Rural Counties Day celebrates Florida’s ‘rural renaissance,’ honors Jason Shoaf

Sen. Corey Simon and the Florida Rural Economic Development Association hosted Rural Counties Day at the Capitol on Thursday, celebrating what organizers described as Florida’s “rural renaissance” and highlighting the role small communities play in the state’s economy.

Officials from 29 counties participated in the event, now in its eighth year, setting up booths and exhibits throughout the Capitol Courtyard to highlight the assets and industries that drive their local economies.

“The small communities that make up Rural Florida are preserving a time-honored way of life that has been highly sought generation after generation, but they need our support to grow and prosper in their own unique ways to ensure a high quality of life for those that live there into the future,” Simon said.

“This annual event is an excellent opportunity for our rural communities to educate Florida’s leaders on who they are and what they provide our great state, so that lawmakers can gain a better understanding of how to best support them and meet their evolving needs.”

During remarks from the steps of the Old Capitol, Simon and FREDA Chairman Richard Williams presented Rep. Jason Shoaf with the Bobby Payne Florida Rural Counties Advocacy Award.

Shoaf was recognized for his work as Chair of the Florida House Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee, where he helped secure funding in the 2025-26 state budget for the Rural Infrastructure Fund, which supports in infrastructure projects in rural communities.

“Representing 10 rural counties in the Legislature and proudly calling Rural Florida home gives Representative Shoaf a firsthand understanding of the needs of our communities and the important contributions they make to our great state,” Williams said.

“Throughout his time in office, he has been a champion for not only those counties he represents, but all rural communities across Florida. His work during last Session’s budget conference went above and beyond as he fought tirelessly to ensure significant funding for the state’s Rural Infrastructure Fund. This funding is vital for rural counties, and we’re honored to recognize him with this award.”

In addition to the Capitol event, a Rural Counties Day legislative reception was held Wednesday evening at the University Center at Doak Campbell Stadium. More than 500 guests attended the reception, which provided an opportunity for rural communities to thank lawmakers and state officials for their support.

During the reception, Williams also recognized Simon and Reps. Shane Abbott, Griff Griffitts, and Shoaf with FREDA’s Rural Champion legislative award.

Counties participating in the 2026 Rural Counties Day included Baker, Bradford, Calhoun, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Holmes, Jackson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Nassau, Okeechobee, Putnam, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton and Washington.

Sponsors for this year’s event included Comcast, Florida’s Electric Cooperatives, Florida Power & Light, Indelible, Capital City Bank, Columbia County Economic Development, Florida Blue, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation, Hunt, Guillot, and Associates, Immokalee Water and Sewer District, LJA Engineering, North Florida Professional Services, Advent Health, Ajax Building Company, Duke Energy, The Foundation for Florida Gateway College, Liberty Partners, Locklear & Associates, Melvin Engineering, Mosaic, Nammo Perry, Thomas Howell Ferguson, Biggest Fish Consulting, Florida Airports Council, and Maris West & Baker.