Volusia County to Test Having Dogs on Beach

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – The Volusia County Council on Tuesday voted to allow a pilot program which will gauge the feasibility of allowing dogs on the county’s beaches. Under the program, dogs will be allowed on a stretch of beach between Milsap Road and Rockefeller Drive in Ormond Beach, good for 0.6 miles. Beginning on November 1st, dog owners will be allowed to take their canine companions to the beach for an 18 month period. In doing so, they will be required to clean up after them, keep them away from dunes and animal life, keep them leashed at six feet or shorter, and carry proof of rabies vaccines. Most public commenters at the Tuesday meeting agreed with allowing the pilot project. Their enthusiasm was matched by the County Council, which voted 6-1 in favor. Only Councilman Don Dempsey voted no. Opponents to dogs on beaches claim that allowing them creates issues with bites, droppings, and environmental interference. Proponents argued dogs are great for quality of life, and allowing dogs on beaches could be a difference-maker for tourism in the area.