VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Dogs may soon have their day on the sands of Daytona Beach.
The Volusia County Council voted unanimously this week to explore creating a dog-friendly beach in Daytona, a move that’s already receiving enthusiastic support from many locals.
“I mean, it’s a free area. Why can’t the animals be out here enjoying life, too?” one beach visitor told News 6.
Another added, “Brings him around family, lets him cool off on the beach. And they seem to really love it sometimes, too.”
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Leading the effort is District 4 Councilman Troy Kent, who said the overwhelming success of the Ormond Beach dog beach — now permanent as of April 1 — shows there’s demand for more access.
The nonprofit Daytona Dog Beach Inc. has already pledged its support, committing to provide waste bags and volunteers, just as it does at the Ormond site.
“I would love for our partner, the Daytona Dog Beach, and for us to be able to provide a second area,” Kent said during the meeting.
Dogs are also allowed at Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet and Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach, further evidence that paws-on-the-sand is becoming a trend across Volusia County.
Still, not everyone is in favor of the idea.
“I don’t think really dogs should be on the beach,” said Daytona resident Suzanne Lynch. “A lot of people don’t even pick up after their dogs. You have kids out here. Some dogs are aggressive (…) I just think it would be more of a nuisance than a pleasure for everybody.”
County staff are expected to bring back possible site options in the coming months.