Chicken-saving Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary announces new headquarters

The Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary (YMM) has found a new home in Ybor City, on 17th Avenue across the street from the historic J.C. Newman Cigar Company factory.

Today the sanctuary, known for nursing struggling "misfit" chickens back to health and its chicken yoga sessions, shared excitement about the move, which will give the organization more room to do its rescue work. YMM's previous home was also in Ybor City, but did not have as much space available as the new location.

" We’ve been dropping vague hints about a relocation for both the YMM and its humans for some time. I’m overly superstitious, so I rarely say anything too concrete before something is signed for and completed," Dylan Breese, founder of YMM, wrote in an announcement. "Well, as of last Thursday, a big chunk of our plans have been set in stone!"
Last week the sanctuary's operators bought a 101-year old Ybor City casita that is essentially on the Sanchez y Haya and J.C. Newman Cigar Company campus, across from the iconic El Reloj museum and factory. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

Next to the house are several vacant lots—but they will not be empty for long, said Breese. In the announcement, he said that thanks to the hard work of many, and through the extraordinary generosity of donors and partners, the lots will become part of the next and permanent Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary.

Since August, YMM has been working with Tampa Bay Homes, the Newman Family, and the team at J.C. Newman. They've been building support, not only from those within the neighborhood, but from high profile people like Senator Janet Cruz, developer Darryl Shaw, along with Hotel Haya, and more.

YMM says they also met with key players within the City, and have a plan in place for the operation to be in full swing at its new home before the end of 2022.

"Things could not be more exciting for us and for Ybor’s needy birds! To be clear, more and better space doesn’t mean more animals," YMM wrote. "It means more room for them to rest, heal, rehab, meet their future families, and for some of the forever-vulnerable, to live out their days."

In this new chapter,  YMM will start a more formal volunteer program and hopes to open up to schools and other groups who want to visit the chickens and learn about Ybor City’s mascots.

YMM says Middleton High School's Future Farmers of America chapter will be among the first crews to stop by and lend a hand when the property is ready.

"All that and lots more… in time. We feel so much gratitude! 'Thank you' will never be enough, but until we recharge, it’s all we have left to give after finishing this first leg of our still young journey," YMM wrote. "To all of our donors, monthly Patrons, followers, and supporters—thank you."

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