Commissioner Stokes was elected to the Highlands County Board of County Commission is 1998. He brings a deep working knowledge of agricultural issues, as he has been a rancher all of his working life. Currently he is the owner and operator of The Edgar Stokes Ranch.

Commissioner Stokes has served on numerous local, state and national boards including: the National Cattleman’s Association Board, the Florida Cattleman’s Association, and the Florida Farm Bureau Livestock Committee. Of particular note however, is that Commissioner Stokes is the past president of the Florida Cattleman’s Association, and sat on the board of Directors for the National Association as well.

Commission Stokes is recognized as having helped develop the Environmental Stewardship Program under the direction of the Florida Cattleman’s Land Use Committee. He also helped establish the Kissimmee River Advisory Committee.

He currently serves on the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Nitrate Study Committee and the Endangered Species Study Committee and was appointed to Congressman Tom Lewis’ Ag Advisory committee.

Commissioner Stokes is a long-time Lions Club member and is a charter member of the Lorida Volunteer Fire Department. He and his wife Norma live in Lorida and attend the Lorida Church of the Brethren. He and Norma have four children.