ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Does this make Volusia County a foster failure?
In 2023, the county launched an 18-month pilot program to make a portion of Ormond Beach dog-friendly.
On Tuesday, the county council voted to keep the beach permanently.
The stretch of beach between Milsap Road and Rockefeller Drive became dog-friendly on Nov. 1, 2023. The beach, also known as Daytona Dog Beach, is a little over half a mile long.
Residents at the time told News 6 they were concerned about enforcement of dog bites, wildlife harassment, and clean-up.
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The county reports over 12,800 dogs were recorded visiting the beach in that time, with no reports of bites or aggressive behavior.
There were 326 incidents of dogs being off-leash and 15 instances in which owners failed to clean up after their pets. One resident started a petition to get the dog beach shut down.
On Tuesday, however, commissioners said the dog beach had been a success.
“This is proof that we can have an idea come up and people not be supportive of it in the beginning, and allow it to play out, and then turn those minds around and get support,” said Council Commissioner Troy Kent.
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, cannot go into designated wildlife areas, and owners must clean up after their dogs. The beach is staffed to enforce those rules.
In Volusia County, dogs are also allowed at Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet and Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach.