DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Volusia County leaders are set to weigh in Tuesday on whether dogs should be allowed on more stretches of Daytona Beach, a proposal that’s sparking strong opinions from both supporters and opponents.
County staff will present three possible locations for a designated dog beach area: from Williams Boulevard to Seabreeze Boulevard, from Hartford to Seabreeze, or from Zelda to Seabreeze.
Officials estimate the project would cost between $8,000 and $10,000 for signage, dog waste bag dispensers and water bowls, plus about $2,500 a year to maintain the area.
[WATCH: Volusia County considering adding dog-friendly beach]
Dog owners like Delilah Morris say the change would be a welcome addition.
“I would love to be able to walk on the beach because he loves the birds and we just love to be down there by the ocean,” Morris said. “It’d be great.”
But not everyone is on board. Some beachgoers worry about cleanliness and crowding.
“I don’t think it would be a good idea,” said Carlos Enrique. “It would be messy, and people come to the beach to relax, you don’t want a dog right on top of you.”
[WATCH: Volusia County greenlights dog beach pilot program in Ormond Beach]
Supporters say Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. has pledged to help with cleanup and provide supplies, following the same model used successfully in Ormond Beach. Volusia County Animal Services would also enforce existing beach regulations.
The county council meeting begins at 9 a.m., where leaders will discuss whether to move forward with one of the proposed locations. Updates on the decision are expected later today.