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Collier Mosquito Control District Shines at Annual FMCA Conference

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

he Florida Mosquito
Control Association
T (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 Rufus "Butch" May James W. Robinson Memorial Award
(CMCD) was represented by about a dozen team members. The James W. Robinson Memorial Award recognizes those who
At the conference, CMCD conducted a total of 11 have contributed outstanding improvement to existing equipment
presentations on topics ranging from field trials on novel control or currently employed techniques used by a non-commercial
materials to 3D printing and advanced mapping techniques to mosquito control agency. Mr. May is the director of facilities
show how CMCD is using technology to innovate treatment maintenance at CMCD. Over his 25-year tenure with the District,
and surveillance techniques. Overall, mosquito control experts Mr. May has consistently demonstrated his commitment to
from around Florida and the United States presented on more enhancing the efficiency and safety of mosquito control operations,
than 50 topics over the course of three days. Each presentation including the modification of District equipment, and managing
two major hurricane recoveries and a large-scale remodel of
is interactive and followed by a question-and-answer session
District headquarters.
that provides the opportunity for attendees to interact with their
Hunter Martin Cyrus R. Lesser Memorial Student Paper Competition
peers and apply what they learn in their home areas to help
The Cyrus R. Lesser Memorial Student Paper Competition serves
control pesky mosquitoes.
to foster future learning in the field of mosquito control and vector
In addition to these presentations, the FMCA annually
biology. Hunter Martin's paper titled "Operational Field Trials of
recognizes those in the industry who have excelled in their work
ReMoa Tri Against Insecticide Resistant Aedes aegypti in Collier
over the past year. Four past and present CMCD employees
County, Florida" won the top prize. Mr. Martin’s paper detailed
were honored at the conference’s awards banquet. They are:
field trials conducted by CMCD researchers on the effectiveness of
Dr. Keira Lucas Presidential Award the new treatment material ReMoa Tri on mosquitoes resistant to
The president of FMCA awards the Presidential Award for established treatment methods.
outstanding contributions to the FMCA. Dr. Lucas serves Robin King Merit Award
as CMCD’s deputy executive director and was selected by The FMCA Merit Award is awarded to those who represent
outgoing FMCA president Sandra Fisher-Grainger as this year’s characteristics associated with responsible leadership, good
recipient. Dr. Lucas has provided significant contributions to the citizenship and personal integrity. Robin King served as CMCD’s
FMCA through legislative and regulatory action focused on the director of communications for six years and currently serves
use of unmanned aerial systems by government agencies, special in the same role for the Naples Airport Authority. The award
district accountability and mosquito control regulations. This recognizes Ms. King’s efforts in elevating the important role of
award recognizes the vast impact her work has left on the entire public relations and crisis communication in the mosquito control
industry in the state of Florida. 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.

Life in Naples | January 2024 71