In the heart of Jacksonville, a storm of controversy brews around City Council President Kevin Carrico and his communications regarding the JEA board appointments. The unfolding drama began with a series of text messages that have now become central to an ongoing investigation.
The saga kicked off on Jan. 20 when Carrico sent a cryptic text to Paul Martinez, head of the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida hinting at a strategic move to assert influence over the JEA board. The message, ‘Guess it’s time they get a new board member to show them who’s boss. You ready to play the game?’, set the stage for a series of events that would eventually draw the attention of the State Attorney’s Office.
Carrico’s Communications Under the Microscope
The text message was just one of over 1,000 documents Carrico submitted to the State Attorney’s Office in response to a subpoena issued on Feb. 24. The subpoena followed a media report that Carrico had texted JEA board member Arthur Adams on Feb. 5 stating he would not be reappointed due to a favor owed to a friend.
Jacksonville Today obtained these documents on May 12 more than 100 days after requesting them from the city. The documents, though heavily redacted, reveal a pattern of communications between Carrico and various individuals, including Martinez and former JEA Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson.
Carrico’s Justification for Blunt Language
Carrico, known for his straightforward demeanor, defended his text messages, stating, ‘I’m a straight shooter, and sometimes that means my language is more blunt than polished.’ He emphasized his long-standing belief that JEA needs change, citing significant rate hikes under the current leadership. Carrico vowed to continue fighting for greater accountability and stronger oversight to benefit ratepayers.
A Web of Relationships and Allegations
The documents also shed light on Carrico’s relationship with former JEA Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson, who has publicly accused JEA CEO Vickie Cavey of fostering a toxic workplace culture. Text messages between Carrico and Wilson date back to indicating a close rapport. One message from Dec. 9 references research Wilson may have conducted for a canceled land deal between JEA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation.
Carrico’s texts to Martinez reveal that discussions about JEA began as early as Jan. 8 with Carrico asking his boss for a few minutes to discuss the utility. The nomination of Martinez for the JEA board was officially made on Feb. 10 but it was withdrawn at Martinez’s request on Feb. 24.
The Fallout and Ongoing Investigations
The controversy has led to a series of allegations and counter-allegations. Carrico has accused Cavey of fostering a toxic workplace culture and made claims of racism at JEA’s headquarters. In response, Mayor Donna Deegan has called for Carrico to step down as council president, alleging a smear campaign against Cavey.
The Jacksonville City Council launched a Special Investigatory Committee into JEA to probe these claims. The committee is expected
Meanwhile, the State Attorney’s Office continues to investigate the mounting controversies surrounding JEA. At least three active subpoenas are in play, and the full extent of the investigations remains to be seen.
As Jacksonville navigates this complex web of allegations and investigations, one thing is clear: the city’s utility board is at the center of a storm that shows no signs of abating.
