Lynn Haven commission appoints Dr. Dave Lowry to fill mayoral vacancy
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Summary
The Lynn Haven City Commission voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Dave Lowry to the vacant mayor's seat on Jan. 19, 2026. The appointment fills the term through the next regular election in April 2027 after public comment and debate about transparency and Sunshine Law concerns.
The Lynn Haven City Commission voted unanimously Jan. 19 to appoint Dr. Dave Lowry to fill the mayor’s seat vacated by Jesse Nelson.
Commissioners discussed whether to wait for a special election or immediately fill the vacancy under the city charter, which requires the remaining commissioners to appoint a replacement within 30 days. After public comment and internal discussion, a motion to appoint Lowry carried on a roll call recorded as: Commissioner Tinder — Yes; Commissioner Purnell — Yes; Commissioner Wark — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Peebles — Yes.
The decision followed an extended public‑comment period. Lowry addressed the commission before the vote, saying, "I am willing and ready to step up to the challenge at hand. Point blank." Supporters who spoke at the meeting described him as transparent and experienced; several longtime residents urged the commission to act to restore stability.
Several speakers raised concerns about the process and possible Sunshine Law issues related to pre‑meeting conversations. Johnny Bashirs read a transcript excerpt from a media interview and told commissioners he had "an issue" with discussions that could have occurred between sitting commissioners and an outside candidate before a public vote, and Michelle Beshears asked directly who had spoken to Commissioner Tender about the candidate. Commissioners and staff responded that they had not violated Sunshine Law and described permitted communications with private citizens who were not yet officeholders.
City attorney remarks at the item and discussion on the charter clarified that, under state recall statute and the city charter, the remaining commissioners have authority to fill the vacancy and that the appointee will serve until April 2027, the next regularly scheduled election. Commissioners discussed scheduling a special meeting for a swearing‑in ceremony the following Tuesday.
The commission took no further formal action on other contested nominations during the meeting. The appointment ends with a procedural next step: the swearing‑in and the start of Lowry’s duties as mayor; he will be subject to the next municipal election cycle.
What's next: A special meeting for the swearing‑in was scheduled for next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.; Lowry may run in the 2027 election.
