BWRC March Meeting

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BWRC is privileged to host meetings and social events at Belleair Country Club (BCC). Our members and guests must comply with the BCC's dress and conduct code. Dresses, skirts, blouses, dress slacks and pant suits are appropriate for women. Men must wear shirts with sleeves and remove caps in the dining room. Blue jeans are not permitted.

AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER TO SPEAK AT FEBRUARY BWRC LUNCHEON

Continuing with statewide Republican candidates as its featured speakers, Belleair Women’s Republican Club will showcase Wilton Simpson, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture at its February 6 luncheon. Born and raised in Florida, for over 40 years, Commissioner Simpson owned and managed a large-scale egg-laying operation that supplied families across the state. As Agricultural Commissioner, Simpson has worked to secure the future of Florida agriculture, prioritizing Florida-grown food, defending second amendment rights and, most importantly, defining agriculture as a national security issue for the state and nation.

The Commissioner of Agriculture oversees the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. With his background in agriculture, Commissioner Simpson clearly understands the challenges faced by Florida’s farmers. His legislative service and history of community involvement also positions him to guide the department’s other equally important functions, such as protecting the environment, ensuring the availability, affordability and safety of Florida’s food supply and advocating for Florida consumers.

From 2021 to 2022, Commissioner Simpson served as a member of the Florida Senate and was elected Senate President for the 2020—2022 term. Serving as Senate President through a world-wide pandemic came with many unique challenges, but Commissioner Simpson fought to keep Florida open and free and to ensure that Florida was a beacon of hope, opportunity and freedom for generations to come. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Commissioner Simpson was a staunch advocate for Florida agriculture and the state’s proud farmers and ranchers. Commissioner Simpson was instrumental in securing historic funding for the industry and crucial protections like the Right to Farm Act and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act.

Commissioner Simpson lives in Pasco County with his wife Kathy. Their son Wilton J. and his wife Caroline are practically neighbors, as are Commissioner Simpson’s daughter Lauren, her husband Kenten and their daughters, Addy and Emy.

The February luncheon will be a private event for BWRC members and their guests whose names must be submitted with the members’ payment. Please do not share information about the luncheon on social media. The luncheon attendance will be capped, and no walk-ins will be accommodated so make reservations early.

The February 6 BWRC luncheon will be held at Belleair Country Club, 1 Country Club Lane, Belleair. Check-in begins at 11:30 am, with lunch served starting at noon. The cost to attend is $40 per person. Reservations and payment are due to arrive no later than noon on Tuesday, January 27. Mail checks to BWRC at 1350 County Road 1 #57, Dunedin, FL 34697, or send payment using Zelle.