JEA Board Member Adams Receives Support Amid ‘Favor’ Text Controversy

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – A controversy is brewing in Jacksonville over text messages revealing an apparent attempt by City Council President Kevin Carrico to influence appointments to the JEA board, the city’s publicly owned utility. The messages suggest Carrico sought to replace current board member Arthur Adams Jr. With Paul Martinez, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, citing a “big favor” owed to Martinez.

The exchange, first reported by News4JAX and First Coast News, has sparked criticism and raised questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest within Jacksonville’s city government. While Martinez subsequently withdrew his nomination on Wednesday, the fallout continues, with growing support for Adams and scrutiny of Carrico’s motivations.

According to the text messages provided by JEA, Carrico informed Adams on February 5th that his seat on the board was being offered to Martinez, as Adams’ term was nearing its expiration. “What up bro…hey I owed a big favor to a friend and opted to put him on the JEA Board as your term is expiring,” Carrico wrote. “Not sure if you wanted to stay but I needed to do this for my guy. Tab is on me when we link up next.👊” Adams responded that he had “plan[ned] to stay.”

The timing of the controversy is particularly sensitive, given JEA’s recent history. In 2019, a proposed privatization plan, spearheaded by former CEO Aaron Zahn, collapsed following public outcry and investigations into the process. The current situation is drawing parallels to that period, with concerns about undue influence and a lack of openness in decision-making.

City Council member Rahman Johnson has publicly voiced his support for Adams, highlighting his experience and dedication. “Arthur Adams has shown that he’s a talented individual. He’s shown he’s dedicated to the city,” Johnson stated, adding that Adams’ background in corporate leadership, including his time at CSX, provides a valuable perspective to the board.

Adams was initially appointed to the JEA board in January 2025, serving a partial term that is set to expire at the end of February. The decision on whether to reappoint him now rests with Carrico, who will be responsible for nominating a candidate for the position.

The nature of the “big favor” referenced by Carrico remains unclear. However, a review of Carrico’s financial disclosure forms reveals a significant increase in his salary at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida between 2021 and 2022 – a rise of over 30 percent, from $111,000 to $144,000. While there is currently no evidence directly linking this raise to the proposed JEA board appointment, the timing has fueled speculation.

Nate Monroe, executive editor of The Tributary, described the optics of the situation as “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 What we have is not totally above board.”

In a statement released to News4JAX, Carrico addressed the controversy, framing his actions as an effort to address internal issues within JEA. He stated he has received numerous allegations of “racism, toxic corporate culture, and other leadership challenges” from JEA employees and is seeking community leaders to help resolve these problems.

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. Carrico stated. He added that he would be satisfied with whatever decision the board ultimately makes, but felt compelled to advocate for a “true friend and steward of this community.”

The controversy extends beyond the immediate question of board appointments. The Sierra Club has also raised concerns about a lack of transparency surrounding JEA’s energy planning process, pointing to the removal of information from the utility’s website regarding an upcoming Open House and the cancellation of scheduled finance committee meetings. This comes as JEA prepares to release its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) in 2026, a crucial document outlining the utility’s long-term energy strategy.

Suzanne Sapp, Senior Campaign Organizer with Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, emphasized the importance of public access to information. Transparency is not optional when the public is funding the outcome, Sapp said. Jacksonville families deserve clear and consistent access to information involving high price-tag, billion-dollar infrastructure projects that will impact our bills for decades. Our city needs a strong, competent, and dedicated Board of Directors, not one made up of cronies due favors.

News4JAX has reported that at least two current JEA board members believe Adams is performing well and would support his reappointment. The JEA board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, where the issue of Adams’ future on the board is expected to be discussed.