Overview
- Texts released by JEA showed City Council President Kevin Carrico telling board member Arthur Adams Jr. he planned to replace him because he owed his boss a “big favor,” prompting nominee Paul Martinez to withdraw.
- At a Feb. 20 news conference, Mayor Donna Deegan, JEA Board Chair Joe DiSalvo, and CEO Vickie Cavey defended Cavey and described a coordinated effort to force leadership changes after resistance to renewing a lobbying contract.
- Cavey said JEA ended the lobbying arrangement on Jan. 31, while state records show Ballard Partners had been registered to lobby for the utility with no reported Q4 2025 compensation.
- Carrico has alleged reports of racism and a toxic culture tied to Cavey without providing specific examples, drawing calls from Councilman Matt Carlucci for transparent evidence and use of proper review channels.
- Carrico requested preservation and release of 60 days of communications involving JEA and the Mayor’s Office, as Adams continues serving until his term ends Feb. 28 and Carrico prepares a new nominee.