Jacksonville, Florida – Sunshine Law Investigation Closed
The state attorney for northeast Florida confirmed that there is no evidence indicating that members of the JEA board violated Florida’s Sunshine Law amid discussions over the recent resignation and appointment of the former CEO, Jay Stowe. This conclusion follows a months-long investigation prompted by a complaint filed by a JEA employee back in May.
What Happened?
The investigation began after a source reported that JEA leaders convened at a coffee shop in Avondale to discuss Stowe’s resignation. This sparked concerns regarding possible violations of the Sunshine Law, which mandates that all public business be conducted in publicly announced meetings.
When Was It Investigated?
In October, the city’s inspector general conducted an initial investigation and determined that while some board members did engage in business discussions outside official meetings, the report did not find conclusive evidence of any violations of the Sunshine Law. As a result, the inspector general referred the matter to the State Attorney’s Office for further examination.
Findings of the State Attorney
After completing its investigation, the state attorney’s office reported that the allegations against the JEA were “unwarranted and unfounded.” The investigation revealed that the discussions held outside of meetings either did not involve JEA board business or did not fall under the scope of the Sunshine Law. Moreover, it was stated that even if there were instances of a potential violation, the board’s decision to appoint Vickie Cavey as interim, and eventually permanent, CEO was made during open public meetings, effectively eliminating any legal issues.
Reactions from JEA Leadership
Vickie Cavey, responding to the investigation’s findings, expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the State Attorney’s Office, stating, “The JEA Board recognizes the importance of the Sunshine Law and its obligations to comply.” Cavey emphasized that the investigation cleared the JEA board and acknowledged the hard work of its employees, assuring the community that their trust was paramount.
Board Chair Joseph DiSalvo supported these sentiments. He stated, “On behalf of the board of directors, we appreciate the diligent work of the State Attorney’s Office.” DiSalvo highlighted the board’s commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity, underscoring that they have always strived to adhere to ethical standards.
Focus on Community Trust
With more than 2,200 employees working diligently to deliver essential services to the community in Northeast Florida, maintaining public trust is vital for JEA. Officials are eager to move past the allegations and focus on their key mission of serving the public without distractions from baseless claims.
In conclusion, the state attorney’s office has effectively put to rest the concerns regarding the adherence to the Sunshine Law by the JEA board members. As the organization continues to work on providing reliable services to the residents, its leadership promotes efforts toward transparency and compliance with all legal obligations.
