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Fernandina recall showdown: Poynter, Minshew file ballot defense as court decision nears
Fernandina Beach Commissioners Genece Minshew and Tim Poynter have formally defended their actions in response to recall efforts, arguing in newly submitted statements that the recall campaign is rooted in policy disagreements rather than misconduct.
“This recall effort arises from a policy disagreement, not from misfeasance or neglect of duty,” Minshew wrote in her response, adding that she and fellow commissioners acted “in good faith, in compliance with the City Charter and Florida law.”
Poynter struck a similar tone in his statement, directly addressing one of the central issues driving the recall effort — the commission’s approval of a paid parking program in Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown.
He added that his vote, along with three other commissioners, was made “openly, lawfully, and after reviewing the facts, financial impacts, and long-term needs of our community.”
“Recalls are intended to address serious wrongdoing, not to overturn policy outcomes through extraordinary means,” Minshew wrote, urging voters to reject the effort.
According to City Clerk Best, the submission of the defensive statements triggers the next recall phase outlined in Florida Statute 100.361.
With the responses now filed, the Supervisor of Elections will prepare ballots that include both the recall allegations and the commissioners’ defenses, unless the process is halted by the courts.
The recall campaign against Minshew and Poynter has been building for weeks, gaining visibility as organizers of Recall FB 2026 collected signatures at the Fernandina Beach Farmers Market and other locations.
Supporters of the recall argue the commissioners’ actions warrant removal from office. Minshew and Poynter, however, maintain that their decisions were lawful, transparent, and made in the best interest of the city.
As the legal challenge unfolds, the recall process remains in a critical phase, with both the courts and election officials playing key roles in determining whether Fernandina Beach voters will ultimately decide the fate of the two commissioners.
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DaveLott
My money is on the court's ruling the petitions do not meet any of the recall criteria specified in the FL statutes. Time will tell.
Friday, March 27 Report this
GeorgeM
Re: Minshew wrote in her response, adding that she and fellow commissioners acted “in good faith, in compliance with the City Charter and Florida law.”
Hmm, may not have been in technical violation of the law, but when candidates deceive voters about party affiliation, lie about support of paid parking, and seek to increase revenues in annoying ways) instead of chopping down the excesses of the Martin City Manager administration like they should be, then it is time for then to go- NOW, not the next election. Bad faith, incompetence, ignoring the will of voters while deceiving them. Ugh.
Friday, March 27 Report this
DouglasM
I agree with Dave Lott. Aho will end the recall.
But August 18th is still coming and there is no stopping that. See you all at the polls to end Paid Parking!!!
Saturday, March 28 Report this
Barbarosa
The malfeasance I would cite is "without evidence from a validated financial model," and a quote for the municipal bond, they entered a three-year contract with One Park, on the HOPE that paid parking would produce the needed revenue stream.
Saturday, March 28 Report this
Gkersten
In Fernandina Beach, we won’t always agree with every decision our city commissioners make. That’s not a flaw, that’s democracy.
Democracy means electing leaders to make decisions, knowing we won’t agree with all of them. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t. That’s how it works.
Recall elections should be reserved for serious misconduct, not policy disagreements.
If we start removing leaders every time we dislike a decision, no one will be able to govern, and every tough choice becomes a risk.
We can debate issues like paid parking. We can speak out and vote in the next election. That’s accountability.
But going after commissioners for doing the job they were elected to do isn’t accountability, it’s instability.
We should be better than that.
Saturday, March 28 Report this