Simpson revokes Fried’s ‘terrible’ policy banning FDLE from entering agriculture department’s Capitol offices

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Florida’ Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, revoked former Democrat commissioner Nikki Fried’s “verbal policy” that banned the Florida Department of Law Enforcement from entering the agriculture department’s Capitol Offices.

“It has come to my attention that the former Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Administration issued a verbal policy prohibiting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, including Capitol Police, from entering the FDACS Capitol Offices,” Simpson wrote.

Florida’s Voice first reported Commissioner Simpson’s letter to FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.

“Effective immediately, I have revoked that terrible policy,” Simpson said.

“As the new Commissioner of Agriculture, I welcome you, your leadership and your officers to our office. I deeply appreciate our dedicated officers across our state and nation. I respect you and am grateful for the service day in and day out for the people of Florida.”

Simpson then invited officers to stop by the office “anytime” for a cup of coffee and “a sincere thanks from our department for all you do.”

In the letter, the commissioner noted how he was “greatly honored” to appoint Lee Adams to the position of Colonel of the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement.

“If I or any of my staff can be of assistance to you, please contact us at any time,” he wrote at the end.

Former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried rebuked Simpson’s premise that a “verbal policy” of the sort existed.

“Such a terrible policy that it didn’t exist,” she said. “I’m sorry the new administration has to lie and make up issues.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.