‘Rural Renaissance’ Re-Emerges in Florida Senate

‘Rural Renaissance’ re-emerges in Florida Senate

In a top priority of Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, the Senate on Thursday released a wide-ranging bill aimed at boosting such things as health care, education, transportation and economic development in rural areas. Sen. Corey Simon, a Tallahassee Republican who represents a heavily rural North Florida district, filed the bill (SB 250) for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which will start in January. The Senate ba…

Corey Simon files Rural Renaissance bill to invest in Florida's country

Sen. Corey Simon has filed the 2026 Rural Renaissance package that carries the support of Senate President Ben Albritton and seeks to add more resources to lift up rural areas by expanding health care, improving roads and more. “As we prepare to embark on a nationwide celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, there is no better time to celebrate and renew our focus on heritage farming communities across our state and nation,” Albritton said in…

Senate President Albritton’s ‘Rural Renaissance’ revived

Rural scene in Jackson County in March 2025. (Photo by Michael Moline/Florida Phoenix)Having failed to negotiate bicameral support last year, Senate President Ben Albritton renewed Thursday his push to bolster rural Florida communities. SB 250, dubbed “Rural Renaissance” by Albritton, would expand funding opportunities for rural roads, housing, education, healthcare, and business to the tune of $217.9 million.  Senate President Ben Albritton fie…