The Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) in St. Johns County, Florida, has become a national leader in mosquito control by adopting and promoting new technology. The district serves a population of more than 270,000 people and is led by Jeanne Moeller, who has served as commissioner for the district’s board of commissioners for 16 years.
Impact
St. Johns County has been free of any locally acquired mosquito-borne illnesses since 2004 thanks to AMCD’s embracing of innovation. Moeller has driven collaboration between AMCD and institutions of higher learning to explore and adopt new technology, from customer service software to aerial spray capability. AMCD has also consolidated four substations into a centralized state-of-the-art facility, which has helped the district save at least $500,000 a year and improve its operations. In addition, the district has built a strong applied research department, which has brought in $2 million in state, federal and private grants over the last five years.
Advice
AMCD recommends the following actions:
- Collaborate with institutions of higher learning and industry to develop customized software and databases for customer service.
- Adopt and modify new technology to improve operations.
- Conduct applied research based on district needs.
- Make smart hires by matching the right people with the right jobs.
