SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — South Walton Mosquito District has received national recognition for its drone-powered mosquito control program and will donate the accompanying $30,000 award to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, according to the district.
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The South Walton Mosquito District was honored at T-Mobile’s 2025 4th Annual Innovate Awards in Orlando, where organizations from across the country were recognized for innovation and community impact.
The district received the event’s top honor, the Malcolm Gladwell Tipping Point Award, along with a $30,000 charitable donation.
According to the district, the award was presented for launching the Florida Panhandle’s first drone-powered mosquito control program, which uses T-Mobile 5G technology to improve efficiency and environmental stewardship.
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Officials said the program has reduced treatment times by 75 percent and allows for more precise mosquito control through advanced mapping and data integration.
“We are honored to receive the 2025 T-Mobile Malcolm Gladwell Tipping Point Award,” said Darrin Dunwald, director of the South Walton Mosquito District.
“Competing alongside nationally recognized organizations such as Cisco, Tractor Supply, and UNLV made this recognition especially meaningful, and being selected by Malcolm Gladwell himself is a true honor.”
Following discussions with staff and the district’s Board of Commissioners, the South Walton Mosquito District voted to donate the full $30,000 award to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
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“In keeping with our commitment to community and environmental stewardship, we chose to donate the $30,000 award to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to help preserve one of the limited conservation areas in our region,” Mr Dunwald said.
A public check presentation ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at the visitor center at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Members of the public and media are invited to attend.
The Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a citizens’ support organization that works alongside park staff through volunteer projects, educational programs, community events, and fundraising efforts to protect and enhance the park.
The South Walton Mosquito District was established in 1964 and provides mosquito surveillance, larviciding, adulticiding, aerial and truck spraying, drone operations, and public outreach services throughout South Walton County.
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