News Summary
Mayor Donna Deegan has appointed attorney D.R. Repass to the Jacksonville Planning Commission, following a recent reshuffle. Repass will fill the at-large seat previously held by Mone Holder, with his term expiring on October 1. The City Council must approve the appointment. Repass has 27 years of experience in real estate law and has established his practice in northern Florida. This change is part of ongoing adjustments within the Planning Commission, which is crucial for guiding urban development in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Appoints D.R. Repass to Planning Commission
Mayor Donna Deegan has appointed attorney D.R. Repass to the Jacksonville Planning Commission following the nomination of Mone Holder to a different position on the commission. Repass’s appointment is contingent upon approval from the City Council.
Repass, who has dedicated 27 years to real estate law, will occupy the at-large seat that was previously held by Holder on the nine-member commission. His term is expected to be partial, expiring on October 1, which will be followed by a full term that concludes in October 2028.
Holder was nominated by Mayor Deegan in June to fill the District 5 position previously held by Tina Meskel. The City Council is scheduled to introduce the legislation for Holder’s confirmation, known as Resolution 2025-0478, at their meeting on July 14. In parallel, the legislation for Repass’s appointment, titled Resolution 2025-0556, will be introduced during the upcoming Council meeting on July 22.
Background on D.R. Repass
Repass is a resident of Jacksonville and also practices law in Ponte Vedra Beach. He specializes in both commercial and residential real estate transactions, as well as disputes and litigation involving business transactions. Before launching his own practice, known as Repass Law, in 2004, he served as the assistant general counsel for the Clark Construction Group Inc. from 1998 to 2001. Additionally, he spent three years working for Akerman Senterfitt.
Repass Law has office locations in both Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine, further establishing Repass’s presence within the northern Florida legal community.
Changes in the Planning Commission
The Planning Commission has undergone recent changes, particularly with the resignation of Julius E. Harden, who represented Planning District 4. His resignation was effective on July 11, citing a lack of adequate time to fulfill commission responsibilities due to personal and professional commitments. Harden was appointed to the commission by Mayor Deegan in September 2023 and confirmed by the City Council to replace Alexander Moldovan. His term was set to expire on September 30, 2026.
Following Harden’s resignation, the Deegan administration is actively reviewing candidates to fill the vacancy he left on the Planning Commission.
About the Jacksonville Planning Commission
The Jacksonville Planning Commission comprises nine members, all of whom are appointed by the mayor and are subject to approval by the City Council. The commission plays a key role in guiding city planning and development initiatives, addressing various issues concerning land use, zoning, and community development within Jacksonville.
With the recent transitions in membership, including the upcoming appointments and confirmed nominations, the Planning Commission is poised to continue focusing on its mission of effective urban planning and fostering community development in Jacksonville.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leadership Changes in Jacksonville’s Planning Commission and JEA
Ron DeSantis Appoints New Florida Education Commissioner
R. Brett James Resigns as Jacksonville’s Planning Director
Jacksonville’s Planning Director Resigns at Mayor’s Request
Jacksonville Planning Commission to Undergo Major Changes
Jeanette Nunez Appointed President of Florida International University
Texas Congressman Sylvester Turner Passes Away Hours Before Trump’s Address
Samantha Vance Named Executive Director of Jacksonville Sports Foundation
Jacksonville Sheriff Appointed to State Immigration Council
Fort Bragg Renamed Back from Fort Liberty
Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: D.R. Repass Appointed to Planning Commission
- Wikipedia: City Planning
- Jax Daily Record: Julius E. Harden Resigns from Planning Commission
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Planning
- Jacksonville.com: Audrey Gibson Wins Appointment
- Google Search: Jacksonville Planning Commission
- Florida Governor: Judicial Nominating Commission Appointments
- Google News: Jacksonville Real Estate Law
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
