Lynda I. Kirker, 74, seeks a full elected term on the St. Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District Board of Commissioners, Group 1. The nonpartisan race appears on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election ballot. Melanie Sunshine Neale is also running for the seat.

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Kirker to the board in February 2025. Asked in our candidate questionnaire why she is seeking a full term, Kirker said: "I hope to contribute to the betterment of our community. I've always been an active volunteer. My volunteer service has been with a number of local organizations." She added: "I've learned a lot in the last two years. I want to use that experience to be a better commissioner for the next four years."

Candidate information

Age: 74

Residence: Kirker described herself in a News4JAX voters guide as "a lifelong Floridian and North Florida native." According to the St. Augustine Port Authority website, she moved to St. Johns County in 1987.

Education: "Proud graduate of Stetson University," Kirker said in our questionnaire. She holds a bachelor's degree in business and accounting from Stetson, according to the governor's appointment announcement.

Family: "My two brothers and their children and grandchildren all live in North Florida. I am proud to be Aunt Lynda to my 10 nieces and nephews. I am single."

Party affiliation: "This is a non-partisan race. I am a registered Republican."

Experience and public service

Occupation: Kirker said in our questionnaire: "I am a Certified Public Accountant. I spent most of my professional career as the Chief Financial Officer of Flagler Hospital/ Flagler Healthcare System. Prior to joining the hospital, I worked as a CPA in Daytona Beach. I also worked for Medicare Part A administered by Blue Cross of Florida."

According to the port authority website, Kirker served as chief financial officer at Flagler Hospital/Healthcare System from 1987 to 2013. She is retired.

Volunteer service: Kirker has served as member and treasurer of the St. Augustine Sister Cities Association, as a founding member and trustee of the Flagler College Women of Vision Advisory Board, as treasurer of the St. Johns County Republican Party and as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, according to the port authority website.

Past accomplishments: Asked to cite evidence she can handle the job, Kirker said in our questionnaire: "I am proud to have been part of the leadership team that relocated a 125 bed hospital in downtown St. Augustine to a 30 plus acre Health Care Campus. On that campus is a hospital with over 300 beds and significantly expanded services."

On the issues

Top priorities: Kirker identified accessibility, safety and stewardship of tax dollars as her top three campaign priorities, according to the News4JAX voters guide.

Pressing challenges: Asked about the most pressing issue facing the district's beaches and waterways, Kirker said in our questionnaire: "Ongoing projects include dredging, beach access and parking including trailer parking, channel marker replacement and removal of derelict boats." She said the district "will need to continue to work in a collaborative way with other agencies on various projects," naming St. Johns County, the City of Saint Augustine and Harbormaster, the Sheriff's Department, the Fire Department and Florida Inland Navigation District as partners. She added: "Should Amendment 3 become law, there is a strong potential for less funding for some of these partner agencies. We will be challenged to leverage our tax dollars to maximize the benefit for our community."

Key differences from opponents: "I think my financial expertise and background as a Certified Public Accountant is beneficial in understanding the finances of the District," Kirker said in our questionnaire. "My experience includes financial reporting, budgeting, investment management, human resources, fundraising, contract, negotiation, auditing, compliance, capital access and investor relations. I am a fiscal conservative."

Best advice: "Honesty and integrity are everything!"

Goals in office: Kirker said she would hope to be remembered for honesty, integrity and fiscal responsibility, according to the News4JAX voters guide.

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.