Roberts joins governing board of Water Management District

The Executive Office of Governor Rick Scott reported to Historic City News this morning that lifelong St. Johns County resident and former chairman of the St Johns County Board of County Commissioners, Allan B Roberts, has been appointed to the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District.

The 70-year-old Roberts, who is a rancher on State Road 16, raises Andalusian cattle; genetically tested and found to be direct descendants of the Spanish “Cracker” cattle brought the area by our city’s founders over 450-years-ago.

“I’m proud to be appointed by Gov. Scott to serve on the district’s governing board, and I’ll do my best to serve the interests of the people of the district” said Governing Board Member Allan Roberts. “I have a deep appreciation for our natural resources and am grateful for the opportunity to put my experience to work to help protect the St. Johns River and Florida’s waters.”

Roberts will be filling a vacant seat that represents the St. Johns River below the Ocklawaha River and the coastal area between the St. Johns River and Ponce Inlet. The appointment takes effect immediately and runs through March 1, 2020.

“We welcome Mr. Roberts and the expertise he brings to the board,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “His practical experience and appreciation for Florida’s agricultural heritage will benefit our entire 18-county district as we work together to identify and implement projects that protect our water resources.”

Roberts and his wife, Camilla, are the owners and operators of First Coast Cattle LLC. He is a member of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

The district’s nine-member governing board sets policies and procedures for operation of the district. The board holds monthly public meetings, and members serve without compensation.  The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.