- December 16, 2025
The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates hosted a political candidate forum for all Flagler Beach election candidates Thursday, Jan. 19.
Below is a sampling of some of the questions asked of the two mayoral and two City Commission candidates, along with their respective answers, in no particular order.
What role should the city play in beautification of the beach?
Linda Provencher (mayor)
Besides the “ugly” seawall, Provencher said, the beach is in good shape. “(But) I would like to see more community involvement, beach cleanup ... more than just once a year.”
J. NeJame (mayor)
“Our beaches have some problems … (but) our city, I think, would have a difficult time cleaning (them),” he said, citing its inability to bring vehicles on the sand. “The beach is the responsibility of a lot of our citizens.”
Bonfires during turtle nesting season: yes or no?
Sandra Mason (City Commission)
“It seems to me a little bit hard to explain to require lighting to be dimmed … yet we turn around and say a fire is OK. …. (We) should address this by following federal, state and our own ordinances.”
Joy McGrew (City Commission)
“I think they should be allowed,” she said, but added that permits, with deposits, should be required.
Should the city consolidate it's fire/police departments with the county?
Linda Provencher
“As soon as we begin to give up our city services, we begin to give up a part of what Flagler Beach is.”
J. NeJame
“I don’t have an opinion on that because I don’t have all the stats.”
How should the Economic Development Task Force focus its efforts?
Joy McGrew
“On our new county economic development director … because we need to work together as a team."
Sandra Mason
“All (public and private) groups working together is what’s going to fuel the economic engine here.”
See Thursday’s print edition of the Palm Coast Observer for more.
