Friends of the Pelicans secure lease for Palmetto shelter; Bishop facility controversy prompts board letter to prosecutor

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 approved the lease and discussed maintenance responsibilities: the nonprofit will maintain the property while the county retains ownership and would continue ditch maintenance. Supporters argued the site is well placed to reduce transport times and ease burdens on neighboring wildlife hospitals.

Separately, the meeting included extensive public testimony from volunteers and residents who described operational and safety problems at the recently opened Bishop dog facility (temporary trailer kennels), including narrow aisles, heat concerns, and difficulty for volunteers to handle animals safely. Volunteers and other residents also said they faced legal action after inspecting the partially completed Bishop site; charges were filed against at least two people who visited the site earlier.

After prolonged debate — with some commissioners arguing the rule of law should be allowed to proceed and others citing whistleblower concerns — the board voted to direct the county attorney to draft a letter to the state attorney’s office stating that the board no longer wished to participate in criminal prosecution arising from the Bishop site visits and asking the prosecutor to consider dismissal. The motion passed on a split vote.

What the board approved: - Resolution R26025: lease to Friends of the Pelicans for seabird rehabilitation (term and maintenance responsibilities discussed and adopted). - Direction to county attorney: draft and transmit a letter indicating the board does not wish to continue participating in the trespass prosecutions linked to Bishop property inspections.

Relevant quotes and notes: - Janette Edwards: “We rescue over a thousand birds a year... To have a seabird facility that is 10 minutes from the Skyway fishing pier would be incredible.” - Dr. Sina Johnson (Shelter veterinary lead): “Dogs were not injured during the move. Dogs acquired abrasions several days after the move; we identified sharp drain covers and brackets and removed them.”

Following the meeting, staff will finalize lease paperwork with Friends of the Pelicans and the county attorney will draft the requested letter to the state attorney’s office.