Jorge Salinas, Flagler County’s deputy administrator since 2020, was killed in a car accident on I-4 Saturday. He and his wife, Nancy, were among the victims. A motorcyclist was also killed.
The accident involved four vehicles and is being treated as a hit-and-run. One suspect is still on the loose: the driver of a Dodge Durango. The Durango was found in a parking lot in Flagler County by law enforcement but the suspect was not with it. According to law enforcement, the driver is believed to have caused the accident and then left the scene.
“Jorge was a very strong partner in leading Flagler County,” Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito said in a statement. “I can’t even imagine the depth of his loss to our community or the pain his children and family must feel. He is already missed.”
59-year-old Salinas was driving on I-4 in he and his wife’s Honda Pilot at the time of the accident. He and his 60-year-old wife were both killed, as was the 54-year-old motorcyclist.
“I am very saddened,” added Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance. “A significant void has been created in our Flagler County community. He was a trusted and respected member of the leadership team. My heart goes out to his children and family. Thank you, Jorge, for your service to us and your country.”
Salinas was appointed Flagler County deputy administrator in September 2020 under then-Administrator Jerry Cameron. He remained in his role when Heidi Petito was appointed in June 2021. Prior to that Salinas spent almost six years as Deputy City Manager of Albany, Oregon. He served eleven years in the United States Air Force, and also had a ten-year stint as a project manager for Hewlett-Packard.
“Our team is still in shock hearing about Jorge’s passing,” said Flagler Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord on Monday. “He was a great leader and supporter of our community!”
“No words, just completely shocked,” added Flagler Elections Supervisor Kaiti Lenhart on social media. “We just had a meeting with Jorge last week. He was always so helpful, always smiling, just a great person and an incredible public servant. Please pray for his family.”
