Perry Mitrano has been appointed to the East Flagler Mosquito Control Board of Commissioners in the wake of another commissioner’s death. Commissioner Julius ‘Jules’ Kwiatkowski recently passed away, the organization announced last week.
The appointment of Mitrano comes from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who’s tasked with picking a replacement to fill out vacancies on the Mosquito Control Board. With Simpson’s selection, Mitrano will fill out the remainder of Kwiatkowski’s term which expires in 2028.
“It’s an honor,” Mitrano said of being chosen. “I think that they recognize my commitment to the district. I ran twice, I come from a service industry, from the waste management industry which is a service-oriented business just like the mosquitoes where they serve a community.”
Leading up to his death, Kwiatkowski served for 17 years on the Mosquito Control Board, one of Flagler County’s least-understood elected bodies. The organization coordinates treatments to mitigate the breeding of mosquitoes where they can potentially spread disease and create a nuisance for Flagler residents.
The other two commissioners are Chairman Mike Martin and Seat 3 Commissioner Lance Alred. The commissioners provide direction and leadership on the District’s finances, public outreach strategy, and best tactics.
Prior to being appointed to the Mosquito Control Board, Mitrano has run for election to the Board on multiple occasions. In 2020 and 2024 he ran unsuccessfully for Seat 1, facing Kwiatkowski in both elections. Kwiatkowski took home 60.22% in 2020 and 53.94% in 2024, each time outpacing Mitrano by thousands of votes. Mitrano has confirmed he intends to run for a full four-year term when the seat turns over in 2028.
Aside from his new duties on the Mosquito Control Board, Mitrano is the Chairman of the Flagler County Republican Party. He also serves on the Palm Coast Charter Review Committee, and is a professional auctioneer.
“[Jules], he lifted the district,” Mitrano said of his predecessor. “That was his life for seventeen years. He always cared about the district.”
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
