Tributes Pour in for Robert Larry Hobbs, Renowned AP Editor

Robert Larry Hobbs, a veteran editor for the Associated Press who played a crucial role in covering Florida’s news landscape over an impressive span of more than thirty years, has passed away at the age of 83. He died peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on Tuesday night in a Miami hospital, as confirmed by his nephew, Greg Hobbs.

Hobbs, affectionately known as “Larry,” was a guiding force in the newsroom from his position in Miami, significantly influencing AP’s coverage during pivotal events such as the dramatic 2000 presidential election recount, the high-profile Elian Gonzalez case, the tragic ValuJet 592 crash in the Everglades, the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace, and numerous hurricanes that struck the state.

His colleagues remembered him fondly for his profound knowledge of Florida’s news history, his humor that remained humble, and his remarkable ability to maintain composure while effectively driving home important points. Hobbs mentored numerous newer AP staff members, instilling in them the high standards of speed and accuracy required in the journalism industry.

“Larry taught me the importance of being both fast and factual, emphasizing that there wasn’t much time for pleasantries,” reflected Terry Spencer, a longtime AP employee and former news editor in Florida.

Originally hailing from Blanchard, Oklahoma, Hobbs was raised in Tennessee. Following a brief stint in the Navy during the early 1960s, he relocated to Florida to be closer to family, according to neighbor Adam Rice. Hobbs began his career with AP in 1971 in Knoxville before moving to Nashville and eventually settling in Miami in 1973, where he dedicated the remainder of his professional life, only to retire officially in 2008 after a leave of absence in 2006.

During his time in Florida, he met his wife, Sherry, whom he married and remained with for 34 years until her passing in 2012. In retirement, Hobbs took up hobbies such as fishing and gardening, and he became known for adopting older dogs from shelters, often stating, “I’m old. They’re old. We can all hang out together,” according to Spencer.

More than his hobbies, Hobbs had a genuine passion for connecting with people, as noted by Rice. “The depth of knowledge he held was incredible,” Rice said. “He possessed insights about nearly every subject without ever boasting about it. If you had a query or topic of interest, he would have the answer. He truly was like the original Google.”