Allen Dowling Nease (February 1, 1914 – September 1984)[1] was a pioneer of Florida’s reforestation and conservation efforts in the mid-20th century.[2]
Nease was born Allen Dallen, but was adopted when he was ten and kept his birth name as his middle name.
In 1971, Nease was elected to the St. Johns County School Board, where he served as chairman for 17 years and became the School Board's driving force for 24 years. While on the School Board, Nease won the battle to build and develop what is now known as the First Coast Technical Institute. For these achievements, the high school, Allen D. Nease Senior High School, was named after him.[3]