J.J. Hart's "Ducks" and the Obstinacy of Local Governments

Taken at face value, the story of J.J. Hart's "ducks' (which are really chickens) is just another feel-good story that media outlets trot out to offset the "We're all gonna die, tune in at 11:00 to find out why" stories that seem so common.

But subsequent analysis reveals this is a more complex tale that spotlights the dysfunction of local governments (as well as the inherent values of "ducks").

CLUCK Campaign Next Steps by Jenny Marie Brannon

CLUCK meeting tonight was exciting!! Things are starting to happen. We watched the commission meeting where CLUCK spoke and the commissioners responded. They are reluctant because they just don't see the support. They want us to get neighborhoods to support us. Jono is going to respond to them that neighborhood associations can and will set their own rule regarding the issue. We need more community support to back us up. Show them that there are more people in favor, or even just indifferent, than there would be against. To do that, we need to get ourselves visible. We are hoping to get booths at the local farmers markets and community events. Also, The problem has been raised that the county covers so much area that evening meetings in Sarasota can be difficult for people to attend. There was support in the meeting to have rotating meetings throughout the county that may be more convenient. 

CLUCK NEEDS YOUR HELP! The time is NOW to make this happen. Soon we will be posting new meeting times and places and asking for specific assistance in manning tables at the farmers markets, making phone calls, and getting signatures. even if you have a busy household, we hope you can help from your phone or computer. Keep an eye on this page for updates and let us know if you have a specific talent, idea, business, or contact that you can share.

For those in Venice, Englewood, North Port and the surrounding area. I'm asking for your help specifically. Where is a good place to hold a south county meeting? Jennifer Miller Cortez and I discussed maybe at a restaurant with a large separate room so those of us with families can bring them and we can all eat. If anyone has involvement in the local high school's environmental or government clubs where the kids may want to use this platform as a project, are you able to tell us who to contact. Commission Thaxton is the commissioner for our district and he is supporting us. Lets show him that we are up to the challenge.

Why the Feral Chickens of Key West are an Irrelevant Worst Case Scenario

Many people seem to anchor their objection to backyard domestic hens based on their experiences in Key West, Florida, where feral chickens are common. Some visitors find these wild birds to be part of Key West's quirky charm and character -- one of the city's best known restaurants, Blue Heaven, is famous for the chickens roaming about. 

Other people, including one County Commissioner, apparently find the feral chickens presence and behavior alarming or disturbing. As a result, the Key West feral chicken situation is frequently cited as either an inevitable or plausible result of what would happen if were to allow backyard chickens in our county. But that sky-is-falling, worst case scenario is not likely and unsubstantiated claims such as this reflect both the ignorance and discrimination backyard chickens face.

Sarasota Patch Covers County Chicken Campaign

Today's (September 27, 2012) Sarasota PATCH contains a lengthy, well-researched article by Charles Schelle Group Requests Approval for Backyard Chickens covering CLUCK's campaign for relaxed chicken regulations in the unincorporated county and the County Commission's reaction. 

If CLUCK had a journalism award (or any award) this piece would the top contender to date. 

Sarasota Herald Tribune Guest Column asks: Why Can't a Chicken Live in the Suburbs?

A recent Sarasota Herald Tribune guest column asked: Why Can't a Chicken Live in the Suburbs? The essay attempted to clarify an unusual situation characterized as a "chicken sandwich" in which chickens are allowed in the most rural and most urban areas of Sarasota County, but not in between in the suburbs.

The article urges citizens to contact their elected officials. For Sarasota County, they are currently the following:

You can contact the commissioner from your district (map below) but if you email, cc all the others.

Carolyn Mason

cmason@scgov.net

941-861-5344

Joe Barbetta

jbarbett@scgov.net

941-861-5344

Christine Robinson

crobinson@scgov.net

941-861-5344

Nora Patterson

npatters@scgov.net

941-861-5344

Jon Thaxton

jthaxton@scgov.net

941-861-5344

Mail to

1660 Ringling Blvd.

Sarasota, FL  34236

CHICKENS 101 Class Venice Sept 15

Head to Venice for a Chickens 101 and Chickens Fair September 15 from 9:00 until noon.

An introductory, hands-on workshop on the fundamentals of raising chickens such as:  local laws and resources; benefits of chickens; the basics (breeds, housing, feeding, health, chicken development); biosecurity; and getting started.

CLUCK will be there.

For more info and registration (you can walk in on the day of the event) click this link.

September 2012 Sarasota CLUCK meeting

If you missed this meeting, check out the Sarasota Patch article: Sentinel Chickens An Important Part of Mosquito Control based on the presentation at our meeting. [comment added Sept 23rd)

You won't want to miss our next meeting of CLUCK where Natalie Osborne from Sarasota County Mosquito Control will describe the crucial Sentinel Chicken program. These birds are our county 's early warning system for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile Virus. 

As always, we'll also be talking strategy for our campaign to legalize chickens in more areas in the Unincorporated County.

And the meeting starts at 6:30 not some earlier time previously advertised.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH  6:30 P.M.

LOCATION: Florida House, 4454 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34233. 

Questions? Call Laney 941-322-1000.

Sentinel Chicken & West Nile Virus Illustration from http://westnile.ca.gov/wnv_faqs_basics.php?id=74

FOR MORE STORIES ABOUT SENTINEL CHICKENS

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WEST NILE VIRUS IN SARASOTA (JULY 2012!)

SARASOTA COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL MANAGER RESIGNS (September 4th!)