TAMPA, Fla. — For more than a century, chickens have waltzed through the streets of the Ybor City neighborhood in Tampa.
The unusual sight for visitors is normal for those who live in the community. After Hurricane Milton, the birds have become an even more welcome sight.
"We all want to — as quick as possible — start seeing things that remind us of being normal again," Stephen Dziadek, who lives in Tampa, said.
The Ybor City chickens arrived more than a century ago. They were brought by immigrants, many of whom came to Florida from Cuba. They have free range to walk through the streets of Ybor and merchandise for the roaming animals is often sold in the neighborhood's shops.
"I think a lot of people went hiding when the storm came and... The roosters coming back and making noise, it's telling you something," Dziadek said.
Dziadek lost his home during Milton. After you lose most of what you own, he believes you need to cling to hope wherever you can find it. Even if that means chickens.
"And the fact that [they] makes us feel good is probably the most important thing," Dziadek said.