Gary Monahan has joined TECO Peoples Gas as the Regional Manager of External Affairs for Northeast Florida.

In his new role, Monahan focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with government officials, and TECO Peoples Gas stakeholders. Additionally, Monahan is also responsible for supporting economic development initiatives, and spearheading community relations efforts in his region.

Monahan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida. Shortly after graduation, he began his professional journey in fundraising for the University of North Florida Foundation, where he leveraged his extensive network to garner support for the institution’s programs and initiatives. His efforts played a key role in advancing UNF’s mission and growth.

A passionate advocate for Jacksonville, Monahan was appointed by former Mayor Lenny Curry to the City of Jacksonville’s Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB). As an officer of the board, Monahan and his colleagues approved some of the most significant development projects in downtown Jacksonville in decades, including the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort.

Monahan further expanded his influence in Jacksonville’s development when he worked as an Executive on Loan to the City of Jacksonville. In this capacity, he played a critical role in overseeing the design, development, and activation of the city’s riverfront parks projects, which received more than $50 million in public investment from the City of Jacksonville. Upon completion, these marquee projects will contribute significantly to the revitalization of the downtown area.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Monahan is deeply committed to serving his community. He has served on numerous non-profit boards, including the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Youth Crisis Center, and as a founding member of the Jacksonville Young Professionals Delegation.

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Still smarting over proposed new development on state park lands last year, protestors descended on several of those protected lands demanding that the Legislature do more to prevent a repeat this year.

Legislation (SB 80, HB 209) called the “State Park Preservation Act” is currently winding through the House and Senate to protect the facilities from any more development. The bills are in response to a wildly controversial proposal in 2024 by the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration to redevelop nine state parks by building new hotels, golf courses and pickleball courts, among other amenities.

There were 16 so-called “love fests” at state parks through the weekend by activists who want legislators to tighten up proposed measures.

“These State Land Management bills as currently written (and) amended, cannot prevent the development threats (hotels, golf courses, pickle ball courts, and more) park lovers defeated last year,” said a news release from the Sierra Club, an environmental activist group.

The pushback was so heavy last year by residents that the DeSantis administration scrapped the plan.

Even though there are new measures now under consideration, some residents still say they fear there could be loopholes in the proposed legislation that could leave an opening for a new attempt to redevelop the parks. The House and Senate measures are currently winding through committee reviews in both chambers.

The House bill is slated to go before the State Affairs Committee Tuesday morning.

Despite the hearings, activists say they’ll hold similar protests this coming Saturday and Sunday to reemphasize their position before the measures go to full floor votes in both chambers. Those upcoming protests will take place at Hillsborough River State Park and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

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