JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With a City Council leadership election approaching, Councilman Matt Carlucci is expressing his concerns about the direction of Jacksonville’s local government.
He said he is concerned about what he perceives as “potshots” at the mayor that could set the city back.
Recommended Videos
Councilman Kevin Carrico is the current Vice President of the city council and is expected to be elected President.
While Carlucci did not specifically name Carrico, his statements about the leadership structure of the City Council and potshots at Mayor Donna Deegan nudge people to think he might be referring to Carrico.
Carrico posted on social media earlier this week “#HoloDonna” asking people on the platform for suggestions of who else could be “programmed to go in the box.”
“Jacksonville I need some help, If this thing is staying here let’s get it off of repeat and add some other local celebrities. Visitors should be able to see some Duval legends and get a welcome from them as well. Anybody can be programmed to go in the box… I’m thinking Travis Hunter, Trevor Lawrence, Lil Duval, The PLAYERS Champion Rory McElroy, who else???" he wrote.
Jacksonville I need some help, If this thing is staying here let’s get it off of repeat and add some other local...
Posted by Kevin Carrico on Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Carlucci noted that Jacksonville is transitioning from being a city of renderings to becoming a city of realities.
Reflecting on his experience, Carlucci mentioned that he served as council president a long time ago and understands the dynamics involved in leadership.
He emphasized the importance of having a working relationship with the mayor, stating, “You’ve got to have some kind of working relationship with the mayor, whoever, no matter who the mayor is.”
“Hopefully, if they do win, they’ll grow into the job,” Carlucci said, expressing hope that the incoming leadership will adapt to their roles and learn to work collaboratively with the mayor.
Carlucci also criticized the current leadership structure, describing it as a succession plan that is not healthy for the City of Jacksonville.
He urged his colleagues to put some of the petty stuff behind them and be serious about the future, emphasizing that “our future generations are relying on us.”
