Johnnie Beshearse: A Lynn Haven Native Running for Seat 3 Commissioner

LYNN HAVEN, FL - Johnnie Beshearse, a 49-year resident of Lynn Haven, is campaigning for Commissioner of Seat 3. Born in 1960, he attended local schools, met his wife Michelle at Gulf Coast Community College, and raised their three children—Elizabeth, Tyler, and Eleanor—in Lynn Haven after moving back in 1998. His deep ties to the community include family members like his sister Cyd Buckner and niece Becky Ake, who also live locally, giving him a strong understanding of the city’s needs. Currently, Beshearse serves as vice chairman of the Infrastructure Tax Oversight Committee, while Michelle is on the General Employee Pension Board.

With 38 years at Arizona Chemical (now Kraton) as a Global Packaging expert, Beshearse developed skills in operations, communication, and teamwork. Now retired, he spends his time beekeeping, boating, fishing, and golfing, while staying active in the community..

Despite Lynn Haven’s success in reviving parks and events, Beshearse is concerned about unaddressed issues. He highlights the need to expand the sewage treatment plant, suggesting a collaboration with the county to relocate it from the bay—a move that would benefit both the environment and the region. He also points to the city’s $30 million debt as a pressing concern that needs immediate attention. Additionally, while stormwater projects have improved heavy flooding areas, Beshearse notes that more work remains to complete these initiatives.

Turning to upcoming ballot initiatives, Beshearse shared his thoughts on three non-binding referendums. Two focus on re-establishing a city library, either by building a new 4,000-square-foot facility costing over $1.9 million or partnering with the Northwest Florida Regional Library System to use an existing city building. Beshearse cautions that now isn’t the right time for such a costly project given the city’s debt, suggesting a foundation to raise funds for a future library instead. The third referendum proposes creating a zoning map to guide land use, but Beshearse isn’t in favor, noting that the current zoning plan with future land use codes works well and a new map may overly restrict current property owners.

On the topic of downtown revitalization, Beshearse supports using CRA funds to improve infrastructure along Florida Avenue to attract businesses and restaurants. However, he notes the city is moving forward with the Marina Island Development, which will bring a marina, shops, and restaurants similar in scale to Rosemary Beach.

“Lynn Haven is a great place to live. People come here for our parks and activities. Lynn Haven needs strong, decisive leadership to move forward,” Beshearse said.

If elected, Beshearse commits to transparent, data-driven decisions that preserve Lynn Haven’s heritage while steering it toward a brighter future, and he’s asking for residents’ votes in the upcoming election.

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(Bay County Coastal does not endorse candidates.)