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JEA Board Backs CEO as Council President Demands Outside Probe

Council President Kevin Carrico now seeks an outside investigation following the board’s confidence vote for CEO Vickie Cavey.

Overview

  • Directors issued a vote of confidence in Vickie Cavey with one dissent and chose to route complaints through standard HR processes before considering any external review.
  • Fired chief of staff Kurt Wilson accused Cavey of fostering a fear-based workplace and urged an independent investigation, while Cavey called the claims unsubstantiated and defended her leadership.
  • Carrico requested preservation and public release of 60 days of communications between JEA leadership and the Mayor’s Office and said the council could form an investigative committee.
  • Addressing leaked texts about a JEA board appointment, Carrico said his 'big favor' wording was a poor choice and insisted there was no quid pro quo as the board seat remains unfilled.
  • Mayor Donna Deegan labeled the allegations a smear tied to pressure over a lapsed lobbying contract, state records showed Ballard Partners had been registered to lobby for JEA, and partner Lenny Curry denied any role.