Jason Smith, a Navy veteran and operations manager at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, is running for Seat 4 on the Anastasia Mosquito Control District Board. The nonpartisan election is Nov. 3.

Three other candidates are also seeking the seat: Gary Howell, George Tom Anagnos and Merrill Paul Roland. Two seats on the five-member elected board are on the November ballot, according to News4Jax's 2026 Voter's Guide.

Asked why he is running, Smith said in our candidate questionnaire, "I believe public service should be responsible, an organization like the Anastasia Mosquito Control District should mission focused on residents, and also our visitors. Much of my life has been centered on service; from my time in the Navy to my career at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum …"

He said in the questionnaire, "I have not previously held elected or appointed public office. A seat on the Anastasia Mosquito Control District is my first campaign for elected office. I am also the first in my family to ever run for office."

Candidate information

Residence: St. Johns County, according to Smith's campaign, which describes him as a longtime resident, husband and father.

Education: Smith said in our questionnaire, "I earned a bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Flagler College in 2019. I returned to school as a working adult, balancing my education with career and family responsibilities."

Family: Smith said in our questionnaire, "My wife, Ashli is a high school teacher at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. We are raising our children, including our three-year-old son, her two teenagers and my sixteen-year-old son, Joshua, who has significant cognitive and physical disabilities."

Party affiliation: Smith said in our questionnaire, "This is a nonpartisan down ballot race, and the work of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District should remain focused on public health and education, environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility and effective service to all residents of St. Johns County. While I am a registered Democrat, I am running to serve the entire community and not a political party."

Experience and public service

Smith said in our questionnaire, "I currently serve as Operations Manager at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, where I oversee facilities, maintenance, safety, security, and day-to-day site operations. I have worked at the Lighthouse since 2015 and have had the privilege of helping care for one of St. Johns County's most recognizable historic landmarks."

He added, "Earlier in life, I served in the United States Navy, an experience that helped shape my approach to responsibility, teamwork, and public service."

On the issues

What distinguishes him from other candidates: Smith said in our questionnaire, "I believe all of the candidates in this race want what is best for our community. What may distinguish me is the path that brought me here … The Anastasia Mosquito Control District is already a well-run organization with a strong reputation for science, research, and effective mosquito control. I am not running because I believe the district needs to be reinvented. I am running because an open seat presents an opportunity to continue strong oversight and help protect what has already been built."

Budget and Amendment 3: Smith identified the district's budget as a top campaign priority, noting that about 90% of revenue comes from property tax, according to his voter's guide responses. Asked what he would look for first if Amendment 3 passes, Smith said in our questionnaire, "My first priority would be understanding exactly how much recurring revenue the district could lose, separating essential mosquito-control functions from expenses that can be delayed, reduced, or handled differently."

He cited outside analysis: "In fiscal year 2025, 90% of the district's $9.2 million in revenue came from ad valorem taxes. Outside analysis from the Florida Policy Institute estimates roughly $1.6 million less for the Anastasia Mosquito Control District in 2028 and $3.3 million less for AMCD in 2029 under the amendment, although those effects would depend upon implementation and future tax rolls."

Other priorities: Smith also identified public education about mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile, dengue and malaria, and continuing scientific research to improve efficiency, according to his voter's guide responses.