Two seats on the five-member Atlantic Beach city commission will be on the ballot this year, in non-partisan races. Mayor/Seat 1 Commissioner Curtis Ford is seeking re-election, facing Nancy Staats. There is no incumbent on the ballot in the Seat 4 race, with Lisa Herrold and Jennifer Lagner running for the office. A third seat, Seat 5, was up for election, but the incumbent, Jessica Ring, was unopposed, and automatically re-elected as a result.
News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| MAYOR/SEAT 1 CANDIDATES |
Curtis Ford
Occupation: Mortgage Banking - Retired
Age: 69
Family: Married, 3 sons
Education: Graduate of Duncan U. Fletcher High School
Graduate of University of Florida/BSBA in Finance
Political experience: Mayor of Atlantic Beach since 2022
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1) Restructuring revenue sourcing if the Amendment 3 Referendum passes in November. Although the budgetary impacts do not impact the upcoming 26/27 budget our city commission has taken action to adjust the upcoming budget by half of the first year impact of the passage of amendment 3. Collaborating with city manager on future budget adjustments as needed.
2) Stormwater management and flood relief. We continue implementing capital improvements for mitigation of these risks. This year we completed the stormwater project in Aquatic Gardens on Hopkins Creek. Next year we will complete the design phase of a 3 acre parcel on Dora Drive that will capture stormwater upstream on Hopkins Creek to provide additional relief. A stormwater study will be put out for RFP in the next few months with expected completion in the new fiscal year. This study will look at all areas of the city and make additional recommendations for upgrading aged and insufficient city infrastructure. Dredging of portions of Shermans Creek will be completed in the upcoming year.
3) Preservation of the Tree canopy. Recent passage of a significant Tree Protection Ordinance will go a long way to preserving our tree canopy using more restrictive tree removal requirements along with assessing higher mitigation costs. The new 26/27 budget has a significant increase in funding for city sponsored replacement trees. Education and outreach programs will be used to inform residents on the importance of safeguarding our tree canopy and the requirements before any tree cutting is initiated.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
It takes time to build bridges (relationships) to produce the best results as a mayor. I have built those bridges with community stakeholders over the past 45 years as a leader in the community. I have served on the Board of Directors of several organizations including the Mortgage Bankers Association of Jacksonville, Beaches Habitat for Humanity and Beaches Fine Arts.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Remembered for starting and funding a significant overhaul of our aged and inadequate city stormwater system.
Campaign website: votecurtisford.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
Nancy Staats
Occupation: I am a Board-Certified physician in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and actively practiced for 28 years. I also held leadership positions starting early in my career, and helped manage several successful surgery centers and a large anesthesia practice.
Age: 63
Family: My husband, Peter Staats, MD, and I have been happily married for 35 years. We have 3 grown children and as of last month, a son-in-law! We can often be found walking our 3-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Maizie.
Education: I attended public high school in Detroit, MI, undergraduate degree in Biological Science from the University of Michigan, M.D. degree from Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, and residency in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD.
Political experience: I am not a politician, but I have been a public servant in many senses my whole life. Whether caring for patient directly, ensuring the safety of our centers or advocating for the health and safety of those lacking resources, I have always cared about my community and will be there for all the citizens of AB.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Overdevelopment and loss of resiliency: we need to roll back the decreased lot width requirement put into place in 2024, encourage more smart development and continue to strengthen our tree ordinances to preserve our large maritime forest trees. We need to further incentivize keeping our larger trees and discourage clear-cutting of lots and lot-splitting.
2. Future attempts to close or convert our public elementary school: Atlantic Beach Elementary was abruptly notified of impending closure in the spring of 2024, and the forces that caused that to happen have not changed (arbitrary enrollment requirements, high cost of repairs to an old building, pressure to develop that land, etc). We should ask the district to work with us to actively seek historic building status to access more funding for repairs and to reconsider our required enrollment numbers.
3.Cost of living: despite having the lowest tax rate of all the beach cities, Atlantic Beach taxes have risen exponentially in recent years, in part due to sharply-rising property values. This is a good thing overall, however it is putting a strain on many residents, especially those with a fixed income. Renegotiating our Interlocal Agreement with the City of Jacksonville has been on the “”to-do"" list for the last 4 years, and needs to be a top priority. AB residents contribute a LOT of tax dollars to the COJ, and are not receiving all the services that were promised in the original agreement. I believe we can negotiate something fairer that could help provide some relief.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I will work hard to help the citizens of Atlantic Beach and my goal will be to do what is best for them. My opponent has accepted large donations from developers, property management companies, politicians and PAC’s which create many potential conflicts of interest. I have only accepted donations from individual donors.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would like to be remembered as the mayor who worked hard for the citizens of Atlantic Beach, not special interest groups, and helped ensure that AB stays AB for generations to come.
