Rodney O'Quinn is running for the Manatee County Mosquito Control District Group 1 seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The Manatee County district includes Lakewood Ranch. The nonpartisan race also includes Charles Richards and Scott Johnson, according to The Ballot Brief.

O'Quinn, who is certified for the ballot, said in his candidate statement filed with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections that he is a lifelong Manatee County resident. He co-founded and owns Keller's Pest Control, which serves thousands of clients in seven counties, according to his candidate statement.

Candidate information

  • Name: Rodney O'Quinn
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Office sought: Manatee County Mosquito Control District, Group 1
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Residence: Manatee County (lifelong, per his candidate statement)
  • Family: Married to wife Tina for 27 years; two daughters, Taylor and Morgan, according to his candidate filing
  • Education: Attended Jesse P. Miller Elementary, King Middle School and Manatee High School, per his candidate statement

Experience and public service

O'Quinn said in his candidate statement that he co-founded Keller's Pest Control in 1994. He holds certifications in general household pest control and rodent control, as well as termites and other wood-destroying organisms, according to his candidate statement.

The Ballot Brief lists O'Quinn as a service technician at Keller's Pest Control starting in 1997.

O'Quinn said both of his daughters have worked in the family business. He credited his parents, Van and Dawn O'Quinn, with instilling the work ethic, honesty and integrity that guide him, he said in his candidate statement.

O'Quinn said he grew up spending weekends and summers on the Rod n Reel pier, which was owned and operated by his grandfather, Frank Cavendish, for nearly 40 years. He said he was involved in founding the Palmetto Kiwanis Pete Turner Classic fishing tournament, later renamed the Pete Turner Memorial tournament.

He also served on the board of the Sam Crosthwait fishing tournament for many years and chaired it during its 25th anniversary year, he said in his candidate statement.