PALM COAST, Fla. — The Flagler Tiger Bay Club has announced the distinguished panelists who will lead Thursday night’s highly anticipated 2026 Candidate Forum, bringing together a diverse cross-section of the community to question candidates running for Palm Coast City Council and Flagler County Commission.

The event will take place Thursday evening at the Palm Coast Community Center, with a Candidate Meet and Greet from 5:00 to 5:50 p.m. followed by the formal forum from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The five-member interview panel represents the faith-based, student, nonprofit, business, and public affairs sectors:

  • Pastor Charles Silano — Founder and Chairman of Grace Community Food Pantry and Grace Tabernacle Ministries International

  • Wilhemina Anderson — Master’s Program Student, University of South Florida

  • Lovie Haley — Public Affairs Specialist, Flagler County Government and Flagler Tiger Bay Club Board Member

  • Dr. Trish Giaccone — Executive Director of the Family Life Center and Flagler Tiger Bay Club Board Member

  • Ryan Anderson — Consultant, Atlantic Benefit Consultants

“This forum is designed to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and make informed decisions ahead of the election,” said Jay Scherr, President of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club. “Our panel reflects the broad perspectives of our community and will ask thoughtful questions rooted in the issues that matter most to Flagler County residents.”

The evening will begin with opening remarks from Scherr and Marc Dwyer, First Vice President, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, and recognition of elected officials.

The forum will be moderated by Brie Cunniff, Chair of the Candidate Forum Committee and member of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club Board of Directors.

Candidates participating in the forum include:

Palm Coast City Council District 2

  • Antonio “Tony” Amaral Jr.

  • Jeani Duarte

  • Jimmy Hengy

Palm Coast City Council District 4

  • Dylana “Dee” Galery

  • John Kvederis

  • Ramon Marrero

  • Darlene Shelley

Flagler County Commission District 2

  • Greg Feldman

  • Theresa Pontieri

  • Raymond Royer

Flagler County Commission District 4

  • Denise “Woody” Calderwood

  • Anna Jones

  • Leann Pennington

The candidate interview process will include opening statements, three rounds of panel questions, opportunities for rebuttal, and closing remarks. Questions were developed through community interviews, public submissions, Tiger Bay member input, and panelist contributions.

The event will be livestreamed by several local media partners, including:

  • WNZF NewsRadio 94.9 FM

  • Flagler News Weekly

  • FlaglerLive

  • AskFlagler

  • Palm Coast Observer

WNZF NewsRadio 94.9 FM will also broadcast the Candidate Forum live beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Flagler Tiger Bay Club officials emphasized the organization’s guiding principles of civility, respect, and constructive dialogue.

“We are committed to creating a forum where voters can engage in a meaningful and respectful exchange of ideas,” Scherr said. “This is an important part of strengthening civic engagement and developing informed leaders in our community.”

Food for purchase will be available through World Plate Caterer. There is no cost to attend and the event is open to the public. Additional information is available at:
Flagler Tiger Bay Club.

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