News Summary
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is advocating for the return of whole milk in schools, challenging recent federal decisions limiting milk options. He argues that skim milk is less popular among students and highlights the nutritional benefits of whole milk. Additionally, Simpson emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to eliminate dangerous substances from retail environments and discusses ongoing improvements in government efficiency, firefighting capabilities, and wildlife preservation programs within Florida’s agriculture sector.
Florida – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is calling for the reinstatement of whole milk in schools following a recent federal decision that rolled back a previous mandate requiring skim milk in school cafeterias. Simpson argues that children are unlikely to drink skim milk and emphasizes the nutritional benefits of whole milk.
Simpson expressed concern about government regulations, framing the situation as “big government telling us how to live our lives.” He referred to the popularity of whole milk consumption in the 1980s to bolster his argument. This campaign aligns with broader discussions about nutritional options available to children in educational settings.
Crackdown on Dangerous Substances
In addition to advocating for whole milk, Simpson is supporting efforts led by the Attorney General and Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters to eliminate dangerous substances from retail environments. One such substance, identified as 700 H, has been described as “gasoline morphine” due to its potency, which surpasses that of regular morphine. This substance has been classified as a Schedule I drug, making its sale and possession illegal.
As a result of the recent crackdown, over 18,000 packages of 700 H have been removed from circulation within just a few weeks. Simpson emphasized the success of this operation as a product of collaboration between the consumer services division and law enforcement, stating that it reflects the effectiveness of teamwork in enhancing public safety.
Improvements in Government Efficiency
Addressing the efficiency of government operations, Simpson noted that the Department of Agriculture has proactively reduced its workforce by 130 positions and consolidated buildings, which has resulted in approximately $50 million in taxpayer savings. The department is further advancing efficiency by unifying its software systems, aiming to improve communication and service delivery for the public. Additional staff reductions are anticipated as these changes take place.
Advancements in Forestry Services
Simpson also reported substantial enhancements in firefighting capabilities within the state’s forestry sector. Recent upgrades include the acquisition of 80 to 90 bulldozers, establishing a younger fleet, alongside the purchase of ten helicopters and drones equipped with infrared technology. These advancements are aimed at improving both firefighting safety and effectiveness throughout Florida.
The commissioner underscored the importance of safety for firefighters, highlighting that they should return home safely after their duties while also being equipped to perform their tasks effectively.
Modernization and Wildlife Preservation
Simpson elaborated on ongoing modernization efforts within the Department of Agriculture, which currently operates under 20 divisions. Plans are underway to fully transition to Microsoft-based systems by mid-next year, aiming to enhance overall operational efficiency. He also discussed the state’s wildlife corridor program, which he helped establish during his tenure as Senate president. This initiative is designed to protect critical natural areas by purchasing development rights from farmers, aiding in the conservation of agricultural land.
The program has ambitious goals, targeting the preservation of nearly 250,000 acres so far, with a broader objective of ultimately conserving 10 million acres. Simpson believes that safeguarding these natural areas is vital for Florida’s future sustainability and environmental health.
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Additional Resources
- News4JAX: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Discusses School Milk Changes
- Wikipedia: Milk
- News4JAX: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Advocates for Whole Milk
- Google Search: Whole Milk Benefits
- News4JAX: Crackdown on Dangerous Substances
- Google Scholar: Nutritional Benefits of Milk
- News4JAX: Government Efficiency Improvements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government Efficiency
- News4JAX: Wildlife Preservation Efforts
- Google News: Wildlife Preservation Florida
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
