Anastasia Mosquito Control District: A Summer of Education and Collaboration

News
October 1, 2026

The Anastasia Mosquito Control District’s Disease Vector Education Center (DVEC) continues to expand its role as a hub for scientific collaboration, education, and community outreach. Created to strengthen public understanding of mosquito biology, vector control, and disease prevention, the DVEC connects research with real‑world impact through hands‑on learning and professional partnerships.

Expanding Education and Research Opportunities

This summer marked DVEC’s third year of operation and welcomed 7,406 visitors, a steady increase from 6,400 visitors in year two, reflecting growing community interest in AMCD’s educational mission. AMCD also enhanced its continuing summer internship program, offering college students immersive experience in mosquito control research, field operations, and public health outreach. This year, AMCD hosted eight college‑level interns, including two graduate students from Korea, who contributed to the semi‑field validation of the VectorScan AI mosquito monitoring system. Their expertise and international perspectives strengthened AMCD’s commitment to innovation and global collaboration.

Scientific Collaboration and Community Outreach

In July, AMCD proudly hosted the Florida Entomological Society’s Annual Meeting from July 13–15, welcoming more than 130 registered attendees for three days of presentations, networking, and field discussions, highlighting Florida’s leadership in mosquito control and entomological research.

To recognize World Mosquito Day on August 20, AMCD welcomed U.S. Representative Randy Fine for a guided tour of the District and DVEC facilities, offering an inside look at ongoing research, operational programs, and educational initiatives. AMCD also partnered with the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County to deliver targeted outreach on the importance of repellents and personal protection for unhoused and unsheltered individuals, reinforcing the District’s commitment to community health and mosquito‑borne disease prevention.

Preparing the Next Generation of Professionals

Most recently, on September 3, AMCD supported the Gulf South VECTOR Student Tour, hosting over 20 students from FAMU and UF for hands‑on learning and pre‑professional development.

Students from FAMU and UF touring AMCD and DVEC for hands‑on learning and pre‑professional development.

Continuing the Mission

From scientific symposia to community outreach, the DVEC continues to embody AMCD’s mission of advancing vector education, fostering collaboration, and protecting public health through innovation and engagement. Looking ahead, AMCD is proud to host the 22nd Annual Arbovirus Surveillance & Mosquito Control Workshop on March 22–25, 2027, at 120 EOC Drive in St. Augustine. This year’s program features distinguished speakers, including Dr. Randy Nett, Chief of the Arboviral Disease Branch at CDC/DVBD, delivering the keynote on national strategies for vector borne disease prevention, and Mr. David Malone, Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, offering insights on innovation and the development of next generation vector control tools.