ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For the fifth straight year, Florida lawmakers are pushing to change the state bird from the mockingbird to the flamingo — and this time, the effort appears to be gaining momentum.
The mockingbird has been Florida’s official state bird for nearly 100 years, but it also holds that distinction in at least five other states. Supporters of the change argue that the flamingo is more uniquely tied to Florida’s identity, history and environment.
Previous attempts to make the switch have failed, but this year’s proposal has already cleared two House committees and one Senate committee, giving it its strongest showing yet. Matching bills are now moving through both chambers of the legislature…