Deegan and JEA CEO Vickie Cavey address City Hall questions after allegations of workplace misconduct
Public briefing follows renewed scrutiny of Jacksonville’s city-owned utility
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and JEA Managing Director and CEO Vickie Cavey held a City Hall media availability Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, addressing questions about claims raised by a City Council member alleging a “toxic” workplace culture and racism within the city-owned utility.
The appearance placed JEA—one of the region’s largest public utilities—back at the center of City Hall debate, with the mayor and the utility’s top executive responding jointly as questions focused on oversight, accountability, and the handling of workplace concerns.
What was addressed at City Hall
During the question-and-answer session, Deegan described the allegations as a “smear campaign” and said the criticism was being driven by people seeking influence over JEA “for money and power.” Cavey also took questions alongside the mayor as the administration framed the claims as part of a broader political dispute involving control and governance of the utility.
The briefing did not, by itself, establish findings about the underlying allegations. No independent investigative conclusions were presented during the availability. The event functioned primarily as a public response by the mayor’s office and JEA leadership to the claims and the resulting public attention.
Why JEA’s leadership and governance are under focus
JEA is a community-owned, city-affiliated utility providing electric, water and related services across Northeast Florida. Its scale and public ownership mean leadership controversies can rapidly become intertwined with city politics, including discussions about the role of elected officials, the utility’s board, and public expectations for transparency.
Cavey’s leadership tenure is relatively recent. She was named interim managing director and CEO in April 2024 following the resignation of then-CEO Jay Stowe. Later in 2024, the JEA board appointed her as the permanent CEO and managing director. Cavey is a long-time JEA veteran who began her career at the utility in the 1980s and later returned to leadership roles after retirement.
Key points for residents and customers
The Feb. 20, 2026 media availability was a political and administrative response to allegations, not a formal adjudication of those claims.
The mayor’s office publicly aligned itself with JEA’s current CEO, signaling that the administration intends to defend existing leadership against the accusations.
Because JEA is a city-owned utility, disputes about leadership and culture can have direct implications for public trust in oversight, even when day-to-day service delivery is unaffected.
The City Hall appearance underscored how allegations involving workplace culture can become governance issues for a public utility whose leadership operates in close proximity to elected officials.
Additional developments are expected to center on whether the allegations prompt formal reviews, policy actions, or further public hearings—and what evidence, if any, is made available to substantiate or refute the claims.