The Lynn Haven City Commission voted unanimously to approve Lewis Blanchard as the city’s new police chief, with a planned start date of Feb. 9. The approval followed a recruitment process that produced 43 applicants, 11 phone interviews and three finalists, the interim city manager told the commission.

Why it matters: The police‑chief selection came amid citywide concern about departmental culture, past personnel controversies and community calls for transparency. Several residents urged delay until after a pending recall election; others, including current department employees and community leaders, urged the commission to move quickly to restore leadership.

Commissioners described the evaluation process and why Blanchard rose to the top. Panel members said Blanchard’s 30‑60‑90‑day plans, command presence, recruitment and retention ideas and experience grooming officers for promotion distinguished him from other finalists. The interim manager and panelists said a candidate’s ability to develop policy, pursue grants and mentor officers were decisive factors.

Public reaction was mixed. Several residents asked why local candidates were not advanced to the final three and pushed for more transparency about vetting; others defended the selection, citing positive feedback from outside agencies and community leaders familiar with Blanchard’s work. One resident raised a past March 2024 news story involving a missing $53,000 allegation connected to a sheriff’s office matter; the interim manager said Blanchard was not under investigation and had been part of the inquiry as an officer, and noted the state attorney declined to prosecute parts of the matter.

The commission voted in favor of the appointment during a roll call; Commissioners Purnell, Wark, Peebles, Tender and Mayor Nelson recorded 'Yes' votes. Several commissioners said they would hold the new chief to high standards of transparency and enforcement of policy.

Representative quotes: “He set himself apart with the way he presented his 30, 60, 90‑day plan and his recruitment and retention ideas,” one commissioner said during the advice portion of the meeting. Resident James Finch urged the commission to finish the selection, saying the department needed stable leadership.

Ending: The commission’s formal action clears the way for Blanchard to begin a transition and training period in February; commissioners and staff said they expect the new chief to participate in robust public outreach and policy work after onboarding.