Anastasia Mosquito Control

No Scheduled Events
2026-02-25 10:00 - 2026-03-01 17:00 UTC
As we gear up to celebrate DVEC’s 2nd Anniversary, we are taking a short pause in select daily programs to focus on planning exciting new experiences, anniversary events, and fresh activities for our community!

Your continued support, participation, and enthusiasm are what make this center thrive. Because of all of you, we are growing, evolving, and preparing to roll out new features and updates that will enhance your visit even more.

Programs Paused: February 25 – March 1, 2026
Crazy Science, Feature Creature, and Mosquito Cravings
Fish Frenzy will continue at its usual times: 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Scavenger Hunts will still be available throughout the week at regular distribution times, with the exception of 12 PM – 2 PM and after 4 PM. Will we also have activity sheets available in the classroom.
Sunday Funday will feature free-form art and offering materials from some of our favorite past crafts.

During this planning period, our team will be finalizing anniversary event details, adjusting program schedules, and introducing new interactive elements and activities for guests to enjoy during their visit. We cannot wait to share what is coming next!

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about our 2nd Anniversary celebration and new programming updates.

Thank you for being part of our growing community of learners, explorers, and science enthusiasts. The best is yet to come at DVEC.

March 2026 Upcoming Events
2026-03-01 10:00 - 2026-03-31 17:00
Hi everyone!
The Disease Vector Education Center has an exciting lineup of events this March as we head into spring with hands-on science, creative challenges, and interactive discoveries about insects, ecosystems, and disease vectors. From exploring iridescent insect colors and water habitats to becoming vector detectives and learning how mosquitoes find their hosts, there is something for curious learners of all ages.
This month also marks a very special milestone for us. On March 26, we will celebrate the DVEC’s 2nd Anniversary with our special event Mission Vector Control. Join us for a mission-style experience where visitors can explore the center, solve challenges, and learn how mosquito control professionals protect public health in our community.
Programs include daily science sessions like Crazy Science, hands-on creative activities during Sunday Funday, and interactive discovery opportunities throughout the center.
We also have some exciting updates and improvements planned for the center, and additional announcements will be shared soon as we approach our anniversary. There are many awesome new things in the works, and we cannot wait to share them with you.
Stay tuned as we spotlight each event throughout the month, and tell us which one you are most excited to attend.

AMCD Workshop
2026-03-04 08:00 - 2026-03-06 17:00
The Anastasia Mosquito Control District will be hosting the 21st Annual Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Control Workshop this week. As a result, the Disease Vector Education Center (DVEC) will experience higher than usual visitation and foot traffic throughout the facility.

This workshop brings together mosquito control professionals, international scholars, public health experts, and disease vector specialists who are visiting to share research, collaborate on vector control strategies, and tour our facility. We are excited to welcome these experts and highlight the work being done in St. Johns County and beyond to monitor and reduce mosquito-borne diseases.

Because of the increased number of professional visitors, the center may feel busier and louder than usual. Staff will do their best to help maintain a comfortable environment and assist visitors as needed.

At this time, regular programming remains paused while we support the workshop activities and finalize our March Programming, we have so much in store for our 2nd anniversary. However, guests can still enjoy several fun, educational, and interactive activities during their visit.

Available during this time:
• Scavenger hunts and self-guided activities throughout the center
• Interactive exhibits and informational displays
• Fish Frenzy at the usual times

We appreciate your understanding during this exciting professional event and thank you for helping us welcome colleagues from across the country and around the world to the DVEC.

No Scheduled Programs
2026-03-04 10:00 - 2026-03-08 17:00
As we continue preparing for DVEC’s upcoming 2nd Anniversary celebration, our pause on select daily programs will extend for one additional week.
Programs Paused: March 4 – March 8, 2026
Crazy Science, Feature Creature, and Mosquito Cravings
Fish Frenzy will continue at its usual times: 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Scavenger Hunts will continue to be distributed during regular times, except between 12 PM – 2 PM and after 4 PM.
Sunday Funday will feature free-form art and crafts using materials from previous activities.
We appreciate your understanding as we balance workshop activities, anniversary planning, and upcoming program updates. These efforts help us continue improving the visitor experience and expanding educational opportunities at the DVEC.
Thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to sharing our 2nd Anniversary programming and new activities soon.
Notice:
March 4-6, 2026:
The Anastasia Mosquito Control District will also be hosting its 21st Annual Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Control Workshop, welcoming various professionals. Because of this, the facility will experience higher than normal visitation and increased foot traffic throughout the week.
Guests may see scientists, researchers, and mosquito control professionals touring the center as part of the workshop activities. See our previous post for more details.

