Atlantic Beach voters will get a chance to hear all four candidates for mayor and Commissioner Seat 4 in one room when Beaches Watch hosts a nonpartisan forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Beaches Branch Library, 600 Third St., Neptune Beach.

Two Contested Races Head to November Ballot

Two races are contested on the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election ballot. Incumbent Mayor Curtis Ford faces challenger Nancy Staats for the mayor's seat, officially Mayor-Commissioner, Seat 1. Lisa Herrold and Jennifer Lagner are running for Commissioner Seat 4 after a third candidate, Michael Kulik, withdrew, according to the city's filed-candidates page.

Commissioner Seat 5 will not be contested. Jessica Ring ran unopposed and has already been elected.

Challengers Already Appearing at City Meetings

Both challengers have started showing up at city meetings ahead of the election. Staats introduced herself as a public observer and candidate for mayor at the Atlantic Beach Police Officers' Pension Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, Aug. 13, according to board minutes.

Beaches Watch Stresses Nonpartisan Role

"The election of our city officials is one of the most important ways citizens can participate in their local government," Beaches Watch President Maria Mark told the Beach Gazette. "Through this forum, voters can learn more about the candidates and make an informed decision when they vote."

Beaches Watch is a nonpartisan nonprofit civic organization. It does not endorse candidates or tell voters how to vote.

Entrance, Video Details for Attendees

Attendees should use the library's north entrance; the south, or main, entrance will be locked. A video recording of the forum will be posted at BeachesWatch.com on Thursday, Sept. 3, for those who cannot attend.

Early Voting and Election Resources

Early voting runs Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 1. The Duval County Supervisor of Elections will publish final early-voting locations and hours. Voters can find precinct and election information through duvalelections.gov or by calling 904-255-VOTE (8683).

The forum is free and open to the public. More information is available at BeachesWatch.com or by emailing [email protected].