Friends of the Pelicans Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured seabirds—especially pelicans harmed by fishing lines near the Skyway Fishing Pier—plans to establish a new rehabilitation center in the former Manatee County Animal Services facility in Palmetto. The organization rescues over 1,000 seabirds annually and has relied on out-of-county facilities for treatment, which are often overwhelmed. The newly approved lease agreement by Manatee County commissioners allows the nonprofit to utilize the existing kennels and operating rooms, providing a much-needed local medical care center for seabirds.

Before opening, Friends of the Pelicans must secure rezoning approval and permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and will be responsible for property maintenance and utilities. The nonprofit aims to open the rehabilitation campus within the next year and a half, hoping that having a dedicated local facility will significantly improve care and recovery outcomes for injured seabirds in Manatee County.