Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Friends of the Pelicans secure lease for Palmetto shelter; Bishop facility controversy prompts board letter to prosecutor
Summary
The board approved leasing the Palmetto Animal Shelter property to Friends of the Pelicans for seabird rehabilitation. Separately, public outcry over conditions at the Bishop dog facility and an associated trespass prosecution led the board to instruct the county attorney to draft a letter saying the board would not participate in the criminal proceedings.
The Manatee County board on April 21 adopted Resolution R26025 authorizing a lease of the Palmetto Animal Shelter property (305 25th Street West) to Friends of the Pelicans, Inc., so the nonprofit can establish a seabird rehabilitation center near the Sunshine Skyway, where rescuers said many injured birds are found.
Janette Edwards, founder of Friends of the Pelicans, told commissioners the group rescues hundreds of seabirds annually and must transport many animals long distances for care. “To have a seabird facility that is 10 minutes from the Skyway fishing pier would be incredible,” she said, asking the county to support the lease so rehabilitations can occur closer to the rescue site.
Commissioners…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
