Populations of the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly have recently been identified in southeast and southwest Fort Lauderdale.  In an effort to educate and inform residents, Gene Dempsey, the City of Fort Lauderdale's Urban Forester, is available to homeowners associations, civic groups, neighborhoods and other organizations interested in learning more about the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly.   Among the topics that Dempsey can cover are: - what is the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly - what should residents look for - what damage do they cause - what plants do they infest - how can they best be treated - and other relevant information about the insect.   To arrange an appointment, please contact Dempsey at:   Gene Dempsey, Urban Forester
Parks and Recreation Department
City of Fort Lauderdale
1350 W. Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 
Ph: 954-828-5785 
E-mail: GDempsey@fortlauderdale.gov   It's important to keep in mind that residents should not be alarmed about the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly.  This whitefly is not as destructive as the Ficus Whitefly because it typically does not kill the host plant or cause branch dieback.  Most of the harm caused by the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly is limited to cosmetic damage in the form of a white waxy build up on the underside of leaves and black sooty mold.   Thus far, the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly has been found on the following plants: Gumbo Limbo, Black Olive, Live Oak, Pink Tabebuia, Calophyllum, most palms, Cocoplum, Firebush, Green Island Ficus and Bird-of-Paradise.   The City of Fort Lauderdale has treated the following public areas and will continue to treat on an ongoing basis as needed:   Natural Area on Riverwalk - 400 SW 2nd Street  Area on Riverwalk - 220 N. New River Drive 
Main Office at Snyder Park - 3299 SW 4th Avenue 
SE 1st Avenue from Davie Blvd to SE 15th Street 
Ponce de Leon Drive - Federal Hwy to SE 9th Avenue 
Virginia Young Park - 1000 SE 9th Avenue 
East Las Olas Blvd - SE 6th Avenue to SE 11th Avenue 
Ponce de Leon Dr - From SE 9 AV to end (all gumbo limbo and Calophyllum trees) 
City Hall (west side) - 100 North Andrews Avenue 
Purple Pickle Park - 632 Middle River Drive 
George English Park - 1101 Bayview Drive (Calophyllum trees at entrance) 
15th Street Boat Basin - 1784 SE 15th Street 
SW 17 Street from Railroad tracks to SW 4th Avenue 
Triangle at West Park Drive and SW 19th Street near Crossiant Elementary 
City parking lot west of City Hall 
SR 84 median from SW 4th Avenue to SW 9th Avenue 
For more information, please visit the City's website at: http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/life/urban_forestry/whitefly_rugose.htm