The East Flagler Mosquito Control District has announced the death of Commissioner Julius “Jules” Kwiatkowski, who served the residents of Flagler County for nearly two decades on the district’s board.
Kwiatkowski was first elected to the East Flagler Mosquito Control District Board in 2008, though his pursuit of the position began much earlier. He first ran for the seat in 1996 and continued to seek election until he won twelve years later. His persistence reflected his belief in the district’s mission and his desire to serve the community.
“Jules represented the very best of public service,” said Mike Martin, Chair of the East Flagler Mosquito Control District Board of Commissioners. “He had a big heart, and his passion was serving the public; he will continue to inspire us all.”
Before joining the board, Kwiatkowski built a career centered on public service. He worked as a letter carrier for 30 years and served as a volunteer firefighter in Edison, New Jersey, for more than three decades. After he and his wife, Kay, moved to Palm Coast in 1992, he quickly became involved in community life. He volunteered with the Palm Coast Fire Police and joined various civic and social organizations.
His commitment to public safety was particularly evident during the 1998 Flagler County wildfires, which marked the only time in Florida’s history that an entire county was evacuated due to wildfire danger. While many residents left, Kwiatkowski remained to assist first responders and support emergency operations. The experience had a lasting impact on him, and he began collecting newspaper clippings, photos and documents from the fires. His collection eventually became a public display preserving that chapter of Flagler County history.
Kwiatkowski and his wife Kay were married for 62 years. In 2017, he arranged a public announcement in a local newspaper celebrating their 60th anniversary. Kay passed away on June 20, 2020.
During his time on the board, Kwiatkowski helped guide the district through significant developments, including construction of its modern headquarters and expansion of mosquito control services to meet the needs of a growing population. In 2022, the Palm Coast Arts Foundation and the district unveiled a public art installation called “Jules the Turtle,” named in his honor to recognize his enduring community spirit. The tribute coincided with the district’s 70th anniversary celebration.
District officials described Kwiatkowski’s leadership as grounded in humility, practicality and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others.
