JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The News4JAX I-TEAM has obtained text messages exchanged in January 2025 between JEA CEO Vickie Cavey and the city-owned utility’s former chief of staff, Kurt Wilson, as multiple investigations into JEA continue and subpoenas target records tied to city officials, a canceled land deal and a lobbying contract.
There are three ongoing investigations involving JEA.
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In recent months, multiple subpoenas have been issued, including requests involving Jacksonville City Council leadership, discussion of the now-canceled land deal and the utility’s lobbying contract.
One subpoena issued in February to City Council President Kevin Carrico focused on his unsuccessful attempt to appoint his boss at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida to the JEA board.
A separate subpoena sent to JEA in April by the State Attorney’s Office focused on a lobbying contract with Ballard Partners, a firm that employs former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. The state attorney general’s office later sent its own subpoena to JEA seeking records related to the lobbying contract.
The I-TEAM’s newly obtained texts show Cavey and Wilson discussing issues surrounding Ballard Partners as JEA was moving toward a contract with the firm. The I-TEAM has not asserted that these specific messages are among the records sought in the subpoenas.
In a message dated Jan. 8, 2025, Cavey wrote to Wilson: “FYI, no need for you to do anything. But we’ve got problems having Ballard under contract. I just got a phone call from John Baker.” Wilson responded: “OK…want me to step out?”
Baker is a JEA board member. JEA later did not renew the Ballard Partners contract; the agreement was later ended in early 2026.
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A day later, Cavey texted Wilson: “We may not award the lobbyist contract at all. I’ve now gotten calls from Tallahassee.” Wilson responded: “From who?” Cavey replied: “I’m not saying, But do not execute that agreement yet.” Wilson responded: “OK. Please call when you can.”
In February, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan linked public controversy surrounding JEA to the lobbying contract dispute during remarks about allegations of racism and a toxic work culture raised by Carrico after his effort to reshape the JEA board became public. Deegan said a “vile smear campaign” appeared after JEA leadership resisted pressure to renew a lobbying contract with politically connected people. Carrico has alleged a toxic culture and racism at JEA.
The I-TEAM also reviewed a text from Wilson from early January 2025 referencing JEA’s board composition. In that message, Wilson wrote: “We have a new board member…Arthur says he excited to start..you should text him welcome.”
News4JAX has requested additional communication records involving Carrico. After the station was quoted about $4,000 to produce the records, News4JAX partnered with at least four other media outlets to share the cost.
The I-TEAM will provide updates as records are received and reviewed.