Moments in time

2002
Myakka City Fire Station became home to six chickens as a part of the Manatee County Mosquito Control’s project to test for West Nile virus. Six more chickens were housed in a private residence near Lena Road Industrial Park, the East County Observer reported Oct. 10, 2002.

The chickens were placed strategically throughout the county to attract virus-carrying mosquitoes. Chickens are able to contract the disease and then thwart it with antibodies, so their eggs are not affected.

2007
Braden River Elementary School kicked off its month-long push for pedestrian safety Oct. 3, 2007. The East County Observer reported Oct. 11, 2007, 500 students and parents walked, biked, rolled and scooted to school Oct. 3, for the school’s Walk and Roll to School Day, in honor of International Walk to School Day. The month-long event included other outdoor activities.