Justin M. Taylor
Justin M. Taylor[edit]
Justin M. Taylor (born September 3, 1982) is a former County Commissioner of Nassau County, Florida.[2] He was elected in August 2016 and took office on November 22, 2016. He served a single term until leaving office on November 16, 2020, after a narrow defeat for Nassau County Supervisor of Elections.[3]
Background[edit]
Early Life and family[edit]
Justin M. Taylor was born in Jacksonville, FL to single mother Cathy Taylor. Justin was married to Shannon Taylor, Doctor of Occupational Therapy with UF Health, and together they have one son, Brayden Taylor.
Foster Care[edit]
Justin's mother worked hard and meant well but suffered from alcoholism, leading them to on-and-off homelessness when he was between 10 and 12 years old. At the age of 12, Justin’s mother placed him in a group foster home in Jacksonville so she could enter a rehab facility. During this time, Justin had the opportunity to really get to know his mom for the first time. She was a nurturing mother working to overcome her own obstacles so that she could lead a better life for both of them. After nine months of sobriety, and just a few days from being officially reunited, his mother suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. At just 36 years-old, Justin's mother passed away after suffering a brain aneurysm. This led to him entering a group foster home in Jacksonville, FL when he was 13 years old.[4]
Career[edit]
Local Government[edit]
Justin M. Taylor began his work in local government by joining the Nassau County Property Appraiser's Office in 2012.
County Commissioner[edit]
Justin M. Taylor was elected in the 2016 Republican Primary to the Nassau Board of County Commissioners after defeating Klynt Farmer and Joe Zimmerman. [2] He served as Vice-Chairman in 2018 and was selected by the Board to serve as its Chairman in 2019. During his time on the Board, Justin re-established the Affordable Housing Committee to review policy in order to find solutions for the housing crisis. In addition, Taylor partnered with other Commissioners in the region (Duval, Clay, St Johns) to establish The Fire Watch - A first of its kind program to reduce veteran suicide rates.[5] With public safety one of his top priorities, Justin worked with local law enforcement officials to crack down on adult arcade establishments that became a haven for criminal activity.[6][7] After a contentious debate, Justin made the motion that passed 5-0 to shut down the simulated gambling establishment.[8] In 2020, Justin decided against running for reelection and instead launched a campaign for the open Supervisor of Elections race where he was narrowly defeated by former Florida State Representative Janet Adkins by less than 240 votes.
Hospitality & Tourism[edit]
After leaving local government, Justin Taylor began a career in the hospitality and tourism industry as the Director of Sales & Marketing for the Residence Inn by Marriott on Amelia Island.
Ocean Highway & Port Authority Commissioner[edit]
Justin M. Taylor mounted a campaign against incumbent Port Authority Commissioner Scott Hanna after years of controversy surrounded the Port Operator transparency and accusations of public mistrust.[9][10] On August 23, 2022, Taylor handily won his election after receiving 61% of the vote.[11]
Republican Party[edit]
Taylor previously served as Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party.
Past affiliations include:
- President of the Nassau County Young Republicans
- Vice Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party
- Executive Board Member, Nassau County Republican Party
Community Service[edit]
In addition to his work within the foster care system and his elected position, Justin joined other non-profit boards such as:
- Family Support Services Board of Directors
- Florida's Children First Board of Directors
- Nassau Education Foundation Board of Directors
- Greater Nassau Rotary Club
Notable Designations & Accomplishments[edit]
- Florida Association of Counties Presidential Advocate (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Boy Scouts of America American Values Honoree (2020)
- Certified and Advanced County Commissioner Designation
- Inaugural Leadership Forum Graduate
- Graduate of Leadership Nassau
Justin was recognized by the Fernandina Beach News-Leader and Nassau County Record as the inaugural of Top 40 Under 40 in Nassau County.[12]
References[edit]
- ↑ Release, Press (2020-06-23). "Taylor announces candidacy for Nassau County Supervisor of Elections". Fernandina Observer. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Steger, Susan (2016-08-30). "Election results for Nassau County Clerk, School Superintendent, Tax Collector, BOCC, School Board - Who are the victors?". Fernandina Observer. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
- ↑ "Nassau County School Superintendent, Election Supervisor, Commission, School Board, other races". WJXT. 2020-08-17. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
- ↑ "Justin Taylor and the Far-Reaching Impact of Brain Aneurysm". www.trinityhoblit.org. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
- ↑ "Regional coalition to prevent veteran suicide, The Fire Watch, unveiled in Jacksonville". Action News Jax. 2019-10-01. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ "Sex, drugs and internet cafes: Undercover Nassau County deputies find illegal activity". Action News Jax. 2019-12-31. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ "Internet cafes in the crosshairs as Nassau County considers ban". firstcoastnews.com. December 30, 2019. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ "Nassau County Commission votes to shut down adult arcades". firstcoastnews.com. January 27, 2020. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ Wolfe, Wes (2022-08-20). "Two races give voters a chance for new direction on Fernandina Port Authority". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ Wolfe, Wes (2022-08-25). "Former Fernandina Port operator haunting Port Authority with high legal expenses". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ Wolfe, Wes (2022-08-23). "Nassau voters pick Ray Nelson, Justin Taylor for Fernandina Port Authority". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ "Fernandina Beach News Leader e-paper-special-edition". publisher.etype.services. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
External Links[edit]
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