Clearwater voters choose between Simpson and Atkins for ag commissioner

Wilton Simpson, the current Florida Agriculture Commissioner, is seeking a second term against Democratic challenger Joey Atkins. Both men are vying for a statewide role that influences agricultural policy and wildfire management across the state, including the Tampa Bay area.

Simpson, a lifelong farmer, has held the office for four years. He cites endorsements from President Donald Trump, Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Ashley Moody, and Gov. Ron DeSantis. His campaign lists 61 of Florida’s 67 sheriffs as supporters. His platform emphasizes expanding farmland, investing in firefighting equipment, and supporting the Florida Wildlife Corridor. He also notes his role in outlawing lab-grown meat. If he wins, Simpson says he will manage a zero percent interest state loan to help farmers recover from recent storms that caused $3.1 billion in damage statewide. He also plans to continue efforts to restrict THC products marketed to children.

Joey Atkins, the Democratic challenger, is running on a platform focused on consumer costs and land use. His campaign highlights endorsements from the Florida Agriculture Caucus, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Environmental Caucus. Atkins proposes suspending the state gas tax to lower prices and cracking down on price gouging. He also supports a statewide moratorium on new data centers. A central part of his plan is protecting family farms from developers.

The race pits a long-time farmer with bipartisan endorsements against a challenger focused on tax relief and infrastructure limits. Simpson’s supporters point to his experience in the field and his record on wildfire prevention. Atkins’ supporters emphasize his proposals to reduce costs for residents and limit large-scale industrial projects near agricultural land.

Voters in Clearwater and across Florida will cast their ballots for agriculture commissioner on Nov. 3. The winner will oversee the department responsible for Florida’s farm industry and its response to natural disasters.