JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A longtime member of the Jacksonville City Council says Council President Kevin Carrico’s priorities are “not on the people” of Jacksonville, a day after nearly 1,000 pages of subpoenaed records were released in response to a public records request from News4JAX.
The documents include text messages and other communications Carrico provided to investigators. Some of the records were released with redactions, and the records custodian has not yet provided an explanation for those redactions. News4JAX partnered with other local newsrooms to obtain the records and is seeking additional information.
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Among the records are texts that provide a glimpse into Carrico’s behind-the-scenes discussions on city matters, including his unsuccessful effort to appoint Paul Martinez — Carrico’s boss at the Boys & Girls Club — to the JEA board.
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In a Jan. 20 text message that Carrico confirmed he sent to Martinez, Carrico wrote: “Guess it’s time they get a new board member to show them who’s boss….You ready to play the game.”
Sixteen days later, Carrico came under scrutiny after a separate text message surfaced in which he described the attempted JEA board appointment as a “favor.” The “favor” text was sent to JEA board member Arthur Adams, whom Carrico wanted to replace, according to the records and previous reporting.
Florida Times-Union Executive Editor Nate Monroe, who has covered JEA issues, including the failed attempt to sell the utility in 2019 and the criminal trial of former CEO Aaron Zahn, said the tone of Carrico’s texts may concern residents.
“This is now the second time the council president has to address his language and the way he talks about public business,” Monroe said, adding that some people may view the matter as serious.
Monroe also called for a clearer accounting of what was withheld from the released documents.
“The public is owed a full accounting of what, how much has been redacted and the laws citing the redactions, and we don’t have that now,” Monroe said.
Other texts appear to show Carrico’s relationship with former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. In one message to someone who appears to be a city employee, Carrico wrote: “Need this permit closed out bro, it’s a favor to a church for Lenny Curry,” referencing a permit related to demolishing a pool at a home where priests live.
Monroe said he did not see documentation in the released records supporting Carrico’s public allegations of a toxic or racist work culture at JEA — claims Carrico raised before calling for a special investigative committee focused on the utility.
“There is no mention or substance behind the allegations that he made that there is a toxic or racist work culture at JEA,” Monroe said. “As far as I can see in these records, the only real public pressure that he’s gotten with regards to JEA is criticism for going after JEA in the first place.”
City Council member Matt Carlucci criticized Carrico’s conduct and said the council presidency is a unique opportunity.
“You get to be council president one time, and it’s a real honor, and it is a real opportunity to do something good for your community,” Carlucci said. “It’s sad that this year has been wasted in my view.”
The records also include messages from reporters seeking answers from Carrico after the initial JEA-related text came to light, as well as emails from residents raising concerns about the nomination process and Carrico’s allegations about JEA.