It has been brought to our attention that the Senate and House bills designating the Florida Scrub-Jay as our "official" state bird might NOT be heard in the three (s) committees needed to reach the floor for an official vote due to some opposition lobbying, including Marion Hammer (see just one article attached for some background, although there are many more out there). With all of the important and pressing matters before our legislature, including an "official" state bird, somehow, they all managed to get the state dessert on their agenda where subsequently they all voted to designate the Strawberry Shortcake with dairy topping as our "official" state dessert! THIS IS A SLAP IN THE FACE AND MORALLY OFFENSIVE TO THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VOTING FLORIDIANS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED AND ENDORSED THESE BILLS AND VOTED FOR LEGISLATURES WHO ARE THERE TO REPRESENT THEM!  Ms. Hammer DOES NOT speak for all Floridians, and it is wrong to allow her to make decisions for everyone in the state!  What is really going on here?

We understand the millions of dollars that the strawberry industry generates. However, the Florida Scrub-Jay can be found nowhere else in the world and generates millions of more dollars through eco-tourism/birding activities than the strawberry industry, not to mention the thousands of Florida based businesses it supports as well!

The designation of a new state bird has been a legislative item since 1997 (23 years)!  The legislature needs to address this NOW and designate an "official" state bird!

Below are the Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons of the three (3) committees where these bills currently sit.  We are asking for your help in flooding the phones of these legislatures in getting the voice of the people heard.  Please call and voice your outrage over this matter.  WE WANT OUR VOICES HEARD not just the voice of a lobbyist!  TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!

HOUSE - HB 207:

Environment, Agriculture & Flooding - Representative James Buchanan, Chair: 850-717-5074, Representative Linda Chaney, Vice Chair: 850-717-5069

Government Operations - Representative Jason Fischer, Chair: 850-717-5016, Representative Anthony Rodriguez, Vice Chair: 850-717-5118

FLORIDA SENATE - SB 378, SCR 324:

Appropriations Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Environment & General Government - Senator Ben Albritton, Chair: 850-487-5026, Senator Ray Wesley Rodrigues, Vice Chair: 850-487-5027

Thank You for your continued support.