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In the early days, Ybor City’s chickens were merely a food source for residents.
Today, they’re local characters that can be seen strutting in and out of local businesses and restaurants.
They number at more than 200, and their loud crowing and messes can make them a nuisance for some.
But they’re celebrated by many, and protected by city law. There’s even an annual Rooster Parade in February, which began when a pet rooster was killed by a dog in 1997. The mock “wake” has morphed into a New Orleans-style processional with people in costume and chicken celebrations galore.
– Alina Hall, B2 Communications