Ex-Florida Commissioner Trey Nick learned his private messages weren’t so private after the release of public records revealed disturbing texts from him to other officials.
Nick’s reported texts said “plenty of ni****s out this evening” followed by a picture from the classic film “Friday” of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker riding in a car. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Nick went on to call them “monkeys at the circus,” according to WMBB News 13.
The texts were sent back in 2022 to former Assistant County Attorney Heather Maxwell and the current commissioner, Tony Anderson. At the time, Nick was the acting commissioner of District 4 in Florida’s Walton County. Earlier this year, Nick announced he would run for a second term as commissioner of District 1, according to the county’s website.
NAACP Chapter President Frank Guillory called the messages — which were part of a public records request by citizens — “disturbing.”
“We’re all adults. This is not 1860 or 1850,” Guillory said. “This is 2024, and it’s about time we grow up as individuals and human beings and start showing some respect for each other.”
Last week, at a board meeting addressing Nick’s actions, Guillory and other concerned residents spoke, including Todd Roark, who said the county’s silence on the topic was unacceptable.
“Silence is acceptance, and when we hear silence, we hear acceptance. I’m standing before you not being silent that I don’t accept it, I don’t appreciate it, it’s unwarranted and unjust,” Roark said speaking to the county commissioners at the meeting.
In response to the scandal, several commissioners denounced the texts.
“We apologize for that, I apologize for that, and you’re right, the county does not condone this type of behavior,” District 4 Commissioner Donna Johns said about Nick, who once held her position.
This is not the first time Nick has found himself in trouble: During his time in office, he was involved in a sexual harassment lawsuit and an investigation revealing multiple commissioners misused taxpayer money, according to the Atlanta Black Star.
Although he never faced criminal charges or consequences for any of his alleged activities, Nick’s unprovoked racism is bringing his skeletons back to life.
Neither Nick nor his team have released any statements addressing these allegations. As of now, Nick is still set to be on the ballot for reelection on Nov. 5.