Bernie Montás
•9/8/2026
Lee County Mosquito Control is resuming aerial spraying operations in the Estero Bay and Bunche Beach preserves after Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control signed an agreement, providing relief to residents who have endured months of mosquito infestations. John Heitmann, who lives near Estero Bay, shared how the mosquito problem has affected his family. "My grandson said he didn't want to go to school anymore because he got bitten so much going to the bus. My daughter gets 15, 20 bites just dropping him off for school. My wife is a walker. She cannot walk," Heitmann said. Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control agreed to pay Lee County $20,000 to treat Estero Bay Preserve and Bunche Beach through the end of the month. Starting in March and continuing through next September, the cost to treat those areas will be $80,000. Heitmann said the delay in treatments has been challenging for residents near the preserve. "We're way behind because it's been months with no treatment," he said. Steve Johnson, a Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control commissioner, explained the reason for the delay. "Every time there is a change or a question, we have to wait until the next board meeting. Lee County Mosquito Control District meets on a monthly basis, as do we. So, every time, there was a back-and-forth that resulted in a 30-day delay," Johnson said. For about 60 years, the Fort Myers Beach district has paid the Lee County district to treat select areas within the former's jurisdiction. Johnson noted that the new agreement comes less than two months before voters decide whether the two mosquito control districts should merge. "We're just glad to be past it and move forward and continue with what we're tasked with, and that is to control the mosquito population," Johnson said. Heitmann expressed hope for the renewed efforts. "We got a battle ahead of us, but they're willing to take the battle on, and they're going to go at it as hard as they can," he said. Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control expects treatments to continue throughout the week. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.
