The Economic Club of Florida presents Phil Goodman, Chairman of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District and Florida Mosquito Control Association Board Member

The World’s Deadliest Animal Lives in Florida

Please join The Economic Club of Florida for our monthly distinguished speaker luncheon featuring Phil Goodman, Chairman of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District and Florida Mosquito Control Association Board Member.

Did you know mosquitoes are considered the “World’s Deadliest Animal”? Florida is home to more than 80 species of mosquitoes, many of which are capable of transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, West Nile Virus, and equine encephalitis.

Despite Florida’s tropical climate, where mosquitoes thrive, the Sunshine State has flourished economically—unlike many regions with similar conditions where inadequate mosquito control hampers growth and development.

Phil Goodman, Chairman of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, and Florida Mosquito Control Association Board Director and registered parliamentarian will delve into Florida’s 100-year history of mosquito and disease control, exploring how advancements in this field have not only protected public health but also strengthened Florida’s booming economy. Florida’s mosquito control network has become a global leader, prioritizing public health while safeguarding our fragile environment.

As mosquito-borne illnesses rise worldwide, Florida’s robust mosquito control programs serve as the state’s first line of defense—supporting year-round tourism, sustaining high property values, fostering business growth, and, most importantly, ensuring public safety.

Discover how Florida’s commitment to cutting edge solutions, innovation and science is shaping the future of public health and preserving the state’s vibrant economy.

This session will examine:

• The Rising Threat: Why mosquito-borne illnesses are increasing and the challenges this presents.
• Scientific Innovations: How Florida’s scientists are tackling the rise in mosquito-borne diseases.
• Cutting-Edge Solutions: Learn about the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District’s groundbreaking decision to release Oxitec’s genetically modified “Friendly Mosquitoes” to combat the Aedes aegypti species—a major carrier of dangerous diseases.

Chairman Phil Goodman’s brief bio:

Phil Goodman: A native North Carolinian has lived in Florida for the past 35 years.  He is a graduate chemist from NC State University and holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina.

He had a 40+ year career in the global chemical industry and held various technical and executive positions with BASF and Hydrolabs.  In 1982, he helped found Boehme Filatex Inc. (BFI) which became a world leader in the specialty chemical industry conducting business in more than 100 countries.  Phil served as its corporate president for many years and traveling to six continents.  The BFI management team sold the company to a German chemical company in 2006 and in 2008 Phil retired to the Florida Keys.

 In 2011, then Governor Rick Scott appointed him to fill a vacancy in the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District Board of Commissioners.  Phil has since been re-elected to three four-year terms as commissioner and currently serves as Board Chair.  His private sector business experience and his knowledge of chemistry give him a unique perspective in mosquito control.  Phil also serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Mosquito Control Association and is a registered parliamentarian.

Register HERE.

If you cannot attend in person, please register to attend virtually here. 

Thank you to our sponsor: