Parts of nine floors at JEA’s Downtown Tower flood from multiple building issues

Jacksonville, FL — JEA employees should expect to see some soggy carpets and heavy-duty drying equipment when they get to work Tuesday.

An internal communication sent to employees says nine floors in the 19-story tower have experienced areas of flooding, in connection to several different issues.

JEA says an under-counter water heater on the 8th floor failed on Sunday, flooding that break room and causing problems all the way down to the second floor. The water has soaked ceiling tiles, cabinets, and boxes in copy rooms and surrounding spaces.

On Monday, JEA says a water supply line to the ice machine on the 14th floor failed, flooding that break room and surrounding areas. JEA says that leak caused damage to the 12th floor as well, although it appears the 13th floor was spared.

A third issue happened at the Customer Center lobby, where there was a water leak from the HVAC system that damaged a ceiling tile. It was removed and will be replace when they are done handling the Tower, according to JEA.

JEA Managing Director and CEO Aaron Zahn tweeted that JEA service will continue.

JEA says no employees are displaced by this flooding, because it is largely around break rooms. Employees are cautioned to expect soggy carpets, fans drying some areas, and equipment to extract water in others. They will try to minimize the impact of the equipment, but say there will be extra noise.

This comes as JEA considers bids for a new headquarters building. When this process started, the driving factors for seeking a new location were that the current building was too large and was in need of substantial repairs. The Board of Directors has three bids under consideration, Lot J by TIAA Bank Field, Kings Avenue Station on the Southbank, and West Adams Street by the County Courthouse. The Board will make a selection in April, but constructing and handing over the facility is expected to take more than two years to do.

WOKV has asked JEA for more information about the state of the Tower and extent of repairs needed. We will update you as that information comes in.