**Jules “Julius” Kwiatkowski, Longest-Serving Elected Official in Flagler County, Dies at 89**
Jules “Julius” Kwiatkowski, Flagler County’s longest-serving elected official after Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson, passed away Monday in Palm Coast, the East Flagler Mosquito Control District announced. Kwiatkowski served on the District’s board for 17 years, many as chair. He would have turned 90 on January 4.
Kwiatkowski was notable as one of only two Democrats still serving in elected office in Flagler County or its municipalities.
“Jules Kwiatkowski served the citizens of the East Flagler Mosquito Control District faithfully for 17 years,” said Michael Martin, chair of the District’s three-member board. “Why? Because he had a big heart and a passion for public service in the old-fashioned meaning of that term: serving the public, not himself. He was the chairman of the board during troubled times, and together with Ralph Lightfoot and myself, we brought the District back. I was proud to work with him, and we hope to give him a fitting memorial in the future. So take a moment to mourn a genuine good man: he will be missed.”
Ralph Lightfoot, who served on the board from 2020 to 2024 before Lance Alred was elected, shared his memories of Kwiatkowski: “Jules never missed a meeting. He was always engaging. Of course, he was getting older when I joined, but he still knew a lot about the early days and was very informative. He had a passion for what he did, which I think was great.”
Kwiatkowski was passionate about several issues, especially the importance of educating the public about mosquitoes and environmental concerns. “Everybody there loved him,” Lightfoot added. “Everyone kind of took care of Jules, made sure he knew what was happening, and treated him with utmost respect, especially Mark Positano.” Positano, the District’s executive director, shared a great relationship with Kwiatkowski, as did Nicole Graves, the District’s outreach specialist.
At the time of his passing, Kwiatkowski’s term still had three years remaining. Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson will fill the vacancy by appointment. Meanwhile, a quorum of only two board members is sufficient for the District’s monthly meetings.
**A Life of Dedicated Public Service**
Kwiatkowski spent much of his working career in Edison, New Jersey, as a letter carrier for 30 years and served as a volunteer firefighter for 32 years. After relocating to Palm Coast in 1992, he quickly became involved in local service, joining the Palm Coast Fire Police and serving for 12 years.
He was deeply active in community organizations, including the New Jersey Social Club and the Elks Club. He also served on the now-defunct Palm Coast Leisure Services Council for 16 years and was a local champion of the arts.
Kwiatkowski sought election to the Mosquito Control District board several times before winning. He ran in 1996, 2004, and finally secured a seat in 2008, defeating Barbara Sgroi. That election coincided with a rare Democratic upswing locally, buoyed by President Obama’s campaign. During that term, he served alongside Jan and Shawn Byrnes, the county’s first married couple on the same board.
According to a statement from Nicole Graves, “Jules became a steady, trusted presence on the Board. He was known for his dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his community.”
He and his wife Kay were married for 62 years until her death in 2020.
**Heroism During the 1998 Flagler County Wildfires**
Jules’ commitment to public safety shone brightest during the 1998 Flagler County wildfires — the only time in Florida’s history that an entire county was evacuated due to wildfire danger.
“While many fled, Jules, who was then volunteering with the Fire Police, remained to assist first responders and support emergency operations when his community needed him most,” the District’s release states. Deeply moved by this experience, he began collecting newspaper clippings, photos, and documents related to the fires. His collection later became a public display, ensuring that this defining moment in Flagler’s history would never be forgotten.
**Leadership Through Challenges**
Kwiatkowski witnessed some of the District’s most difficult years. Shortly after the Mosquito Control District built a new headquarters at the county airport in 2017, financial troubles emerged. A state audit uncovered irregularities but no fraud. The county administration helped stabilize the District’s finances as Mark Positano took over administrative leadership from longtime director Joe Cash.
Kwiatkowski attended his last meeting in October. His health declined in November, leading to hospitalization, and his family was by his side when he passed.
“Jules’ leadership was grounded in humility, practicality, and a genuine desire to improve others’ lives,” the District’s release states. “We extend our deepest condolences to Jules’ family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy of service, courage, and community pride will live on throughout the community for years to come.”
Lance Alred, who succeeded Lightfoot on the board, reflected, “He really enjoyed doing the work of our organization. I didn’t know him long, but he was always kind and considerate to me and to our staff. He was a good commissioner and, you could just tell, he was a good man too.”
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Jules Kwiatkowski’s lifelong commitment to public service and his community left an indelible mark on Flagler County. As friends and colleagues remember him, his legacy of dedication and compassion continues to inspire.
https://flaglerlive.com/jules-julius-kwiatkowski/