JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mark Middlebrook, a driving force behind Jacksonville’s urban park system and a former executive director of the Timucuan Parks Foundation, died Sunday in Spring City, Tennessee, the foundation said. He was 74.
“Mark was far more than a former Executive Director — he was foundational to who we are today,“ the foundation said. ”In 1999, he began working with the City of Jacksonville’s Preservation Project to acquire and protect natural and environmentally sensitive lands. His leadership and vision helped build one of the most impressive urban park systems in the nation and laid the groundwork for what would become the Timucuan Parks Foundation."
TPF said it is “profoundly grateful” for all of the work Middlebrook did for Jacksonville, citing his leadership as the primary reason that thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land will remain protected for future generations.
The statement went on to say that Middlebrook retired as executive director in late 2023 but continued as an adviser to the foundation, adding that his dedication to preserving Northeast Florida’s natural landscapes was “unwavering” and “deeply inspirational.”
“He believed passionately in protecting the places that make Jacksonville special, and that passion shaped our mission and continues to guide our work.”
Additionally, the President and CEO of the North Florida Land Trust, Allison DeFoor, released a statement on Middlebrook’s passing.
“Mark was a giant, and his legacy will be seen for generations yet unborn,” he said. “Rest in Peace, friend, Rest. Your work is done, but your gift will live on.”
Before serving as executive director of TPF, Middlebrook worked in the late 80’s as a reporter for WJXT.
Some of his work, which included coverage on the execution of Ted Bundy, the placement of a landfill in Jacksonville, and the construction of a jail in Jacksonville, can be seen below.
Middlebrook leaves behind his wife, Gayle; his children and grandchildren; his extended family; and the many friends and colleagues who will miss him deeply, TPF said.