Volusia dog owners want more space for running and ruffs on beaches
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida. – Volusia County leaders are discussing a plan to allow dogs to be on more stretches of the beach.
Volusia County Council is expected to provide guidance to staff on the issue during Tuesday’s meeting.
Currently, Lighthouse Point Park and Smyrna Dunes Park are the only pet-friendly beach areas in Volusia County.
People who frequent the parks say they reach capacity quickly on most days and more space is needed to keep up with demand.
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Steve Allen said he often comes to the park with his dog Sawyer.
“This week has been crowded (and) the weekend has been crowded,” Allen said. “You come here early in the morning, it’s okay, but it builds up as the day goes on.”
The group is calling on county leaders to create another dog-friendly zone near University Parkway in Daytona Beach.
Supporters of the plan said it would promote tourism and a healthy lifestyle.
“You’ll just buy yourself a long leash and some freedom for the dogs, right?” Allen said. “Sometimes they have to run. There aren’t many places to run around here.
Critics, however, have raised health and environmental concerns if dogs are allowed on county-owned beaches.
In 2021, council members voted against a plan to allow dogs on all beaches.
Tuesday’s meeting is at 4:00 pm.
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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.
