Merrill Roland seeks mosquito control board Seat 4

Merrill Paul Roland is running for Seat 4 on the Anastasia Mosquito Control District Board in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.

The nonpartisan race includes three other certified candidates: Gary Howell, George Tom Anagnos and Jason Smith, according to the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections.

Candidate information

Name: Merrill Paul Roland

Residence: St. Augustine, according to the Supervisor of Elections candidate filing

Party: Nonpartisan

Office sought: Anastasia Mosquito Control District Board, Seat 4

Roland moved to St. Johns County in 1986 after a career with Merv Griffin Enterprises, according to Historic City News. He has been described as a long-time candidate in St. Johns County local elections by the same outlet.

Experience and public service

Roland worked as a DJ and radio and television announcer before his career with Merv Griffin Enterprises, according to Historic City News.

The race is nonpartisan.

Roland has previously served as a Republican Executive Committeeman, Historic City News also reported.

He has run for several local offices. He ran for St. Johns County Commission Seat 4 around 2015 and filed as a Republican in December 2019 to challenge incumbent Henry Dean for County Commission Seat 5, according to Historic City News.

In the November 2024 general election, Roland ran for County Commission District 5 as an independent. He received 35,756 votes (20.75%), according to official results from the Florida Division of Elections. Republican Ann Taylor won with 136,562 votes (79.25%).

Roland has volunteered with several local organizations, according to Historic City News. They include Access Now, Betty Griffin House, Castillo de San Marcos, Catholic Charities, Lions Club, Project Swing, Romanza, St. Augustine Beach Civic Association, St. Francis House and United Way.