Campaign website: abstrong.org
Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram
| SEAT 4 CANDIDATES |
Lisa Herrold
Occupation: Retired
Age: 63
Family: Married for 37 years to David Herrold. We have two grow children; a daughter and a son.
Education: (No answer)
Political experience: (No answer)
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The three issues I see as most important are managing growth while preserving the character of Atlantic Beach, maintaining the City’s long-term financial health, and addressing infrastructure and public safety needs.
Preserving our character while planning for the future: After nearly 50 years in Atlantic Beach, I have seen our community change, and I believe we need to be thoughtful about how we grow. Development should be appropriate for our neighborhoods, while protecting our tree canopy, parks, natural environment and quality of life. I would listen to residents and carefully consider the long-term impact of proposed changes.
Long-term financial health: We have a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayers’ money. I would work to understand the long-term financial impact of decisions, prioritize essential services and infrastructure, and make sure we are planning not just for today, but for the future.
Infrastructure and public safety: Maintaining our roads, drainage, sidewalks, parks and other public infrastructure—and addressing traffic and pedestrian safety—directly affects residents’ quality of life. I would work with City staff and residents to identify priorities, use data to guide decisions and pursue practical solutions that can be responsibly funded.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
What I can offer voters is nearly 50 years of lived experience in Atlantic Beach and a deep personal connection to the community. I have watched our city grow and change, raised a family here, volunteered here and built relationships with people across our neighborhoods.
That history gives me a perspective that cannot simply be gained by studying a city or serving on a board for a few years. I understand the character of our community and why people choose to call Atlantic Beach home.
I would bring that perspective to the Commission while continuing to listen, learn and consider the facts. My goal is to be a thoughtful, independent voice for the residents of Atlantic Beach and to make decisions based on what is best for our community as a whole.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would hope to be remembered for helping Atlantic Beach move forward without losing the character and quality of life that make our community so special.
I would like to look back and know that I helped make thoughtful decisions about growth and development, protected our neighborhoods, parks and natural environment, and helped keep the City on sound financial footing. I would also want residents to remember that I listened to them and treated their concerns with respect.
After over 50 years in Atlantic Beach, I would consider it a privilege to serve our community as a commissioner. If I can help leave Atlantic Beach a little stronger, more financially responsible and just as special for the next generation, that would be an accomplishment I would be proud of.
Campaign website: www.votelisaherrold.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
Jennifer Lagner
Occupation: Facilities Administrator
Age: 58
Family: Husband Chris
Mother
Mother in law
Education: BS University of Vermont
MBA University North Florida
MHRM University North Florida
Certified Facility Manager - IFMA
Sustainability Facility Professional - IFMA
PHR Certification
SHRM-CP Certification
Political experience: none
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Growth & Development - Residents often express concerns about density, traffic, stormwater, and maintaining the city’s small town feel. We can address this by ensuring our stormwater and resiliency standards make sense, improve transparency around planning decisions to build trust.
Infrastructure & Resiliency - Atlantic Beach’s stormwater system, roads, and utilities face increasing strain. Need to invest in stormwater upgrades, coordinate with regional partners and continue to pursue grants.
Community Character & Quality of Life - Atlantic Beach’s identity is rooted in its canopy, parks, beach access, and neighborhood feel. Issues often include tree protection, traffic calming, recreation facilities, and maintaining a welcoming, safe environment. Need to support tree canopy protections and environmental stewardship programs while balancing property rights, expand safety improvements, invest in parks, recreation, and community facilities.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
What sets me apart is not just what I want to accomplish, but how I will serve the people who elect me and the experience I bring to the position. In addition to my education, I have lived in AB for 25_ years and have 30 years experience in HR, facilities and operations management. I have served 2 terms on the Community Development Board, served on Parking & Pedestrian Safety Advisory Resource Committee, Secretary of Charter Review Committee, President of 100-unit condo board.
I am committed to being accessible, transparent, and accountable. This includes being someone who listens and gets all relevant information before making decisions, and follows through.
I bring a combination of real-world experience, a willingness to work with people, and a focus on practical solutions that will have a positive impact on our community. I will make sure every constituent has a voice and represent all in our community.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered for leaving Atlantic Beach better than I found it. That means protecting our community character, strengthening our financial future, preserving our natural resources, and building trust between residents and local government. When people hear my name, words such as honest, integrity, good listener, represented all and authentic are said.
Campaign website: www.jennlagnerforab.com
Campaign social media: Facebook