Jacksonville’s public utility is back in the headlines, and as the "Mikes" point out, it’s not for a billion-dollar deal or privatization efforts this time. In this episode, hosts Mike Miller,Mike Hightower, and Mike Tolbert sit down with David Bauerlein, the tireless investigative reporter for the Florida Times-Union, to peel back the layers of the latest controversies surrounding the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA).
From allegations of a "toxic workplace" and racism to uncollected fees and political quid pro quo, we dig into whether this is a legitimate reckoning or just another chapter in Jacksonville’s long-running political battles.
Inside This Episode:
- The Capacity Fee Blunder: David explains the undisputed error where JEA failed to collect additional "capacity fees" from large commercial customers who exceeded their initial usage estimates.
- A "Toxic" Culture? We examine the testimony of former Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson regarding CEO Vicki Cavey’s leadership style and the ongoing outside review of the workplace environment.
- The Racism Allegations: While a City Council special committee is investigating claims of racism, David clarifies what has actually been proven (or not) on the record so far.
- Ethics and Insider Influence: We break down the reports involving Council President Kevin Carrico, potential equity stakes in private telehealth companies, and the optics of "transactional behavior" at City Hall.
- The Wall Street Impact: Mike Hightower discusses how this constant turmoil affects JEA’s reputation with rating agencies and the morale of its workforce.
Why It Matters
As JEA faces a City Council investigation and a state attorney review, the fundamental question remains: Can an independent board maintain its fiduciary duty amidst intense partisan debate?. David Bauerlein offers his perspective on where the "cavalry" is headed and if this story will finally settle down six months from now.
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