JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Support is growing for JEA board member Arthur Adams Jr. after text messages revealed that Kevin Carrico asked him to step aside, citing a “big favor” he owed to his boss at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida.
The messages show Carrico nominated the nonprofit’s CEO, Paul Martinez, to replace Adams on the utility board, referring to Martinez as “my guy.” Martinez withdrew from consideration on Wednesday after the texts became public, leaving Adams in the position for now.
City Council member Rahman Johnson is publicly backing Adams, citing his performance and experience. Adams was appointed to a partial term in January 2025.
“Arthur Adams has shown that he’s a talented individual. He’s shown he’s dedicated to the city,” Johnson said. He added that Adams’ corporate leadership background, including work at CSX, brings a “unique perspective and fire and passion” to the board.
Adams’ partial term expires at the end of February, and it will be up to Carrico to nominate a candidate for the seat.
The nature of the “favor” Carrico referenced in his text messages remains unclear.
Nate Monroe, executive editor of The Tributary, said the optics are troubling.
“When you say that you’re putting someone on a board because you owe them a big favor, that kind of puts into words the assumptions that a lot of people have about how politicians conduct business,” Monroe said. “Whether Carrico really meant that or whether there was ill intent or not, there is an unmistakable appearance that this is not totally above board.”
News4JAX reached out to Carrico to ask what he meant by the “favor” and are waiting for a response from the City Council President.
A review of Carrico’s 2021 and 2022 financial disclosure forms shows his salary at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida increased from $111,000 in 2021 to $144,000 in 2022, a raise of more than 30 percent. During that period, the organization expanded programs and resources for Jacksonville youth. There is no evidence linking the salary increase to the “favor” Carrico referenced.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for JEA. In 2019, a proposed privatization plan led by former CEO Aaron Zahn collapsed amid public backlash and investigations.
Monroe said the situation draws parallels to that era, when questions were raised about loyalty and appointments within city government.
News4JAX has confirmed through sources that at least two current JEA board members believe Adams is performing well and would like him to be considered for reappointment.
The JEA board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday.
Carrico sent a statement to News4JAX amid the controversy.
Since becoming Council President and as a leader of this community I have unfortunately taken numerous meetings and calls from JEA employees with allegations of racism, toxic corporate culture, and other leadership challenges associated with the CEO. I am currently having conversations with community leaders interested in addressing these challenges and moving our utility forward. I look forward to announcing a name in the coming days given then disturbing culture observed at our utility.
I have a vested interest in maintaining the integrity and efficacy of this utility, JEA is an integral part of every day Jacksonville and a vital part of our constituents and business day to day.... My advocacy and endorsement of a community leader, mentor, friend, and highly capable businessman is nothing more than that. As councilman I have been afforded relationships that prove vital to the success and forward movement of our incredible city. This is much to do about nothing, whatever the board decides I of course, will be happy with, but I would be remiss if I didn’t advocate for a true friend and steward of this community.
City Council President Kevin Carrico