The mother of slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen is seeking to fill the city commission seat left vacant following her daughter’s death earlier this year.
Marly Metayer has filed paperwork to run for Coral Springs Commission Seat 3, according to the city’s campaign finance portal. Her daughter, who was first elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024, had been serving as vice mayor at the time of her death.
Metayer Bowen, 38, was found dead in her home on April 1 after family members and colleagues became concerned when she failed to attend scheduled meetings. Authorities later charged her husband, Stephen Bowen, with first-degree murder in connection with her death. He has pleaded not guilty.
Investigators allege Stephen Bowen shot his wife three times on the evening of March 31. According to authorities, he spent the night downstairs in the couple’s home while her body remained upstairs in the master bedroom.
David Metellus, Marly Metayer’s campaign manager, said her decision to run stems from a desire to continue the work her daughter began in office.
“[Marly] wants to step forward to complete the work of her daughter, not leave it undone,” Metellus told the Miami Herald. “She really feels like she can serve the community.”
According to Metellus, Marly Metayer plans to campaign on many of the same issues championed by her daughter, including environmental protection, public safety, economic mobility and mental health advocacy.
This marks Metayer’s first run for elected office. Metellus said she does not intend to become a career politician.
Residents are scheduled to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Five candidates are seeking the commission seat, with the winner set to serve a two-year term.
Nancy Metayer Bowen made history as the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs Commission. She was appointed vice mayor by fellow commissioners in December 2024.
Before entering municipal politics, Metayer Bowen worked extensively in environmental justice and public health initiatives throughout Florida. An environmental scientist by training, she previously served on the Broward County Soil and Water Conservation District and contributed to disaster response efforts tied to hurricanes Irma, Michael and Dorian.
During her time in office, she served as liaison to several local and regional committees, including Coral Springs’ Environmental Sustainability Committee, the Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Broward County Climate Change Task Force. She also served on the Board of Directors for ICLEI USA, an organization focused on sustainable development.
Metayer Bowen earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. Her work earned her multiple honors, including recognition from the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce and a United Nations clean water advocacy award.
