Wilton Simpson

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Commissioner Wilton Simpson: Floridians Can Let Freedom Ring During Fourth of July and America 250 Celebrations

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As Floridians prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of the United States, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are encouraging Floridians to use caution with fireworks and to obey local burn regulations and county burn bans, where applicable.“The past six months have been one of the state’s busiest fire seasons in recent memory, and though recent rains have helped rein in drought conditions, the risk of wildfire still exists in Florida and needs to be taken seriously,” said Commissioner Simpson. “As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding with fun, fireworks, and outdoor cookouts, let us do so responsibly to keep our communities and our first responders safe.”Since January 1, over 2,440 wildfires have burned more than 176,000 acres across Florida. This year’s wildfire season began with drought conditions at the end of 2025, leading to significant wildfire activity throughout the state.“The start of our summer rainy season has helped lift most of the state’s county-wide burn bans, but we continue to have wildfire flare-ups around the state,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “We want to urge everyone to be mindful when burning or using fireworks near a wooded area. Always keep a water supply nearby and be prepared to act quickly if a fire starts.”Residents and visitors should always check local laws before using fireworks. Local fire and police departments, as well as the State Fire Marshal’s Office, can also provide guidance. If choosing to celebrate with fireworks, outdoor grills, or campfires, follow these safety tips:Light fireworks in a cleared area free of vegetation or dry debris.Clear debris from around campfires, grills, and all fire sources.Always have a water source available.Aim fireworks away from people, homes, and wooded areas.Never use homemade fireworks.Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water.Store unused fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.Never leave a fire unattended and ensure it is completely out before leaving it.Report any fire immediately to 9-1-1.There are many ways to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, including creating defensible space, safely burning yard waste, using prescribed burning, and reporting suspicious arson activity. To learn how to protect your life, home, and community, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com.The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire.For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.###

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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Arrest of Individual Accused of Illegally Importing Livestock From High-Risk New World Screwworm Area

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today announced the arrest of Roger Rodriguez Vega, of Maitland, Florida, who allegedly re-entered Florida with livestock after being denied entry at a Florida agricultural inspection station for failing to provide the veterinary inspection documentation required under Florida’s New World Screwworm emergency protections. The animals, 24 sheep and goats, originated from Texas — a high-risk area subject to Florida's enhanced New World Screwworm import restrictions.

"Florida has taken a proactive and aggressive approach to protecting our livestock, agricultural industry, pets, wildlife, and food supply from the very real threat of New World Screwworm, and we will not tolerate anyone who breaks the law and attempts to circumvent those protections," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "I commend the hard work of our agricultural law enforcement officers, who serve as the front line of defense against devastating animal diseases and pests as well as criminal activity. This arrest also serves as a warning to others that we will hold accountable anyone who intentionally violates Florida law and threatens our state’s farmers and ranchers."

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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces New Leadership Team for the Office of Agricultural Water Policy

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the new leadership team for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy, with Jessica Ferris serving as director and Megan Seward as assistant director. Ferris previously served as the office's interim director and will now lead the office permanently.

“Jessica Ferris and Megan Seward are proven public servants with extensive experience in agriculture, natural resources, environmental policy and government operations, and I know they will build on the historic successes of our Office of Agricultural Water Policy,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Florida's farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, and protecting our water resources while maintaining a strong domestic food supply requires practical, science-based, forward-thinking leadership from our Office of Agricultural Water Policy – and that’s exactly what Jessica Ferris and Megan Seward bring to the team.”