Sarasota Livin'

PRESS RELEASE FROM BIRD KEY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION:

Over 1,000 members of the Hells Angels, Devils Disciples, the Banditos, the Pagans, and Satan's Slaves motorcycle gangs will hold a rally along Bird Key Drive over the July 4th weekend. Residents on the Key are asked to give a cordial welcome to the visitors, some of who will travel from Central America and Alaska to come to the Key for the conclave.

The meeting, which will include members from more than just the clubs listed above, will attempt to negotiate territorial boundaries and traverse rights between the gangs. Always controversial subjects, these rights, when violated have often led to violent actions and retaliations.

BKIA tried to reject the request for the meeting but was told to “stuff it” by one of the leather clad bikers who strode into the office last week looking for beer. The biker noted that Bird Key streets are public and that they can do anything here they can do on any other public street. He promised that his group would be law abiding, but could not speak for individuals of any other particular club.

The empty lot will again be the focal point of the "rally". BKIA will vote next week whether to permit "portalets" on the lot for the bikers to use, although residents might expect to find bikers relieving themselves in bushes wherever convenient. A small shade tent will be installed where leaders of the gangs will hold their negotiations.

BKIA recommends that residents keep their teenage daughters inside during the event. In fact, all residents should remain inside. Traffic will be rerouted away from Bird Key during the weekend event.

Several residents who are "bikers" noted that the event will equal the Laconia, NH and Sturgis, SD rallies the gangs usually attend, but without all of the rowdiness and nudity that usually accompanies these gatherings. A BKIA representative again expressed disappointment that an official permit for the event was not obtained.