Crazy Science: Iridescent Wonders
2026-03-11 11:00 - 2026-03-14 11:30
Crazy Science: Iridescent Wonders 🪲✨
Join us at the Disease Vector Education Center for this week’s Crazy Science as we explore the dazzling colors of the insect world. Many insects shine with brilliant colors not from pigments, but from structural coloration that bends and reflects light.
Discover how these amazing adaptations work and see real insect specimens up close.

📅 March 11–14⏰ 11:00 AM📍 Disease Vector Education Center

Sunday Funday: Sand Bottle Art
2026-03-15 10:30 - 15:30
Sunday Funday: Sand Bottle Art
Join us at the Disease Vector Education Center for a creative Sunday Funday inspired by coastal habitats and ocean ecosystems. Create your own colorful sand bottle art using layered sand to design a unique keepsake to take home.
This hands-on craft is perfect for families and young artists looking to explore creativity while enjoying a fun day at the center.

📅 March 15, 2026⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM⏸ Activity paused 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM📍 Disease Vector Education Center

Stop by, get creative, and make your own sandy masterpiece.

Crazy Science: Water Worlds
2026-03-18 11:00 - 2026-03-21 11:30
Crazy Science: Water Worlds
Dive into this week’s Crazy Science at the DVEC as we explore how everyday objects can become mosquito hotspots. Learn how standing water supports mosquito life cycles and what to look for in your own environment.

Become a habitat detective in our interactive game, identify real-world breeding risks, and take part in a hands-on mosquito life cycle activity for all ages to see how these insects grow and develop.

📅 March 18–21, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Disease Vector Education Center

Join us to explore, investigate, and discover how you can help reduce mosquito habitats in your community.
#CrazyScience #STEMEducation #DVEC #MosquitoScience #PublicHealth #LearnWithDVEC #StAugustine #STEAM

Sunday Funday: Vector Detective Lab
2026-03-22 10:30 - 15:30
🕵️ Sunday Funday: Vector Detective Lab 🔍
Step into the role of a detective and solve fun science mysteries at the Disease Vector Education Center. Join our interactive detective game with missions like silhouette matching, habitat clues, and magnifier observations.

Younger investigators can enjoy simple worksheets and even create their own detective hat.

Learn how scientists identify organisms and connect them to their environments while building observation and problem solving skills in a fun, hands-on way. All detectives will receive a certificate for completing the mission.

📅 March 22, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
⏸ Paused 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Disease Vector Education Center

2026-03-25 11:00 - 2026-03-28 11:30
Crazy Science: How Disease Vectors Find a Host 🦟
Join us at the Disease Vector Education Center for this week’s Crazy Science as we uncover the sneaky ways disease vectors track down a host. Learn how mosquitoes and other vectors use cues like smell, heat, and movement to find their next meal.

This fun and educational program helps visitors explore how these behaviors connect to public health and how we can better protect ourselves from bites.

📅 March 25–28, 2026⏰ 11:00 AM📍 Disease Vector Education Center
#CrazyScience #STEMEducation #DVEC #PublicHealth #Entomology #LearnWithDVEC #StAugustine #STEAM

DVEC’s 2nd Anniversary
2026-03-26 10:30 - 15:30
DVEC’s 2nd Anniversary: Mission Vector Control 🦟
Join us at the Disease Vector Education Center as we celebrate our 2nd Anniversary with a special interactive experience, Mission Vector Control. Take on exciting challenges, complete missions, and explore how we fight disease vectors while learning how to protect your community.
This fun, hands-on event is perfect for all ages and a great way to experience science in action. Come celebrate with us and be part of the mission.
📅 March 26, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Disease Vector Education Center

Sunday Funday: Vector Defender
2026-03-29 10:30 - 15:30
Sunday Funday: Vector Defender 🦟

Step into the role of a Vector Defender at the Disease Vector Education Center and take on a fun, interactive activity all about stopping mosquito bites. Complete simple missions, design your own badge like Fight the Bite or Dump and Drain, and earn a sticker for your passport.

Build real world skills to help protect your home and community in this hands-on experience where science meets action and every visitor becomes part of the mission.

📅 March 29, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Disease Vector Education Center

No Scheduled Programs (Planning Week)
2026-04-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-04 10:00 - 17:00
Our daily programs are currently paused as we prepare something new and exciting behind the scenes.
We look forward to sharing our brand new daily program schedule soon, featuring fun new interactive activities and a refreshed passport and scavenger hunt experience at the Disease Vector Education Center.

