Clay M. Hansen is challenging incumbent Tom Rivers for the St. Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District Board Group 5 seat in the Nov. 3 general election.

Hansen, 67, owns Hansen Marine Service in St. Augustine. Asked why he is running, Hansen said in our candidate questionnaire: "I feel that the Port and Waterway commission has not been operating in way that truly benefits the residents of St. Johns County. I believe it needs some fresh minds to operate as good stewards of the tax paying public."

Candidate information

Age: 67

Party affiliation: "Republican"

Family: Hansen listed in our questionnaire: "Wife Kathy Hansen … Son Logan Hansen … Daughter Kiara Hansen."

Education: Hansen listed in our questionnaire: "Leadership Certificate United States Coast Guard … Fire Control Technician United States Coast Guar … Accosiate of Science, Engineering Sante Fe Community College."

Experience and public service

Work history: Hansen listed his experience in our questionnaire: "United States Coast Guards 6 years … Lifeguard New Smyrna Beach FL 1 year … Pre Load Supervisor UPS 4 years … Luhrs Boat Company here is St. Augustine 6 years … Dometic Corporation Servicing and working with Boat companies all over the world installing air conditioning and other boat components. … Hanse Marine Service Owner, St Augustine servicing Air Conditioners, Solar, Lithium, Refrigeration and water makers 25 years … Sailors Exchange Marine Surplus Business 15 Years"

Previous offices: Hansen listed: "President Student Body Government Daytona Beach Community College … President Honor Society Sante Fe Community College … President Odoms Mill Community Association Ponte Vedra Beach."

Accomplishments: Asked what past accomplishments qualify him for the job, Hansen said: "My past work experience and all my experiences on the water being an avid fisherman and sailor. I have always excelled in all the positions I have been in."

On the issues

What sets him apart: Hansen said in our questionnaire: "I bring a fresh mind and outlook to the commission. I have been around the water all my life growing up in New Smyrna Beach as a child. I have been a member ofthe South Ponte Vedra Vilano association learning about erosion and beach renourishment. I have owned two marine businesses in St. Augustine Sailors Exchange and Hansen Marine Service. This has allowed me to understand the working of the Port, Waterway and Beaches and I feel I am the candidate that can help move things in the right direction."

Protecting working waterfront businesses: Asked why protecting boatyards and marinas matters to him, Hansen said: "I have seen to many areas in South Florida where boat yards are being replaced with Developments. They are vital to the economy of this area. If the boat yards do away, then so do the boaters as they will have no place to get their boats serviced. The owners of the boat and their boats are a large revenue generators in this area."

Derelict vessels: Hansen said he wants a faster approach to removing abandoned boats: "Dealing with any boat that is abandoned more swiftly and have a contract with a local boat yard and boat towing service to be able to pull the boats out in a rapid manor. It is much less expensive to remove a boat above the water than waiting until it sinks."

Tax dollar spending: Hansen said in the WJXT News4JAX voter's guide that he wants the district to "be more frugal with where when our tax dollars are spent."

The election is Nov. 3, 2026.