This month, the featured speaker was Pasco’s own Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who spoke about environmental challenges and agricultural opportunities.

FAMILY

Husband, Father, and Papa

Wilton lives in Trilby with his wife Kathy. Their son Wilton Jr. and his wife Caroline are practically neighbors, as are President Simpson’s daughter Lauran, her husband Kenten, and their daughters. Among his many accomplishments, President Simpson’s most esteemed title is “Papa” to his two beautiful granddaughters Addy and Emy.

FARMER

Lifelong Farmer

Wilton Simpson is a fifth generation Floridian, proud to be born and raised in the Sunshine State. A lifelong Florida farmer and entrepreneur, Wilton has deep personal and professional roots grounded in agriculture, including a large scale egg-laying operation that supplies eggs for Florida’s families through supermarkets across the state.

“As the sun comes up every day, I’m on my farm, working hard, creating jobs, and doing the right things for the right reasons. This family farm has done so for generations. Wilton Simpson is a champion for my way of life. Through his Right to Farm bill in 2021, he made sure that I can’t be harassed or sued for just doing my job…being a farmer.”

— Stewart Stein, 4th Generation Belle Glade Farmer, Stewart Stein Farms, Inc.

COMMUNITY

Simpson Donates Land for New CARES Center

“While others bemoan the needs of their communities, Wilton Simpson steps up and pitches in. As a farmer, his land is his most precious treasure, but Wilton didn’t hesitate to share with our seniors when he saw a need. He has a heart that far exceeds what’s asked of him, and for that, we are all grateful.”

— Jemith Rosa
CARES President & CEO

COMMUNITY

PACE Center for Girls

One of the greatest obligations we have as a society is to ensure our children have access to opportunities beyond their circumstances. For so many girls across our state, PACE Center for Girls has been a driving force behind changing the trajectory of their lives. As an advocate for PACE, Wilton has worked for policies and resources for PACE’s important mission to equip girls and young women across our state with the tools they need for success. Perhaps more importantly, Wilton spends time with the girls of PACE at the center where they share with him what they’re learning and at the Capitol in Tallahassee where they advocate for positive change. Wilton has even invited the girls to learn more about his farm and the important work Florida’s farmers do to ensure Floridians have access to healthy food.

COMMUNITY

Simpson Breast Health Center

Seeing a need in the community, Wilton and Kathy worked to ensure women had the care they deserved at a time when they deserved it most. The Simpson Breast Health Center at AdventHealth Zephyrhills is led by an independent team of board-certified physicians and provides some of Florida’s most advanced technology for breast cancer with a full spectrum of breast care services.

“Nearly a decade ago, we celebrated the opening of the Simpson Breast Health Center at AdventHealth Zephyrhills, the only dedicated breast care center in east Pasco County. I’m proud of the work that’s being done to ensure women have access to world-class care that is saving lives.” — Wilton Simpson