Coconut Creek Incumbents Could Face Challengers in 2025 Election

by David Volz December 19, 2024

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Mayor Sandra Welch, Vice Mayor Jackie Railey, and Commissioner Joshua Rydell may face challengers in the March 2025 election.

Philippa Sklaar has announced her candidacy for the Coconut Creek Commission, challenging Vice Mayor Jackie Railey for the District B seat in the upcoming municipal election on March 11.

Sklaar announced her candidacy and said her campaign is focused on fighting injustice and advocating for elderly residents. She criticized Railey, saying, “I don’t believe Railey should be in public office.”

Two other races could be contested in March. Mayor Sandra Welch, representing District C, faces Patricia Louise Duaybes, while Felicia Shuman Newkirk challenges Commissioner Joshua David Rydell, representing District E.

All candidates are not officially on the ballot until after they qualify between noon on January 2, 2025, and noon on January 9, 2025.

Sklaar attended a December 12 commission meeting with supporters from the Wynmoor community, where Railey serves as a community council member. During the public comment session, several residents gave their time to Sklaar, while others voiced concerns about Wynmoor’s leadership.

Sklaar accused Wynmoor’s leadership of mistreating elderly residents, claiming they have been dismissed and even threatened when speaking out at community meetings.

“Most of the residents of Wynmoor are elderly and are not taken care of. They are dismissed and abused,” Sklaar said. “If I am elected, I will work to make sure that all residents are treated fairly and with kindness.”

Railey refuted Sklaar’s allegations during the same meeting, calling them inaccurate.

“I have been under attack by her for the last two years, and her accusations are untrue,” Railey said.

Railey emphasized her commitment to addressing residents’ concerns and said she works to resolve any issues brought before the Wynmoor Council. She also stressed her desire to separate her duties on the Wynmoor Council from her role on the Coconut Creek Commission.

Winners from the election will serve four-year terms through March 2029.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.