Volusia County Dog Beach Opens for 18-Month Trial

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Dog owners in Volusia County rejoice: for the first time in decades, there will be a section of beach in the county available for furry friends. A half-mile stretch of beach in Ormond Beach is now dog-friendly until Spring 2025. The program opens up beach access for dogs for the first time in Volusia County since 1987. Long a point of contention between two factions of Volusia residents, the program could be the catalyst of expanded, permanent dog beaches in a few years. The Volusia County Council voted 6-1 to approve the pilot program back in July, with only Councilman Don Dempsey opposing. Requirements for dog owners will be to keep their dogs away from dunes and wildlife, leashes six feet in length or shorter, and carrying proof of rabies vaccines. For months now this initiative has been championed by Daytona Dog Inc. The organization’s website says it supports “dog beaches within Volusia County where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property, or wildlife”. Members of Daytona Dog Inc will be volunteering to help pick up dog droppings, in order to help keep the beach clean. Those wishing to try out the new dog beach can access it between Milsap Rd and Rockefeller Dr, from sunrise to sunset.