May 23, 2025

Town of Marineland, Florida

Statement from Mayor Dewey Dew on Recent Appointment and Charter Compliance

Marineland, FL — Mayor Dewey Dew has issued the following statement in response to public questions surrounding the recent appointment to the Marineland Town Commission:

“First and foremost, I want to express my condolences once again to the family and friends of Mayor Gary Inks. His leadership and presence are deeply missed, and his passing has understandably created a moment of transition for our town.

At the start of the recent Town Commission meeting, I opened with a prayer for Mayor Gary Inks, for the people of Marineland, and for our shared future. My intention was to ground our work in a spirit of fellowship, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to run the town in accordance with both the law and the Town Charter. That moment of reflection was meant to remind us that we are stewards of something greater than ourselves.

In stepping into the role of Mayor, my sole intent has been to maintain stability and ensure that the essential functions of our local government continue without disruption. Recognizing the importance of a complete and effective commission, I took steps to fill the vacant seat. This decision was made in good faith and with the goal of preserving responsible governance. 

I want to be clear: we are operating in full accordance with the Town Charter. As outlined on page 12, “The Mayor-Commissioner shall have the power to appoint persons to perform temporarily the duties of any disabled or suspended officer or employee of the Town of Marineland.” Pursuant to this authority, I have appointed Jessica Finch as Vice Mayor/City Commissioner to temporarily fulfill these duties and ensure the continuity of our town’s leadership. 

The Charter further provides that, “The Commissioners shall appoint a Vice-Mayor-Commissioner to serve in all manners as the Mayor-Commissioner when the Mayor-Commissioner is not present or is prevented from functioning in his usual capacity.” These provisions guide our actions during transitional moments like this.

Additionally, under Section 11 (Elections) of the Charter, there are clearly defined procedures for maintaining proper representation and filling vacancies. The actions taken to preserve full Commission functionality are in accordance with those requirements.

Regarding concerns about the definition of an officer, and according to the Florida Constitution: 

 • AGO 74-232 (1974): A town council member is considered a public officer under Article II, Section 5(a) of the Florida Constitution. 

With this research and the opinion from my personal attorney and consulting with another attorney that handles and represents these exact types of matters in other city/towns like our Town attorney.  I am an officer under the Florida Constitution, and I have the absolute right to appoint under the Town Charter a temporary replacement for the vacancy due to the previous Mayor Gary Inks unfortunate passing. Vice Mayor and Town Commissioner Jessica Finch was then sworn in to be another town commissioner so the Town of Marineland could have a quorum. Therefore, we are running the town properly and in accordance with both the law and the Town Charter.

I am pleased and willing to meet with members of the media in person at a reasonable time to discuss this matter further. 

Marineland is a gem of Northeast Florida. It is a place with a proud past and a promising future. We look forward to work and improve the Town of Marineland with the best interests of our residents, our partners, and the generations of visitors who continue to cherish this place.

Let’s protect what makes Marineland special and together let’s Make Marineland Great Again! 

Regards,

Mayor Dew

Marineland Marina has 20+ transient boat slips nestled on the ICW between Palm Coast and St. Augustine, Florida. Conveniently located just off the ICW at Marker 87, south of St. Augustine and north of Palm Coast, FL.

Discover the oceanfront playground that has delighted visitors since 1938. Make an ocean of memories as you meet bottlenose dolphins up close, experience the wonder of marine life, explore over 80 years of Florida history, and even swim with dolphins in our unique educational programs. Plan your adventure today.

Here’s your chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Oldest City! Whether you’re a longtime resident of Florida or a visitor to the area: imagine yourself drifting through the coastal estuary surrounded by mangrove forests, salt marsh grasses, birds of all kinds, dolphins, and manatees, with plenty of oxygen to fuel your imagination and spark your curiosity. Ripple Effect offers a variety of real Florida experiences including kayaking and boating ecotours along Florida’s most beautiful waterways and wildlife rich landscapes.

The River to Sea Preserve is located on both sides of highway A1A at Marineland and is owned jointly by Flagler County and the Town of Marineland. The River to Sea Preserve is a prized addition to Flagler County’s unique and beautiful preserves, beginning at the beach of the Atlantic Ocean and reaching west to the Matanzas River (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway), the River to Sea Preserve protects a rapidly disappearing maritime scrub environment.

Teeming with life, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) is a dynamic, ever changing place with many interconnected habitats from the ocean to the forests. One of 29 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the country, this landscape protects and provides for a great diversity of plants and animals. People have historically changed and preserved this ecosystem. People are an important part of the future of this landscape. This is your reserve! Enjoy, share, and protect it

The Sea Turtle Hospital opened in October 2015 to provide rehabilitation, education and research for sea turtle conservation in Northeast Florida. The hospital rehabilitates debilitated and injured sea turtles, and, once healthy and cleared by the veterinarian, releases them back to their habitat. In its first year (October 2015-October 2016), the hospital rehabilitated and released 10 sea turtles.

Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience is a full-time University of Florida research center for biomedical research and biotechnology located in St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1974, the Whitney Lab is dedicated to using marine model animals for studying fundamental problems in biology and applying that knowledge to issues of human health, natural resources, and the environment. Scientists at the lab are on the front lines of biodiversity, neuroscience, sensory biology, ocean health, and cell regeneration – working to Go Greater for all of us.

The Center for Sustainable Agriculture Excellence and Conservation (CSAEC) has developed and uses best practices to assist farmers as they work to develop their farm using sustainable agriculture practices. The practices of these farmers are developed for farmers. We empower farmers, colleges/universities and industry experts to educate the public, businesses, schools, nonprofits and governmental entities of these practices for a better future.