The mayor’s stalwart defense of JEA CEO Vickie Cavey notwithstanding, the utility’s chief announced her departure last week after months of controversy and an ever-widening investigation by the Jacksonville City Council. We talk to the mayor about what it means as JEA moves toward its sixth CEO in six years and what it means for utility stability moving forward. We also discuss the statewide rollback of Flock cameras and census data that contradict her administration’s claim to have reduced the rate of uninsured residents by 34%, actually suggesting a slight increase. We also take your calls and questions on any topic. Join the conversation on air by calling 904-549-2937, email comments and questions to firstcoastconnect@wjct.org or go to firstcoastconnect.org to connect with us on social.
Guest: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan
Sinking feeling
Almost 200 pieces of concrete pipes, culverts and structural supports were dumped onto the sea bottom miles from the Jacksonville Jetties — on purpose. It’s just the latest project undertaken by a coalition of fishermen, recreational divers and state, local and federal agencies in an effort to expand a growing web of artificial reefs on the otherwise mostly sandy bottom off the coast of the First Coast. Advocates say the reefs drive tourism but also create critical habitat for marine life and support a healthier ocean overall. The projects aren’t maintenance free. Once created, they must be cleaned and tended to prevent accumulation of ecologically and environmentally damaging fishing lines and netting. We talk to three experts behind the effort about the challenges and rewards of making fake fish haunts.
Guests:
- Marc Hardesty, member, Jacksonville Waterways Commission
- Paul Malone, artificial reef committee chairman, Jacksonville Offshore Sports Fishing Club
- Joe Kistel, underwater cinematographer at Kistel Media
Topics and guests subject to change.