Wilton Simpson Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

New Year’s Eve fireworks lighting up the night sky over the Laurel Street Bridge and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa, Florida.

Despite historic drought, Florida opts out of July 4 fireworks ban, urges residents to be ‘responsible’

As of June 21, the state has recorded wildfires consuming 176,028 acres this year.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida June 23, 2026June 24, 2026

There won’t be any fireworks ban imposed by the state for Independence Day, but because of lingering drought conditions Floridians and guests are being advised to be “responsible” when lighting devices that fly and explode. With 2,440 wildfires occurring across the state since the start of the year, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson on Tuesday urged […]

Recent freezes cause more than $3 billion in Florida agriculture losses

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

An aerial, high-angle view of a large building complex identified by a sign as "ISTABA ISLAMIC SOCIETY." The complex features multiple buildings, including a prominent light-colored structure with a golden dome in the foreground and a larger, reddish-pink building with another golden dome in the background. The campus is surrounded by numerous trees, including palms, a parking lot, and a playground, with a multi-lane road visible in the bottom left corner.

Florida AG: Vouchers for Tampa Islamic schools ‘undermines our national security’

The entire Florida Cabinet wants to stop allowing taxpayer-funded scholarships for the schools. That’s up to the Department of Education.

Liv Caputo/Florida PhoenixOctober 27, 2025October 27, 2025

As Floridians get hospitalized, state agriculture commissioner warns against raw milk

State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo reports the cases, but won’t say raw milk is dangerous.

by Florida Phoenix and Christine Sexton August 6, 2025August 14, 2025

Florida’s top agriculture regulator wants to define ‘cartoon’

It’s part of a crack down on the sale of hemp to minors, to ensure products aren’t “attractive to children.”

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix July 30, 2025August 18, 2025

Florida farmers to receive $675 million in federal block grant for hurricane relief

Florida producers have suffered more than $3 billion in losses from Hurricanes Idalia in 2023 plus Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024, Simpson said.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix July 22, 2025July 28, 2025

Florida Republicans push to ban cities and counties from putting fluoride in public water systems

But dental and other health groups have called for continuing the addition of fluoride to water.

by News Service of Florida February 13, 2025March 26, 2025

‘Those things are going to happen’: Florida Republican Wilton Simpson downplays heat-related deaths

Simpson on Tuesday said regulations would harm the farming industry.

by Jackie Llanos and Florida Phoenix February 4, 2025February 18, 2025

New Florida immigration law could have ‘unintended consequences,’ says Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson

Simpson also stressed that the federal government needs to bolster border protections.

by News Service of Florida August 4, 2023January 29, 2025

Florida’s new Agriculture Commissioner wants to shield gun and ammo sale data

Simpson, the former Senate President, was sworn in as Agriculture Commissioner last week.

by Renzo Downey and Florida Politics January 10, 2023August 3, 2023

Florida Senate prepares for trial of suspended Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren

Warren, a Democrat, has vowed to fight DeSantis’ effort to ultimately remove him from office.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida August 9, 2022November 7, 2024

Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill to bolster child foster care

Foster care legislation has been a priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson.

by Ryan Dailey and News Service of Florida April 13, 2022May 4, 2024