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Poynter joins Minshew in Fernandina mayor’s race after paid parking recall battle
FERNANDINA BEACH - City Commissioner Tim Poynter has officially filed to run for mayor in the 2026 election cycle, setting up a high-profile contest that already includes fellow Commissioner Genece Minshew.
His mayoral bid comes in the aftermath of a failed recall effort that targeted both Poynter and Minshew over their roles in approving paid parking. The political committee behind the recall argued the issue warranted removal from office, but the effort was ultimately blocked in court, with a Nassau County judge determining the dispute did not meet the legal threshold for recall.
The filing, announced by City Clerk Caroline Best, confirms Poynter’s entry into a race that is expected to center on many of the same issues that have dominated City Commission debates over the past year — most notably the city’s controversial paid parking program and broader questions about growth and governance.
Poynter, a local business owner and multiple-term commissioner, has been a familiar figure in Fernandina Beach politics for years, with prior service on the commission and a track record of weighing in on economic and infrastructure decisions affecting the city. His perspective as a business owner has frequently shaped his positions on downtown policy and tourism-related initiatives.
The failed recall episode has since become a defining backdrop for the 2026 election cycle.
Minshew, who has also filed to run for mayor, was similarly at the center of the recall controversy. Like Poynter, she has defended her votes as necessary policy decisions, while critics have continued to frame the paid parking rollout as a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with city leadership.
Under Fernandina Beach’s charter, the mayor is elected at-large, with the candidate receiving the highest number of votes in the general election winning the seat. Only sitting city commissioners not up for re-election are eligible to run for the mayor position.
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dpwagner
If I am reading the article correctly only sitting commissioners not up for re-election can run for mayor. That sounds very un-democratic to me. FB really has problems.
Tuesday, May 5 Report this
Bob121
haaaaa ...... looks like no matter which of these wins, we will have a mayor that ducked a recall. That's rich.
Wednesday, May 6 Report this
AcurtNA63
I don't want either one to be the face of our city!
Wednesday, May 6 Report this
DaveLott
DPwagner, you obviously aren't familiar with the FB form of government. The mayoral contest procedure is dictated by the City Charter and has been in place for decades and decades if not since the creation of the city. The position of Mayor only brings three provisions that the other commissioners don't have: the mayor chairs the commission meetings and workshops; gets to vote last on all voting matters; and, the power to declare a state of emergency due to natural disasters. Other than the additional administrative responsibilities cited, the position is largely a ceremonial position. There is no additional compensation and being elected Mayor does not extend their term of office.
Wednesday, May 6 Report this
Douglas69
perhaps it's past time to change the City charter that provides for this. Most mayoral duties should be administration; directing city staff, budget development and city representation to outside business and political entities. The commission is legislative; passing or defeating ordinances, making rezone decisions. current setup seems to stiffle new participants in local decision-making.
Wednesday, May 6 Report this
dpwagner
DaveLott - Thanks for the clarification on the city charter. I’ve been here for a few years but was unaware. So does the mayor run the city or do the commissioners wield all the power? I think I know what the answer is which is concerning.
Thursday, May 7 Report this