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Ex-director runs for mosquito control board

She was fired in 2001 after more than 20 years. Now she wants the seat of a board member who voted to fire her.

By MOISES MENDOZA
Published July 13, 2006

Florence "Flo" Jones had worked for Citrus County's mosquito control services for more than 20 years, rising to the position of mosquito control director.

But Mosquito Control District board members fired her in 2001, saying a pilot she had supervised was flying without proper insurance. Jones later alleged sexual harassment and threatened to sue the district before reaching a $22,000 settlement.

Now, Jones is trying to get elected to the board that fired her. She's signed up to run in upcoming county elections against Brenda K. Buzby, who was chair of the board when it ousted Jones in a 2-1 decision.

Nobody disputes that Jones has experience. She served as a commissioner on the board from 1975 to 1982.

But it's not clear why Jones decided to run against Buzby. Or why she's running at all. Jones could not be reached for comment.

Jones could run for one of the board's other two seats, one of which is occupied by Gerald Kelley, who also voted against Jones in 2001.

Buzby was surprised when told by a reporter that Jones had filed to run against her. Although she declined to speculate on Jones' motives, she said she had felt "something was in the works."

"I would have some ideas on why she decided to run, but at this point in time I think I need to keep those ideas to myself," Buzby said.

But Buzby said she isn't worried. She said her 16 years of experience will see her through.

Moises Mendoza can be reached at mmendoza@sptimes.com or 860-7337.

[Last modified July 12, 2006, 23:29:55]