PUBLISHED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2004

Change OK with Roberts: FWC commissioner gives up his post

George W. Moore III
@PensacolaNewsJournal.com

Edwin Roberts might not be an official member of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, but don't expect him to disappear.

The Pensacola native's term as a commissioner expired Jan. 5, and Gov. Jeb Bush decided to replace Roberts with Brian Yablonski.

Roberts, an avid outdoorsmen and conservationist, was hurt by the news but took things in stride.

"I'm still trying to politic behind the scenes," said Roberts, who served as the chairman of the commission for the last three years. "It's kind of fun because I can talk to (commissioners) on the phone now and not worry abou! t a Sunshine violation."

Roberts, whose efforts helped Escambia County land Florida's bid for the USS Oriskany, would return to the commission if asked, he said, because someone needs to look out for the Panhandle's interests.

"We need somebody from the Panhandle on that seven-person committee," Roberts said. "The closest guy on the committee lives in Tallahassee, and he's not even a hunter and fishermen. I don't want to start a campaign (for re-appointment), but I'd do it if I'm asked.

"Since I was 16 I have been an activist and conservationist. And I'm going to continue to be active in that role."

Roberts has a large following in Pensacola, and many people have asked him to run for office. But the longtime chiropractor doesn't have any political aspirations.

"I'm too thin-skinned," he said. "I take things too personal. I don't want to do that."

For now, Roberts plans to concentrate on his family and his business. Oh! , and he plans to do a lot of hunting and fishing.

"My next goal is to get my kids out of school," said Roberts, who has three children with his wife, Carol. "And I want to continue to excel at hunting and fishing."