Rural Counties Day Honors Jason Shoaf for Securing Rural Infrastructure Funding

Overview

• Sen. Corey Simon and the Florida Rural Economic Development Association hosted the eighth annual Capitol event featuring exhibits from 29 rural counties.
• 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 helping secure 2025–26 state budget dollars for the Rural Infrastructure Fund as chair of the House Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee.
• An evening reception at the University Center drew more than 500 guests, where FREDA named Corey Simon, Shane Abbott, Griff Griffitts, and Jason Shoaf as Rural Champions.
• Event sponsors ranged from Comcast, Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy, Advent Health, and Mosaic to local organizations, while local officials noted the Senate’s recent passage of a “Rural Renaissance” bill to boost rural growth.