Bruce Wayne Robinson

I was raised in Lake City, Florida, where my ancestors have lived since at least the 1740's when Florida was owned by Spain. 

As a child,  I was a hard worker and developed an insatiable appetite for knowledge.  At the age of twelve, I got my first summer job working in the watermelon fields so I could begin saving for college.  Over the next several summers, I worked in tobacco, including in the warehouses loading sheets of tobacco on railroad cars.  I also worked for the Columbia County School Board one summer digging water lines at Five Points Elementary and refinishing desks.  After that, I began to work in road construction where I continued to work in the summers until I graduated from college. 

During my high school years, I was a member of the National Honor Society, and lettered in basketball and football for Columbia High School.  After graduation, I went to Florida State University where I met Dolly, my wife of 48 years.  At the beginning of my sophomore year, my father had a massive stroke, which greatly affected the family’s finances.  Despite that tragedy, I was a member of the Student Senate at Florida State University, President Pro Tem of Men’s Senate, and Chairman of one of the two political parties on campus.  I also participated in intramural football, basketball, softball, volleyball, track and wrestling for my fraternity, Alpha  Tau Omega.  Because of my activities, leadership and academics at the University, I was tapped for Omicron Delta Kappa, a National University Leadership Society, and also for Gold Key, another university leadership society.  During the summers I was in college, I continued to work in road construction where I participated in the building of Interstate 75 and State Road 100, among others. 

Shortly after graduating from FSU, I was sworn in to the United States Marine Corps and, within two days, was married.  While in Okinawa, my daughter, Stefani, was born and shortly thereafter I requested transfer to Vietnam, where I earned the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V. 

After my return from active military service, I was accepted into the University of Florida College of Law, and continued my military service as an Amtrac Unit Commander with Bravo Company, 4th Amtrac Battalion. 

During my time in law school, I also worked as a water law abstractor for the Eastern Water Law Center. 

Following law school, where I graduated with honors, I returned to practice law in Columbia County.  In just over a year my family grew to include his son, Kris Robinson, who followed me  in the practice of law and is now my partner. 

As an attorney, I have maintained a successful practice and I am the only attorney in the seven counties that comprise the Third Judicial Circuit that is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law.  I was a member of the Board of Governors of the Florida Bar from 1994-2000, and have been sworn in again as of June of 2014.  Through the years I have served on the following Florida Bar Committees: Civil Trial Certification Committee; Civil Procedure Rules Committee; Code & Rules of Evidence Committee; Student Education and Admissions Committee and; I was Chair of the Third Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee.  I am also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Outside of my work and family life, I have always given to my church and community.  I have served as a member and Chairman of the Epiphany School Board.  I have been a Senior Warden and Vestryman of St. James Episcopal Church, and was Chairman of the Building Committee when the new church was built and completed in 2003.  I have also served as a Lector and Lay Eucharistic Minister for St. James Episcopal Church.

I have served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, and am  also a Past President.  I previously served as Chairman of the March of Dimes Drive, and was head of the Professional Committee of the United Way.  I am currently a member of Kiwanis, Military Officers Association of America, American Legion, Elks Lodge, Fort White Gun Club, Gator Skeet and Trap Club and I am a Life Member of the NRA.

In 1995, I chaired a Committee for the Columbia County School Board to ease racial tensions involving minority hiring within the school system. 

In 1996, I was run over by a fully‑loaded log truck, suffering a broken back and crushed legs.  After being confined to a hospital bed for 3 months, I began a long path to recovery and learned to walk again.  This event reinforced my belief in the importance of faith, family and commitment to my community.

My hobbies include hunting, fishing, kayaking and shooting clay sports.  I also enjoy spending time with my four grandchildren, Molly, Noah, Jackson and Jacob, who is an Airman with the United States Air Force.