Thanking Wilton for helping Deb

This isn’t my typical Wilton Simpson blog.

I usually talk about the fond relationship he shares with Citrus County, both before as Senate President and now as Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and how that’s parlayed into millions of dollars in state funding for local projects.

Or how the “Wilton meeting” is one of the most sought-after during the annual Citrus County Legislative Days, taking place this week in Tallahassee.

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That’s not why I took the long drive Tuesday to spend 30 minutes in the Commissioner’s conference room. It was something much more personal.

You may recall blogs about my encounter with Wilton at a political fundraiser in his honor four years ago at M&B Dairy in Lecanto. I told Wilton that I disagree with his politics but would trust him with the state because he’s a man of integrity and character.

While chatting, I jokingly asked him if he’s going to answer his cell phone from the folks back in Citrus while sitting in Cabinet meetings.

“Everyone here has your number, you know,” I said.

He assured me nothing would change. Somehow, I believed him.

So, forward a few years. Deb is having trouble with a Citrus County businessman. The man refuses to resolve it and pays no mind to me. It’s tearing Deb apart, and I’m at my wits end.

Then I remember Wilton’s pledge.

See, his job title has two roles: agriculture and consumer services. His department investigates consumer complaints. I texted Wilton for some direction on who best to contact. He responded that he’d let me know.

A week or so later, the business owner called me. He had received a visit from a state consumer investigator, and wasn’t happy about it. 

Within days, the matter was resolved, and we never heard from the guy again.

I don’t know whether the investigator lit a fire under the dude or what, but I do know that Wilton honored his commitment. And I wanted to make sure he knew that.

These high-level meetings are usually 30 minutes on the nose. When they end, it’s a few photos and out the door he goes. I had only a few seconds and caught Wilton as he was about to exit.

“Commissioner,” I said, “you helped my wife and me out with a situation a few years ago, and I just wanted to say it really made a difference.”

He remembered.

“It meant a lot to both of us, and especially to Deb.”

I shook his hand and said thank you. I meant it.

Then I drove home. Yeah, that part wasn’t planned so well.

Without dredging through the details, I found myself in a serious Deb grief rut. Hey, look, it happens. Usually, though, I’m either in a comfort spot or close to one. I can stop and take a deep breath just about anywhere in Citrus County.

Well, this grief attack hit, and no comfort spot to be found. The Tallahassee trip was always a big Mike-Deb day, whether she attended or not. Deb knew how nervous these events are for me, and we’d be texting or calling all day.

I felt trapped. I sat in the car and thought long about it, then decided I needed to get out of Tallahassee. At least Tuesday night. I plan to return today for the big dinner at the Governor’s Club and stick around for the Thursday speakers.

That’s a long drive to escape some sadness. Agreed. Still, I learned a couple things. One, I’m doing pretty well, but not as well as I thought. Two, it’s a challenge for me to venture far from Citrus County. 

I’ll be back at it heading north today. It’s a beautiful drive. Peaceful and quiet.

Hope your Wednesday is the best one yet, friends.

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