As the director of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory at the University of Florida, I am fortunate to have access to world-class scientific minds and cutting-edge technology.

But in Florida, this expertise and innovation doesn’t just stay in the classroom or laboratory. They are deployed in all 67 counties to control mosquitoes, keep residents and visitors safe, and ensure our state remains the best in the nation to live and work.

Florida has long been an international leader in mosquito control. The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) was founded over 100 years ago by local business leaders who realized that the state’s economy and health required vigilant and collaborative approaches to reduce the risk.

Since then, our work and expertise have become internationally renowned. Florida hosts symposiums that bring mosquito control professionals from around the world, eager to learn and share successful approaches to keeping the public safe.

There are more than 80 species of mosquitoes in Florida. While most pose little or no threat, many can carry harmful or deadly diseases for humans and animals.

For example, some mosquitoes carry the dengue virus, which sickens hundreds of millions worldwide yearly.

While the disease is relatively rare in Florida, our state experienced more than 1,000 travel-related and 91 local cases of dengue virus in 2024.

How do we work to protect Floridians from this disease? We deploy a wide range of techniques, and each of our mosquito control districts works together.

In labs around the state, highly trained scientists analyze mosquitoes to determine if they are carrying disease.

They also monitor livestock and chickens, who act as early warning systems. Scientists routinely take and analyze blood samples to determine if mosquito-carried diseases are present.

We also take to the air with tools like the Skydio drone, a powerful tool for identifying mosquito breeding grounds from above. Drones provide the ability to visually inspect and perform control measures in otherwise difficult-to-reach areas.

With some mosquitoes resistant to traditional pesticides, innovative strategies make Florida an international leader in cutting-edge mosquito control techniques.

Among those is the “Sterile Insect Technique,” which uses X-rays to sterilize male mosquitos, which are released to mate with females with resulting eggs that are not viable.

The Florida Keys Mosquito District has also successfully used Oxitec’s targeted biological pest control technology to combat the disease-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito.

But even with the technology and science being used around the state to control mosquitoes, one of the most effective tools will always remain smart vigilance from every Floridian.

Preparing for mosquitoes is similar to what Floridians do each hurricane season. Simple steps like removing standing water and wearing insect repellant can reduce mosquitoes around your home and mitigate public health risks.

The truth is that mosquitoes will continue to carry diseases and adapt to some control measures. That means we must also continue to adapt, and creating and using innovative practices will always be needed to keep Florida safe and welcoming for everyone.

For more information, visit FMCA by clicking here.

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Dr. Jorge Rey is the FMCA president and professor at the University of Florida’s Medical Entomology Laboratory.

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Carlos San Jose has joined Corcoran Partners as Deputy General Counsel.

Based in Miami, San Jose brings his extensive experience in legislative advocacy, municipal operations and legal consulting to the firm’s expanding client base across their five Florida offices and in Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to Corcoran Partners,” said Michael Corcoran, Founding Partner and CEO. “Carlos is a skilled communicator who takes a strategic, results-driven approach to law, government affairs, and public policy. We are confident he will quickly become an integral part of our team and a trusted advocate for our clients.”

Managing Partner Matthew Blair added, “Carlos’s addition will strengthen our local and statewide capabilities for our growing client base. His background in government affairs, coupled with his legal expertise, positions him to help our clients navigate complex policy and regulatory challenges.”

Before joining Corcoran Partners, San Jose served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs/Assistant State Attorney for the City of Hialeah, where he formulated the City’s legislative initiatives at the federal and state levels. From 2021 to 2024, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo.

“Carlos has worked for me since 2018 dating back to my time as chair of the Miami Dade County Commission,” Bovo said.

“During his time with me, I have been able to witness Carlos flourish in a variety of roles including campaign manager for my mayoral campaign, Deputy Chief of Staff, and most recently as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. In this latest role, Carlos has diligently worked with the City of Hialeah’s legislative delegation to secure historic levels of funding through the appropriations process. I am excited to see Carlos embrace this new chapter in his professional life and congratulate Corcoran Partners for this valued addition to their team.”

San Jose’s career in politics started on the campaign trail, where he managed Bovo’s 2021 mayoral campaign. He also spent time working on former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s 2016 re-election campaign and served as an immigration and policy intern in Rubio’s Miami office.

“I have known Carlos San Jose for nearly a decade and have seen him grow professionally and personally,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner and former state Sen. Rene Garcia. “I truly admire his ability to connect with people, build relationships, and his diligent work ethic. Carlos is a person of the utmost integrity and Corcoran Partners is lucky to have him.”

Rep. Alex Rizo added, “Carlos has been a vital asset to the City of Hialeah in their legislative efforts here in Tallahassee. I have been able to see him grow professionally and have been proud to work with him during his time at the city.”

San Jose is actively involved in his community, serving on the boards of the Monsignor Edward Pace High School and St. John the Apostle Catholic School. His leadership also extends to serving on the City’s Retirement Pension Board and as Vice Chair of the Hialeah Centennial Celebration Committee. He earned his law degree from Florida International University and his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Miami.

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