Langshaw announces candidacy for Port Authority District 1

Press Release
April 28, 2016 12:26 p.m.

Coleman Langshaw, former Fernandina Harbor Marina Director and current owner and operator of Dungeness Charters has announced his candidacy for Ocean, Highway & Port Authority, District 1.

“The voters of Nassau County deserve to have a real voice representing their interests and concerns at the table with the Ocean, Highway & Port Authority,” says Langshaw. “For too long, the OHPA has lost sight of this, while only listening to certain ‘interests’ at the expense of the greater community.”

Langshaw believes that everyone, “from Bryceville to Hilliard, from Kings Ferry to Fernandina, and from Yulee to Amelia Island should be represented equally by the OHPA.” Langshaw is very concerned about the large and heavy-handed reach of the OHPA in matters concerning its relationship with the communities and citizens within the county.

“Just because the OHPA can conduct business with or without the ultimate concurrence of local jurisdictions, does not make it right morally” says Langshaw. “If elected, I would make it a priority to listen to, and work with the communities and residents of the county. If the concerns of the people are not incorporated into the decision-making of the OHPA, then the trust of the people is lost.”

Community interest and involvement in Nassau County runs deep in Langshaw’s resume.

Although he was raised upon the waters of New England, Langshaw has lived in Nassau County since 1981, and frequently visited the area since his childhood, when he stayed with his family in Fernandina, King’s Ferry, and on neighboring Cumberland Island (Ga.) with his grandmother Lucy R. Ferguson.

Langshaw attended college at the University of Massachusetts and the University of North Florida, and has been a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain (Master 100 tons) since 1982.

Over his 35 years in the community, Langshaw has worked mostly in the boating industry- as a charter captain, as Marina Manager (for the Fernandina Harbor Joint Venture), and as Marina Director for the City of Fernandina Beach.

Captain Coleman Langshaw now owns his own charter business, sailing upon his 42’ ketch Dungeness, operating out of historic Fernandina. His son, Kinsey Langshaw is also a licensed captain (OUPV) and charters with his father, when he is not working his full-time job as a Park Ranger at the Talbot Islands State Parks.

Langshaw has been active in the community in numerous ways. He served on the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Committee for Waterfront Activities for 15 years, was a member of the School Advisory Committee (SAC) for both the Fernandina Beach Middle and High Schools, served a Board Member (and as President) of the Amelia Island Montessori School. Presently Langshaw serves as an assistant coach for the FBMS Boys Soccer team, and recently has become a substitute teacher for the Nassau County School Board, with the Adult Education and GED programs. Langshaw is married to his wife JoAna, and resides in Fernandina.

“Restoring trust, by listening and respecting the voice of the people, in conjunction with making sound financial decisions and fiscal policy, is the basis of my campaign”, says Langshaw, adding, “keeping an open mind will allow for success in our community.”

Editor’s Note:  Langshaw will challenge announced candidates Pat K. Gass and Ed Coop for the District 1 position currently held by Richard Bruce.  Bruce has not announced his intentions to run.