I’m not sure the price of eggs will ever go high enough for me to start raising chickens in my backyard.
It would kind of ruin the aesthetic I’m going for with my roofed pergola and swimming pool. Plus, as someone who would rather lounge back there with a glass of bourbon than do his chores, I don’t need another task added to my plate.
Egg prices too high? Eat waffles.
On July 22 the Brevard County Commissioners voted to make it easier to raise chickens in residential neighborhoods in unincorporated parts of the county. As reported by my colleague Tyler Vazquez, the commission-approved changes will next go to county staff who will craft an ordinance that the commission can take a final vote on later this year.
Under the proposal, residents would be allowed to have up to six chickens in their backyards, regardless of property size.
Six? We’re not supplying Denny’s, are we? Well, actually, that’s one of the restrictions: chickens and eggs would be restricted to personal use and not for commercial purposes.
District 2 commissioner Tom Goodson, a voice of reason on this issue, voted against the change, citing many of the downsides that accompany becoming a backyard chicken farmer. In addition to more predators looking for a chicken dinner (including rats, which feast on chicken feed, eggs and yes, even the chickens themselves), Goodson said chickens could attract all types of unwanted pests to residential areas.
Some of the details, as spelled out in Tyler’s story include:
In case you’re curious, Iowa produces the most chicken eggs in the country the averaging between 13 billion and 15 billion per year.
I don’t want chickens in my neighborhood but am curious to know what you think. And that brings us to the Question of the Week:
Do you agree with the county commission proposal to loosen the restrictions regarding backyard chickens?
You can simply cast your votes on the ballots above.
You can scan the QR code that is on the print edition page or go to https://www.floridatoday.com/opinions-columns/.
Please leave a comment telling us why you voted the way you did. In order for your comment or email to be published on our website and in next week’s print edition, you must include your first and last name.
You can also shoot me an email with “Chickens” in the subject line. I look forward to reading your responses.
Last Sunday I asked:
Should the county be doing more to establish large fairgrounds that can attract major events?
Results:
Here’s what you had to say:
Before moving to Cocoa Beach, I lived in Orlando for 45 years, enjoying the various activities our local fairground hosted throughout the years. After moving here I was astonished that Brevard County didn’t have a dedicated “fair grounds”. I was deluged into thinking that Wickham Park served that purpose, attending many activities including Runaway Country, and became completely disappointed in our county leadership when we began loosing those types of events.
— David Smith
Yes, a permanent site for this type of entertainment is needed. Once upon a time we had one, the old spring training site in West Cocoa. It had a stadium for concerts, I saw Mel Tillis and The Beach Boys there. The land around the stadium in Viera could have been retained for a fairgrounds. Perhaps Brevard could once again have a county fair rather than a carnival that calls itself a state fair. The Renaissance Fair and the Christmas lights were great family entertainment. We did go to the Melbourne location for the Renaissance Fair.
— Gregory Pierce
I have an idea for a large fairground area. Cocoa Expo off I-95. Large area. Outdoor stadium already built and modernized. Easy access. Maybe the county could make a deal with the owners and allow large festivals on the Cocoa Expo grounds when the facility is not in use.
— Robert “Bob” Socks
Yes, it would be great to have one area designated for all kinds of activities! The need for financial accountability should be a priority. While I think that many of us are exhausted from being nickel and dimed to death, everyone from organizers, to vendors to entertainers, and attendees should have some skin the game!
— Jeannine Flynn
Most counties seem to have one and other places I’ve lived had on. When located and planned properly for traffic, parking and events, they work well and generate significant income. It can start out as a blank slate and add restrooms, utilities and a stage as it develops.
— Gary Belconis
These question is not should there be a larger fairgrounds. Residents of this county want fairgrounds if it costs them little. The deciding factor in moving to this county in 2016 was access to minor league baseball. I would have had season tickets. This county, like most of the state wants more of everything but wants to pay less.
Our schools are underfunded and seniors want to eliminate the property tax. Seniors want our students better educated as long as they don’t have to pay for it. Students’ grades rise every year because grades are based on effort not results. Our colleges accepts Florida students that don’t belong in college but wind up in debt for an education they don’t get.
— Tony Carrollo
Contact Torres at jtorres@floridatoday.com. You can follow him on X @johnalbertorres
Multimedia editor Rob Landers contributed to this report.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Question of the week: Do you agree with the county proposal regarding backyard chickens?
Reporting by John A. Torres, Florida Today / Florida Today
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