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Port of Palm Beach Group 4

The Port of Palm Beach District is an independent special taxing district, covering approximately 50 percent of Palm Beach County. The port itself sits on 165 acres in Riviera Beach; it is the fourth busiest container port in Florida and 18th busiest in the nation, with container and bulk cargo and passengers. The Port District has authority to levy ad valorem tax, but has not done so since 1975. It is primarily an export port, with the majority of cargo going to islands in the Caribbean. The Port District is governed by a board of five commissioners elected at large for overlapping four-year terms. The commission selects its chairman, vice chairman and secretary-treasurer. The FY 2025-26 salary for a port commissioner is $12,500.

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    Blair J Ciklin
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Serge D'Haiti
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Brian Lamb
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What unique qualifications and expertise do you possess that make you well suited for this office?

Do you support land expansion of the port, even if it means buying out owners of single-family homes in Riviera Beach?

What problems, difficulties or challenges do you see in the Port of Palm Beach and what do you propose to do about them?

Do you support term limits for Port of Palm Beach commissioners? If so, how long should they serve?

Education Muskingum university
Experience 10 terms as port commissioner
Campaign Phone 561-676-5823
Campaign Email Blairciklin@gmail.com
I am the longest serving port commissioner in the United States. We have never taxed port district since I have been a member. Revenue at all time levels. Looking for additional cruise ships.
We will never buy out residents homes, looking for vacant land in district
The port is 4 th in containers in Florida , would like to add 2 new cruise ships
There is a 12 year term limit
Education Doctorate in Accounting at Capella University, Masters of Accountancy from Nova Southeastern University, Bachelor Degree from Florida Atlantic University, Associates Degree from Palm Beach Community College. Graduate from Palm Beach Lakes Community High School.
Experience Managing Member of Serge W. D'Haiti CPA PLLC, Adjunct Professor at Lynn University, Accountant at The Healthcare District of Palm Beach County, Revenue Administrator at the Florida Department of Revenue, Security Services, Musician, Customer Service, Volunteer, Educator.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/effective_solution_/
Campaign Phone 561-271-0019
Campaign Email admin@voteforserge.com
I have the research and analytical skills of a certified public accountant, which will help with financial reporting. I have worked in the area of security and partnering with public safety to be proactive in responding appropriately. Finally, as a lifelong Palm Beach County resident and business owner, I understand building relationships to ensure local businesses and residents will thrive through economic development by maximizing the utilization of assets.
Yes, I support economic development opportunities for the Port of Palm Beach and the residents of Riviera Beach. I will support plans that benefit both parties in the long term. This will be done through transparency.
One problem that I discovered is that not enough of the residents in the community are familiar with the Port of Palm Beach. This may be the cause of the gap in the underutilization of the "Margaritaville ship." The asset is underutilized during the year, which results in a loss of potential revenue and visitors to patronize local businesses. My solution will be to educate and inform the new residents of the Port, build relationships with the local community, and create seasonal package cruises
There should be term limits on the number of consecutive years that a commissioner holds office. Similar to the accounting profession, public auditors are required to rotate with audit public clients to allow a cool-off period. This will increase transparency and independence with the users of the financial statements. This will benefit the voters.
Education Palm Beach State College - EMS
Experience West Palm Beach Fire Rescue - Battalion Chief, Chief of EMS, Chief of Training, Public Information Officer / Government Liaison, Interim Emergency Manager
Campaign Mailing Address 3418 Pony Run
Lake Worth, FL 33449
Campaign Phone 5616899787
Campaign Email sbrianlamb@yahoo.com
For more than 30 years, I've served in leadership roles with Fire Rescue, including Battalion Chief, Chief of EMS, Chief of Training, and Interim Emergency Manager. I've managed multimillion-dollar budgets, supervised hundreds of employees, modernized operations, negotiated major contracts, and worked alongside Port Security and U.S. Customs. My experience prepares me to provide thoughtful, accountable oversight of the Port.
The Port is a vital economic asset, but expansion should only occur if there is a clearly demonstrated public need, broad community engagement, and a fair, transparent process. I do not support displacing homeowners unless every reasonable alternative has been thoroughly evaluated and the long-term public benefit clearly outweighs the impact on residents.
The Port must continue investing in infrastructure, technology, security, and long-term planning while remaining financially responsible. My focus would be strengthening emergency preparedness, improving operational efficiency, supporting job growth and trade, maintaining transparency, and ensuring the Port remains competitive without losing sight of its responsibility to the constituents.
Yes. Florida law now limits members of elected independent special district boards, including the Port of Palm Beach Commission, to 12 consecutive years unless a district's charter is more restrictive. I support following the statewide standard because it balances continuity and institutional knowledge with regular opportunities for new leadership and accountability.