April 2026 Upcoming Events
2026-04-01 10:00 - 2026-04-30 17:00
Hi everyone,

The Disease Vector Education Center has an exciting lineup of events this April with hands on science, creative challenges, and interactive discoveries about insects, ecosystems, and disease vectors. From spotting hidden vectors and testing myths to mystery hunts, there is something for curious learners of all ages.

As we move into this new month, we will also be introducing updates to our daily programming, including new activity times, fun interactive experiences throughout the center, and a refreshed passport and scavenger hunt system. Be sure to check out our previous post for a preview of our new daily program schedule.

Stay tuned as we spotlight each event throughout the month, and let us know which one you are most excited to attend.

CLOSED: Apr 3, Good Friday and Apr 5, Easter Sunday
2026-04-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-05 10:00 - 17:00
Hi everyone!
DVEC will be closed on Friday, April 3 for Good Friday and Sunday, April 5 for Easter Sunday. We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday weekend and look forward to seeing you again for more fun and learning at the center.
See you soon!

Crazy Science: Hidden Vectors
2026-04-08 11:00 - 2026-04-11 11:30
Crazy Science: Hidden Vectors 🕵️‍♂️🦟

How do disease vectors stay hidden in plain sight? Join us as we explore the world of camouflage and discover how mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors use disguise to avoid predators and sneak up on their hosts.
Through interactive challenges and hands-on activities, we’ll uncover how camouflage helps these tiny organisms survive and spread disease.
📅 April 8–11, 2026
⏰ 11 AM
📍 Disease Vector Education Center
Can you spot the hidden vector before it spots you?

Sunday Funday: Stealth Spotter
2026-04-12 10:30 - 15:30
🔍Sunday Funday: Stealth Spotter

Put your observation skills to the test at the Disease Vector Education Center in this camouflage-themed challenge. Search the center to find hidden vectors, identify their habitats, and track which vectors have already found their perfect environment. You will use a worksheet to count all hidden images and complete activities designed for two different levels.

Build your skills in observation, pattern recognition, and understanding how organisms interact with their environments. All participants will receive an event sticker for completing the challenge, with a bonus reward for those who finish within the time limit, plus a special charm to celebrate your success.

📅 April 12, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
⏸ Paused 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Disease Vector Education Center

Crazy Science: Myth Busters
2026-04-15 00:00
Crazy Science: Myth Busters
Test your knowledge and uncover the truth about disease vectors during our Crazy Science session this week. We’ll break down common myths about mosquitoes, ticks, and more.
Learn how these organisms really behave, how they spread disease, and what science says versus what people think. Join us for this fast-paced and engaging program!
📅 April 15–18, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM
📍 Disease Vector Education Center

New Programming Start
2026-04-15 10:00 - 17:00
Hi, everyone!

The Disease Vector Education Center is getting ready to launch a brand new daily program schedule on the week of April 15th.

We are improving our fun interactive activities and adding exciting new experiences throughout the center, along with a revamped passport and scavenger hunt system designed to make every visit even more engaging for all ages.

We look forward to sharing these updates with you and highlighting each program soon. Let us know which one you are most excited to try.

Sunday Funday: Mystery Hunt!
2026-04-19 10:30 - 15:30
Sunday Funday: Mystery Hunt!
Travel through time at the DVEC and discover how tiny disease vectors shaped history. Follow clues, find solutions, and connect mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks to real world events.

Participants will take on challenges and puzzles, with different activity levels available. Everyone that joins will receive a sticker for participation for their passport, a special charm for completion, and a bonus reward for finishing within the time limit.

📅 April 19, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
⏸ Paused 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Disease Vector Education Center

Crazy Science: Swarm Surge
2026-04-22 10:30 - 2026-04-25 11:00
Crazy Science: Swarm Surge 🌎🦟
What makes mosquito populations explode after certain weather events? Join us as we explore how temperature, rainfall, and climate conditions influence mosquito activity and why these changes can lead to swarms.
Through quick demos and interactive discussion, you will discover how the environment impacts mosquito behavior and learn simple, effective ways to reduce breeding and protect your community.
📅 April 22–25, 2026⏰ 10:30 AM📍 Disease Vector Education Center
Come see how weather shapes the world of mosquitoes and what you can do about it.
#CrazyScience #DVEC #MosquitoControl #STEMEducation #ClimateAndScience #Entomology #LearnWithDVEC #StAugustine

Sunday Funday: Bloom Burst 🌱
2026-04-26 10:30 - 15:30
Sunday Funday: Bloom Burst 🌱
Get creative and go green at the Disease Vector Education Center with this eco-friendly STEM activity. Turn recycled paper into seed bombs you can plant and take home while learning how small actions can support healthy environments.
All participants will create their own seed bombs and take part in a fun, hands-on activity that blends art and science.

