Volusia County Council again considering allowing dogs on beaches

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County leaders are once again set to consider the idea of allowing dogs on their beaches.

Currently, only service dogs are allowed on the sand outside of the county’s two designated dog parks.

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The county discussed the idea in 2014, but the talks failed. Now, they’re set to bring it up again at their regular meeting next week.

Authorities handed out 45 citations for dogs on the beach in 2018, 70 in 2019, and 154 last year. Each offense is punishable by a fine of $50 or arrest.

Volusia County residents opposed to the idea say they’re worried about owners picking up after their dogs. They also express concerns that dogs may attack other dogs or people on the beach.

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“Kids, they don’t know better, so they will run up and want to pet on them and everything,” Volusia County resident Jobie McCoy says. “The beach is no place for a dog.”

Dog owner Sarah Kennedy disagrees. She says her dog loves to get into the water.

“It helps her release some of that energy,” Kennedy says. “As long as everyone puts in their part and is considerate of their animals, I think it would work out.”

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Neighboring Flagler Beach allows dogs outside of its core area, as does St. Johns County as long as the dog is leashed and the owner cleans up after it. Brevard County allows the individual cities to make their own rules.

How it will all ultimately work out in Volusia County will be up to the county council.

The meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 20th, starting at 9:30 a.m.

Cox Media Group