Alex Haley

Panhandle Born & Raised | Army Vet | FSU Alum

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

🇺🇸 LET FREEDOM RING 🇺🇸

The summer rain has arrived just in time to ensure we’re free to celebrate America's 250th with all the flair and none of the flames!

🇺🇸Aim for the night sky, not a neighbor or towards vegetation.
🇺🇸Clear the area of debris, especially for grills and other fire sources.
🇺🇸Keep your eye on fireworks and have a bucket of water or hose nearby. It only takes one spark...
🇺🇸Buy fireworks, don't make them. Your fingers will thank you.
🇺🇸Call 9-1-1 right away if you see a fire.

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

🚨Gas Station Morphine Update:

We have removed 17,311 packages of isolated and/or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) from retail locations in more than 20 Florida counties. Since the emergency rule classifying these as a Schedule I controlled substance took effect, FDACS inspectors have been on the front lines working every day to get these dangerous, illegal products off the shelves. These ‘wellness’ products are nothing more than vape shop morphine, and we will continue using every tool at our disposal to educate and protect families, and make sure these products have no place in our communities.

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

Our annual Back the Blue BBQ is an opportunity for Kathy and I to thank Florida’s Sheriffs, FDLE and our Ag Law Team for all they do to keep our state safe. It’s hard to imagine a group of men and women more dedicated to serving the people of Florida.

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

Did you know Florida has the highest growth in FFA participation in the nation? Student participation grew from 30,000 to 65,000 in just three years. THIS is how we ensure the next generation of farmers right here at home!

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

NWS UPDATE from Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson:

“Over a year ago, when we heard the New World Screwworm could be a threat to the U.S., FDACS started modernizing traps that our trained scientists can use to help with fly detection. I am pleased to report our traps work and are being used today in Texas and New Mexico. Our staff will be placing these traps strategically throughout Florida as well.

“Detection is a major key in response efforts, and Florida will continue to be a strong partner with the USDA and our other states in combatting and eradicating the NWS.

“We have no reports of NWS in Florida at this time. Let’s all stay vigilant to keep it out of Florida.”

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is working:
Syfrett Farm & Ranch, a 1,183-acre cow/calf operation in Highlands County, Florida, has been permanently preserved from development through a rural lands protection easement. The ranch supports a large herd of cattle and is engaged in a sustainable cow/calf operation. In addition to livestock grazing, the ranch utilizes a portion of its fertile uplands for sod production. The wetland areas provide valuable ecological benefits, such as water filtration and habitat for local wildlife, and the property has improvements to optimize water retention to reduce runoff and enhance water quality flowing into Lake Okeechobee. Syfrett Farm & Ranch is entirely located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

[Alex Haley @alexhaleygr]

A great day to beat Paraguay. Go U.S. Men’s Soccer!🇺🇸

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

We are doing everything we can to keep your pets safe.

The new Emergency Rule issued today by Commissioner Wilton Simpson prohibits the importation of rescue and shelter dogs and cats from states with confirmed New World Screwworm detections.

Many monthly flea and tick medications can be effective in protecting against New World Screwworm.

Approved treatment for NWS (this page will be updated as information is received): https://t.co/dBibtAYXGF

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

We are doing everything we can to keep your pets safe.

The new Emergency Rule issued today by Commissioner Wilton Simpson prohibits the importation of rescue and shelter dogs and cats from states with confirmed New World Screwworm detections.

Many monthly flea and tick medications can be effective in protecting against New World Screwworm.

Approved treatment for NWS (this page will be updated as information is received): https://t.co/UJxGCCN9gS

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

Honored to have Governor Ron DeSantis on the Team! The Governor has been supportive of our mission to stand with Florida’s farmers and I am proud to have his endorsement.

[Jason Weida @JasonWeidaFL]

Congratulations @WiltonSimpson! Appreciate your leadership and friendship.

[Ron DeSantis @RonDeSantis]

From 2019-2023 the FL Department of Agriculture was plagued by poor leadership. Since taking office in 2023, @WiltonSimpson has rejuvenated the agency and responded admirably to natural disasters such as this year’s fires.

He has earned a second term and I endorse his reelection.

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

The 2026 Farm Bill provides new protection against overdevelopment for small rural communities with less than 5000 residents and 2500 acres - protecting 135 cities across the state. We’re putting the power back in local hands by requiring a unanimous local vote to zoning changes for new development.

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

When an electric utility decommissions a solar site, that land must be restored to its original state, and the Ag Department gets the first right of refusal to buy it. The Department will then strip the development rights and sell the property to local farmers, guaranteeing that land stays in production agriculture in perpetuity.

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

UPDATE: Following the detection of the New World Screwworm in South Texas, I’ve issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6, which places heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from designated infested zones and high-risk areas.

Learn more: https://t.co/YKHqNWRiKm

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

Few of our lives have not been touched by the devastating impacts that come with a cancer diagnosis. God bless those who have made it their life's work to find a cure.

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

Following the detection of the New World Screwworm in South Texas, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today took aggressive action and issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6, which places heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from designated infested zones and high-risk areas.

Learn more: https://t.co/lHRDzjaWip

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Statement on New World Screwworm Detection in South Texas:

[Wilton Simpson @WiltonSimpson]

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program works with willing farmers and ranchers to prevent future development of working land through rural lands protection easements. By permanently protecting working lands from development, Florida is supporting agricultural operations that contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

WHEN FARMERS WIN, FLORIDA WINS:

Commissioner of Agriculture and Florida Farmer, Wilton Simpson, Highlights Major Wins for Florida Agriculture in State Budget

Learn more: https://t.co/BxYzSLDcYJ