Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District to celebrate 75 years
The Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District will be celebrating 75 years as a special district with a celebration this Saturday at the district’s campus on 300 Lazy Way.
The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring a food truck, games, and community fun at the district’s campus on Fort Myers Beach.
The district began in 1946 as the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control Association, using community donations and subscriptions to fund its first equipment–an old Army jeep and orchard sprayer. By July 12, 1949, with overwhelming support from residents, the Florida Legislature authorized the district as an independent taxing authority serving Estero and San Carlos Islands.
Over the decades, the district has marked significant milestones:
• 1957: Residents voted to remain independent rather than join a countywide system.
• 1959: District boundaries expanded by thousands of acres, later forming part of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.
• 1983: Citizens again voted for independence, rejecting a merger with Lee County Mosquito Control.
• 2001: The Governor of Florida signed the recodification of the district, reinforcing its authority.
Throughout its history, the district has embraced innovation and environmental stewardship, evolving from DDT spraying and fogging boats to highly regulated, modern practices. Today, it responds directly to community needs with trucks, 4-wheelers, and backpack sprayers, using specialized techniques in parks, preserves, and state waters.
“Our District is unique because it has always belonged to the people of Fort Myers Beach”, said Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Chair Joanne Semmer, “For 75 years, we’ve provided personalized service, stayed financially independent, and adapted to protect both residents and the environment. We look forward to continuing that commitment for another 75 years”.
The Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District maintains the lowest tax rate of any mosquito control district in Florida, Semmer said,
That tax rate, Semmer said, reflects “our commitment to fiscal responsibility and supporting the financial well-being of our residents. Through efficient resource management and strategic budgeting, we ensure high-quality services while keeping the tax burden as light as possible for our community.”
The campus incurred significant damage after Hurricane Ian. A new campus rebuild, including service and equipment facilities and a future community space, is underway.
Next year, voters in Fort Myers Beach and Lee County will vote on a referendum on whether to merge with the Lee County Mosquito Control District. The millage rate in the Lee County Mosquito Control District is twice as high as the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District. The referendum was pushed for by State Rep. Adam Botana, R-Bonita Springs, over objections by Semmer and Lee County Mosquito Control District board member Steve Johnson. Voters in Fort Myers Beach would need to approve the merger, as would voters in Lee County, for the merger to take effect.