Collier Mosquito Control District Shines at Annual FMCA Conference

By Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI
Executive Director, Collier Mosquito Control District

The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) Annual Conference brings together leaders in the mosquito control industry from across the state to share new research and provide updates on how they effectively manage mosquito activity in their communities. This year’s conference was held in Cape Coral, and the Collier Mosquito Control District (CMCD) was represented by about a dozen team members.

At the conference, CMCD conducted a total of 11 presentations on topics ranging from field trials on novel control materials to 3D printing and advanced mapping techniques to show how CMCD is using technology to innovate treatment and surveillance techniques.

Overall, mosquito control experts from around Florida and the United States presented on more than 50 topics over the course of three days. Each presentation is interactive and followed by a question-and-answer session that provides the opportunity for attendees to interact with their peers and apply what they learn in their home areas to help control pesky mosquitoes.

In addition to these presentations, the FMCA annually recognizes those in the industry who have excelled in their workover the past year. Four past and present CMCD employees were honored at the conference’s awards banquet. They are:

Left to right: Butch May, Hunter Martin, Dr Keira Lucas, Robin King, Honored at the 2023 Florida Mosquito Control Association Annual Conference

Dr. Keira Lucas – Presidential Award

The president of FMCA awards the Presidential Award for outstanding contributions to the FMCA. Dr. Lucas serves as CMCD’s deputy executive director and was selected by outgoing FMCA president Sandra Fisher-Grainger as this year’s recipient. Dr. Lucas has provided significant contributions to the FMCA through legislative and regulatory action focused on the use of unmanned aerial systems by government agencies, special district accountability and mosquito control regulations. This award recognizes the vast impact her work has left on the entire industry in the state of Florida.

Rufus “Butch” May – James W. Robinson Memorial Award

The James W. Robinson Memorial Award recognizes those who have contributed outstanding improvement to existing equipment or currently employed techniques used by a non-commercial mosquito control agency. Mr. May is the director of facilities maintenance at CMCD. Over his 25-year tenure with the District, Mr. May has consistently demonstrated his commitment to enhancing the efficiency and safety of mosquito control operations, including the modification of District equipment, and managing two major hurricane recoveries and a large-scale remodel of District headquarters.

Hunter Martin – Cyrus R. Lesser Memorial Student Paper Competition

The Cyrus R. Lesser Memorial Student Paper Competition serves to foster future learning in the field of mosquito control and vector biology. Hunter Martin’s paper titled “Operational Field Trials of ReMoa Tri Against Insecticide Resistant Aedes aegypti in Collier County, Florida” won the top prize. Mr. Martin’s paper detailed field trials conducted by CMCD researchers on the effectiveness of the new treatment material ReMoa Tri on mosquitoes resistant to established treatment methods.

Robin King – Merit Award

The FMCA Merit Award is awarded to those who represent characteristics associated with responsible leadership, good citizenship and personal integrity. Robin King served as CMCD’s director of communications for six years and currently serves in the same role for the Naples Airport Authority. The award recognizes Ms. King’s efforts in elevating the important role of public relations and crisis communication in the mosquito control industry.

To learn more about the Florida Mosquito Control Association, visit their website at www.yourfmca.org.

To learn more about the District or to sign up to receive treatment notifications, visit our website at www.cmcd.org.

The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents through the safest and most economical means available. If you would like more information about how we control mosquitoes, please visit our website at cmcd.org or call us 239-436-1000.