"Controlling mosquitoes involves proactive management and innovation to protect communities from disease."
Dear Residents of St. Johns County,
I am honored to announce my candidacy for Seat 5 of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD). With a lifelong commitment to serving our community and a diverse background spanning education, law enforcement, and military service, I bring a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to this important role.
Having previously served as a Commissioner of the AMCD, I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved together during my tenure. We prioritized fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every dollar was spent wisely to maximize the impact of mosquito control efforts while keeping millage rates low. Transparency was a cornerstone of our approach, with clear communication and open dialogue with the community at every step.
My dedication to public service and my deep understanding of the needs of St. Johns County residents drive my candidacy. I believe in leveraging the best and safest technology available for mosquito control management, ensuring that our methods are both effective and environmentally responsible. Protecting our community from mosquito-borne diseases remains a top priority, and I am committed to staying abreast of the latest research and advancements in the field to achieve this goal.
One of my proudest achievements during my time as Commissioner was overseeing the management of nearly $4 million in reserve funds under the district's watch during my time in office. This prudent financial management not only strengthened our ability to respond to emergencies but also ensured long-term stability and sustainability for the AMCD.
As your representative, I will continue to advocate for policies that promote confidence, efficiency, and accountability within the AMCD. My leadership is grounded in integrity, transparency, and a deep-seated commitment to serving the best interests of our community.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote in the upcoming election. Together, we can build upon our past successes and ensure a future where St. Johns County remains a safe and thriving places for all.
Sincerely,
Gary
I will protect St. Johns County against mosquito-borne diseases, by ensuring that the Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) focuses on comprehensive mosquito control management. This involves strategic measures such as surveillance to monitor mosquito populations, utilizing integrated pest management techniques including larviciding
I will protect St. Johns County against mosquito-borne diseases, by ensuring that the Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) focuses on comprehensive mosquito control management. This involves strategic measures such as surveillance to monitor mosquito populations, utilizing integrated pest management techniques including larviciding and adulticiding, and educating the public on mosquito prevention measures. By implementing these strategies effectively, AMCD will minimize mosquito populations and reduce the risk of diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis, safeguarding the health and well-being of the community.
I will ensure financial responsibility and transparency within the Anastasia Mosquito Control District. As a candidate, I am committed to implementing robust oversight measures, clear budgetary reporting, and open communication channels to keep you informed every step of the way. Together, we can ensure our resources are managed efficient
I will ensure financial responsibility and transparency within the Anastasia Mosquito Control District. As a candidate, I am committed to implementing robust oversight measures, clear budgetary reporting, and open communication channels to keep you informed every step of the way. Together, we can ensure our resources are managed efficiently, effectively, and with full accountability. Let's work towards a healthier and more transparent future for St. Johns County.
I am dedicated to advancing mosquito control management that utilizes the best and safest technology available. My commitment includes prioritizing research-backed methods that protect our environment and community. Together, we can embrace innovative solutions that safeguard public health while preserving our natural surroundings. Let's
I am dedicated to advancing mosquito control management that utilizes the best and safest technology available. My commitment includes prioritizing research-backed methods that protect our environment and community. Together, we can embrace innovative solutions that safeguard public health while preserving our natural surroundings. Let's build a healthier and sustainable future for St. Johns County, rooted in responsible and forward-thinking mosquito control practices.
New AMCD Headquarters
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Please reach us at g-chowell@att.net if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) began in 1948 on Anastasia Island, where residents taxed themselves to fund mosquito control efforts. By 1949, operations started in a small, leased facility near the lighthouse with a three-member board. Over the years, AMCD expanded its jurisdiction, initially covering 91 square miles and growing to encompass the entire 609 square miles of St. Johns County by 2003.
In response to this growth, the board expanded to five members in 1961. Infrastructure development followed, including a substation in Ponte Vedra in 1968 and a base station on Anastasia Island in 1974. As the district continued to grow, stations were established throughout the county, leading to the centralization of operations in 2005 with a new facility off Agricultural Center Drive, completed in 2016.
Today, AMCD utilizes advanced technology and a dedicated team across its 18-acre facility to provide comprehensive mosquito control services. The district also focuses on public education, with plans for an Education Center approved in 2018 to educate the community about mosquito control and vector-borne diseases.
AMCD website: www.amcdsjc.ort
No, the Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) operates independently of the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners. AMCD is a special taxing district established under Florida law with its own governing board of five elected commissioners. These commissioners are responsible for overseeing the district's operations, budgeting, and policies related to mosquito control within its jurisdiction, which covers the entire 609 square miles of St. Johns County. While AMCD collaborates with various local agencies and entities on mosquito control efforts, it functions autonomously in managing and implementing its programs to protect public health from mosquito-borne diseases.
My qualifications to serve as a Commissioner on the Board of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) are rooted in a proven track record of effective leadership and dedication to public service. Having previously served as a Commissioner of the AMCD, I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved together during my tenure. We prioritized fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every dollar was spent wisely to maximize the impact of mosquito control efforts while keeping millage rates low. Transparency was fundamental to our approach, fostering clear communication and open dialogue with the community at all times.
My commitment to public service and my comprehensive understanding of the needs of St. Johns County residents are central to my candidacy. I believe in harnessing the most effective and environmentally sound technologies for mosquito control management, ensuring our methods are both efficient and sustainable. Protecting our community from mosquito-borne diseases remains a paramount objective, and I am dedicated to staying informed about the latest research and advancements in the field to achieve this goal.
As we look ahead, several key challenges will shape the future of mosquito control, and I am prepared to address them proactively. Hurricanes and Storms always present a significant concern, potentially altering mosquito habitats and increasing the spread of vector-borne diseases. To tackle this, I advocate for adaptive management strategies that incorporate weather data and predictive modeling to anticipate shifts in mosquito populations and disease patterns.
Another critical issue is the emergence of insecticide resistance among mosquito populations. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, including diversifying control methods such as biological control, habitat modification, and targeted application of insecticides to minimize resistance development.
Furthermore, public education and community engagement are vital. Enhancing awareness about personal protection measures, mosquito breeding prevention at the household level, and the importance of community-wide efforts is essential for effective mosquito control.
Technological advancements offer promising avenues for innovation in mosquito control. Embracing state-of-the-art surveillance tools, GIS mapping, and advanced monitoring techniques can enhance our ability to target mosquito populations more effectively and efficiently.
Financial sustainability is also crucial. As Commissioner, I prioritize prudent fiscal management to ensure adequate funding for ongoing operations, research initiatives, and emergency response capabilities.
In summary, by leveraging scientific expertise, community collaboration, technological advancements, and sound fiscal stewardship, I am prepared to navigate and mitigate the challenges facing mosquito control in the future. Together, we can uphold public health, protect our community from mosquito-borne diseases, and maintain a sustainable environment for future generations.
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