Political tensions are rising in Jacksonville as Mayor Donna Deegan and former Mayor Lenny Curry clash publicly over a dispute over city-owned utility company JEA.
The dispute comes after a tumultuous week that included explosive accusations, a controversial text message from City Council leadership and a reexamination of lobbying contracts tied to Curry and his former chief of staff.
Deegan claims ‘vicious smear campaign’
Speaking on Friday, Deegan said Curry and his former chief of staff Jordan Ellsbury were orchestrating what she called a “despicable smear campaign” against JEA CEO Vicky Kelvey.
The mayor said Kelvey has been the target of accusations of racism and promoting a toxic workplace culture — accusations raised by City Council President Kevin Carrico after JEA declined to renew a five-year, $750,000 local and federal lobbying contract with Ballard Partners.
Ballard Partners counts Curry as a partner and Ellsbury as a managing partner.
Curry denies involvement
Curry staunchly rejected the mayor’s claims, telling Action News’ Jax Ben Becker that he and Ellsbury had nothing to do with any attempt to undermine Kelvey and attacked the mayor.
“I’ve seen this weird behavior [Deegan] Three years in, it’s still a weird situation,” Curry said.
He also said he had never met Kevey.
“I have no idea who Vicki Kevey is and have never met her. If she walked into this room now, I wouldn’t recognize her,” he said.
Curry noted that during Deegan’s press conference, Kelvey seemed hesitant after being asked if he felt pressure not to terminate Ballard’s contract.
When Deegan encouraged Kelvey to elaborate, the CEO responded: “I wouldn’t call it a pressure campaign.”
“I can’t imagine calling someone to a live press conference and saying what happened and having that person look at me and say, ‘Mayor, that didn’t happen,'” Curry said.
Lobbying registration restarts privatization debate
The latest controversy comes months after Curry lobbied on behalf of JEA, reigniting criticism of his past role in failed attempts to privatize the utility.
While serving as mayor, Curry appointed Aaron Zahn to the JEA board of directors and supported Zahn’s rapid promotion to CEO. Zahn was later convicted in 2024 of conspiracy and wire fraud related to the failed privatization. Curry was never charged with a crime.
“I don’t deny that my interest in the value of private assets has always been transparent,” Curry said.
“Owe a friend a favor”
The conflict began last week when Becker received a text message from Carrico saying he wanted to replace a current JEA board member because he “owed a big favor to a friend.”
Carrico is seeking to appoint his boss, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida CEO Paul Martinez, to the JEA board of directors. Martinez eventually dropped out.
Curry said he had no role in the board’s manipulation.
“Look, man, I’m busy. Unless I get a huge utility bill every month, JEA is not on my radar,” Curry said.
what’s next
JEA’s board of directors is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, and Kelvey’s future as CEO is expected to be a centerpiece of the meeting. Several City Council members plan to attend.
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