic development.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Here’s where I can make a real splash: leverage your unique position to focus on sustainable initiatives. Think about working with local businesses to reduce water pollution, advocating for environmentally friendly tourism, or organizing community clean-up events for the beaches and waterways. I would consider establishing educational programs to raise awareness about marine conservation. I would protect the natural resources that define St. Augustine—something others might not have the same authority or influence to accomplish.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Years from now, locals remembering me as the person who safeguarded the coastlines and waterways, ensuring they remain pristine and beautiful. The commissioner who transformed St. Augustine into a model of environmental stewardship, with clean, thriving beaches and waters teeming with life. Someone who initiated innovative projects that balanced the needs of the community with the delicate ecosystem. I would love my name becoming synonymous with conservation, sustainability, and forward-thinking solutions.
Campaign website: None given
Campaign social media: Facebook
Nicholas Binder
Binder, the current Group 2 commissioner, has not yet responded to email invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly added to this space.
Campaign website: None found
| GROUP 4 CANDIDATES |
Christopher K. Way
Occupation: Manufacturing
Age: 67
Family: Wife: Pam, Daughter: Ashley, son in law: Justin Williams, Granddaughters: Bennett (8) and Scout (6)
Education: Hard Knocks U.
Political experience: I have been on the Port & Waterway for 7.5 years.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Dealing with the massive increase in boating and safety on the water. I grew up in St. Augustine and know our marine needs and the need to support our law enforcement agencies that patrol our waters. I have been tasked by the Commission to be the point man on the Genovar property at the north west foot of the 312 Bridge. The county with the help of the Port & Waterway recently purchased this property to increase access to our waterways by building a state of the art boat ramp and park.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
As mentioned, I was raised in St. Augustine and have had several business during my career and am well educated on our waterway and the needs going forward.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
To be remembered as a level headed local that cares deeply about my home town and to be remembered for doing as much as possible to support our law enforcement and fire departments needs to keep pace with the explosive growth we are experiencing.
Campaign website: Nothing yet
Campaign social media: Nothing yet
Sandy Flowers
Occupation: Retired Disabled American Express Travel
Age: 61
Family: (No response)
Education: Bishop England HS Charleston SC
Trident Tech College Charleston SC
Travel School Atlanta GA
Currently returning to school for Paralegal certificate
Political experience: Served four years as Commissioner of St Augustine Port Waterway and Beach Commission 2018-2022
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Operate legally in all aspects
Honor the Port Charter to build a Port city in addition to new access points to our beaches and waterways
If we cannot honor our charter and deliver to the taxpayers, we should endeavor to dissolve the commission entirely.
See my work against corruption at Facebook.com/commissionersandyflowers
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
First hand experience dealing with the Port and its misrepresentation of the taxpayers. I fought hard to bring us into compliance with the law and will continue to do so like nobody else on that commission ever did!
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
She gave our district the public access and representation they deserved. Again, check out my archives at Facebook.com/vommissionersandyflowers
Campaign website: Sandy4sjc.org This site is currently unpublished but we are working on it.
Campaign social media: Facebook