📅 April 26, 2026⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM⏸ Paused 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM📍 Disease Vector Education Center

#SundayFunday #DVEC #STEMLearning #EcoFriendly #MosquitoPrevention #FamilyFun #LearnWithDVEC #StAugustine

May Update!
2026-05-06 10:00 - 2026-05-10 17:00
DVEC Update: Planning Week and Exciting Changes Ahead
As we prepare for our busiest season, the Disease Vector Education Center will be pausing programs from May 6–10 for a dedicated planning week. This time allows our team to develop new and engaging experiences designed to better serve our community. Don’t worry there will still be many fun experiences for you to enjoy when you visit!
We are working on:
• New programs and interactive activities• Updated and improved educational experiences• Anticipating future adjustments to operational days and hours to better align with visitor needs• A refreshed lineup for Crazy Science• Brand new scavenger hunts tied to our new DVEC Passport System
We are also excited to share that ticks will be featured as our Vector of the Month in May in recognition of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, helping bring awareness to prevention and disease vectors.
Our full May calendar will be released later this week, so stay tuned for all upcoming events and updates.
Please note: DVEC will be CLOSED May 24, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day.
We look forward to sharing these new experiences and opportunities to learn. Thank you for your continued support as we grow and improve.
Let’s continue to learn and protect our community together!

May Upcoming Events
2026-05-14 08:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00
Get ready for a month of investigations, insect intel, and scientific discovery at the Disease Vector Education Center. Beginning May 14 at 11:30 AM, our brand-new Crazy Science series, “Classified Critters,” will take guests through the fascinating world of classification, taxonomy, and arthropod diversity through age-based mission levels. From Arthropods 101 to advanced entomology operations, each session builds on the science of how we organize and identify living things, with a special focus on insects, mosquitoes, and other disease vectors.

Also happening this month:
• Classified Critters Missions available Wednesdays–Fridays following our 11:30 AM showings, check the showtime dates for the lessons on this flyer.
• Weekend Whodunits available Saturdays and Sundays, where agents can solve a mysterious case file centered around that month’s featured disease vector
• Feature Creature spotlight showings at 11:30 AM check the flyer for the dates.
• Vector Cravings: Tick Edition featuring Lyme disease awareness

Join us as we investigate the science behind the natural world and uncover how classification helps scientists better understand mosquitoes, vectors, and the incredible diversity of arthropods around us.

CRAZY SCIENCE: Classified Critters
2026-05-14 11:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-20 11:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-21 11:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-22 11:30 - 12:00
CRAZY SCIENCE: Classified Critters
Check for dates below!
This May, agents of all ages are invited to investigate the secret world of arthropods, insects, and scientific classification during our brand-new Crazy Science series at the Disease Vector Education Center.
Showing at 11:30 AM, each mission level is designed for a specific age group and builds deeper into the science of taxonomy, nomenclature, insect diversity, and how scientists classify living organisms, including mosquitoes and other disease vectors.

5/14 — Egg: Bug Briefing
All Ages
Start your training with Arthropods 101. Learn what makes an insect and insect, discover the major arthropod groups, and explore the basics of scientific classification.
5/20 — Larva Instar 1: Invertebrate Intel
Grades 1–2
Young agents will uncover what invertebrates are and investigate how arthropods differ from animals with backbones.
5/21 — Larva Instar 2: Insect Recon
Grades 3–4
Discover the defining traits of insects and compare them to spiders, crustaceans, centipedes, and other arthropods.
5/22 — Larva Instar 3: Operation Orders Decoder
Grades 5–6
Decode the world of insect orders and explore the incredible diversity of insects scientists study around the globe.
5/27 — Larva Instar 4: Taxonomy Files
Grades 7–8
Dive deeper into taxonomy, scientific naming systems, and how organisms are grouped and identified.
5/28 — Pupa: Entomology Ops
Grades 9–12
Advanced agents will investigate phylogeny, nomenclature, classification systems, and the science behind entomological research.

Each Crazy Science session also includes interactive activities, missions, and classification challenges designed to turn guests into official critter investigators.

Join us this May as we crack the case of classified critters together.
