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

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Kirker to the seat in February 2025. Asked in our candidate questionnaire why she is seeking a full term, Kirker said, "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, according to a News4JAX voter's guide.

Residence: Kirker is a native Floridian who moved to St. Johns County in 1987, according to the St. Augustine Port Authority website.

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

Family: In our questionnaire, Kirker said, "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: Kirker said in our questionnaire, "This is a non-partisan race. I am a registered Republican."

Experience and public service

Occupation: In our questionnaire, Kirker said, "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."

Kirker is retired, according to the governor's appointment announcement. She also worked in public accounting before joining Flagler Hospital, according to the port authority website.

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, and as treasurer of the St. Johns County Republican Party, according to the port authority website. She has also volunteered with the American Cancer Society.

On the issues

What sets her apart: Asked about critical differences between herself and other candidates, Kirker said in our questionnaire, "I think my financial expertise and background as a Certified Public Accountant is beneficial in understanding the finances of the District. 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."

Most pressing issue: 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 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."

Past accomplishments: 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."

Best advice: Asked about the best advice she ever received, Kirker said in our questionnaire, "Honesty and integrity are everything!"

Goals in office: Kirker told News4JAX she would hope to be remembered for honesty, integrity and fiscal responsibility.