VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Starting Dec. 1, dog owners will have a new place to enjoy the sand and surf in Daytona Beach.
The Volusia County Council voted Tuesday to approve a new dog-friendly beach area that will span 1.7 miles between Williams Avenue and Seabreeze Boulevard. Dogs will be allowed during daylight hours as long as they remain leashed and within the designated boundaries.
County officials said Volusia County Animal Services will enforce the rules to ensure dogs stay on leashes, owners pick up after them, and pets don’t disturb wildlife or dune vegetation.
Those same measures have helped make the Ormond Beach dog-friendly beach a success. That location became permanent earlier this year after an 18-month pilot program welcomed more than 13,000 dogs and their owners.
The new section of Daytona Beach will feature six vehicle ramps, nearly 300 off-beach parking spaces, and two pedestrian walkovers, providing easy access for residents and visitors.
Local dog owners say they’re excited about the expansion.
“We live here in the county we help to try and promote the beach for the dogs, so we’re excited,” said Jean Krackenverger.
“I think that’s great. They are usually much, much cleaner than the regular beaches because dog owners know they have to pick up after their pets,” said Tracy Williams.
Nonprofit group Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. has also pledged to donate funds to cover startup costs and supply dog waste bags, as well as organize volunteers to help with ongoing cleanup and maintenance.
Until the new beach area opens next month, dog owners can still visit the Ormond Beach dog-friendly section.