OPINION: Delaying Tactics Attempted In Lynn Haven Recall Election

LYNN HAVEN, FL - The Bay County Supervisor of Elections announced that sample ballots were mailed to all registered voters within the city limits of Lynn Haven, on December 31, 2025, for the Special Election scheduled for January 20th, 2026.

The registration deadline was December 22nd. Only voters within the city limits who registered to vote by that day are eligible to vote in this election. Vote-by-mail ballots were mailed beginning on December 18th to those who requested them.

Mayor Jesse Nelson tried to delay the recall election by filing a complaint against James Finch, Chairman of the Lynn Haven Recall Committee (James Finch) and Nina Ward, Bay County Supervisor of Elections (Nina Ward). The “Notice of Filing Standing Order” recommends delaying a hearing as long as 180 days from the date of the service of the complaint. It recommends a trial date that could be as far out as twelve (12) months from the date of service of the initial process.

James Finch filed a motion on December 19th to transfer the case to a judge other than the Honorable Judge Elijah Smiley because Judge Smiley previously entered a permanent standing order of recusal in all matters involving Finch’s counsel, William B. Price of the Price Law Firm.

Mayor Jesse Nelson filed an emergency temporary injunction on December 19th to enjoin James Finch and Nina Ward from taking any further action to advance the recall election scheduled for January 20th.

James Finch filed a motion to dismiss the complaint and a response in opposition to emergency motion for temporary injunction on December 22nd.

Mayor Jesse Nelson filed an amended complaint for declaratory, injunctive relief and damages on December 29th.

James Finch filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on December 30th.

It sure looks like attorneys were keeping busy in December!

If you would like to review the documents, check out Case Search Nelson, Jesse, Case #25001332CA – Nelson, Jesse vs. Finch, James Chairman of the Lynn Haven Committee

--- The opinions expressed in the Bay County Coastal are solely those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Bay County Coastal, its owners, or its contractors. We strive to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and encourage respectful and thoughtful discourse among our readers.