Digging deeper into controversial text messages and the JEA scandal
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The leader of the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida has withdrawn his name from consideration for a spot on the JEA board following controversial text messages from the city council president who nominated him.
City Council President Kevin Carrico has faced backlash in recent days after text messages appeared to reveal that part of his motivation to nominate his boss, Paul Martinez, for a position on JEA’s board was because he owed him a “big favor.”
Nate Monroe, executive editor of the Tributary, joined Jennifer Waugh during her 10 a.m. streaming show on News4JAX+ to discuss the situation.
When Monroe worked at the Florida Times-Union, he and his colleagues played a key role in covering the controversy surrounding JEA’s former CEO, who is now serving time in federal prison.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
About the Author Jennifer Waugh headshot
Jennifer, who anchors The Morning Shows and is part of the I-TEAM, loves working in her hometown of Jacksonville.
19-year-old charged in Magnolia Gardens shooting that injured 4, including Raines High student ▶ 0:30
19-year-old charged in Magnolia Gardens shooting that injured 4, including Raines High student
Does Jacksonville have the potential to be a little Hollywood? ▶ 1:22
Does Jacksonville have the potential to be a little Hollywood?
Voices of the 904: Live from LaVilla edition - A conversation on Black history and culture ▶ 0:54
Voices of the 904: Live from LaVilla edition - A conversation on Black history and culture
JEA board nominee withdraws amid criticism over councilman’s text messages citing ‘big favor’ ▶ 0:55
JEA board nominee withdraws amid criticism over councilman’s text messages citing ‘big favor’
PV Boys Hoops Playoff Prep ▶ 0:51
PV Boys Hoops Playoff Prep
PV Girls Hoops Playoff Prep ▶ 0:45
PV Girls Hoops Playoff Prep
Inspection forces Jacksonville wholesale warehouse to close; Owner seeks donations to reopen ▶ 0:25
Inspection forces Jacksonville wholesale warehouse to close; Owner seeks donations to reopen
Confidence grows for coaches as the bill for better pay picks up steam in Florida. ▶ 3:01
Confidence grows for coaches as the bill for better pay picks up steam in Florida.
St. Johns County parents express sympathy for family of 12-year-old killed in crash ▶ 1:32
St. Johns County parents express sympathy for family of 12-year-old killed in crash
It's feeling like spring. It's time to start some seeds and grow some tasty greens for spring. ▶ 4:13
It's feeling like spring. It's time to start some seeds and grow some tasty greens for spring.
Passion 4 Pets Adoption Event Returns Feb. 21 at Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Boulevard ▶ 0:30
Passion 4 Pets Adoption Event Returns Feb. 21 at Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Boulevard
Black History Month Spotlight: Al Pete ▶ 0:48
Black History Month Spotlight: Al Pete
Future Snyder Memorial Church to be discussed at DIA meeting ▶ 0:40
Future Snyder Memorial Church to be discussed at DIA meeting
Community mourns death of student killed in St. Johns County crash ▶ 1:06
Community mourns death of student killed in St. Johns County crash
Mortgate rates dip to the 5% range for the first time since 2023 ▶ 0:59
Mortgate rates dip to the 5% range for the first time since 2023
Working in the garden to get ready for Spring ▶ 1:37
Working in the garden to get ready for Spring
Jacksonville TikToker uncovers account posting women, children without their consent ▶ 1:53
Jacksonville TikToker uncovers account posting women, children without their consent
Local civil rights leader talks history and legacy of Jesse Jackson ▶ 0:44
Local civil rights leader talks history and legacy of Jesse Jackson
2026 High School 9:12 Media Day ▶ 1:01
2026 High School 9:12 Media Day
High School Media Day 9:12 ▶ 0:58
High School Media Day 9:12
Abuse, neglect allegations prompt request for state to investigate Union County Animal Control ▶ 0:28
Abuse, neglect allegations prompt request for state to investigate Union County Animal Control
Episcopal Boys Soccer Prepares for Semis ▶ 0:53
Episcopal Boys Soccer Prepares for Semis
It might feel like Spring today, but hold off on planting: More cold is coming ▶ 0:56
It might feel like Spring today, but hold off on planting: More cold is coming
Passion 4 Pets: London is looking for a furever home ▶ 1:02
Passion 4 Pets: London is looking for a furever home
Accused gunman in murder-for-hire case withdraws guilty plea ▶ 0:31
Accused gunman in murder-for-hire case withdraws guilty plea
Previous photo Next photo