VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A proposal to open sections of Volusia County’s beaches to horseback riding has been withdrawn after receiving overwhelming public opposition.
District 4 Councilman Troy Kent, who first introduced the idea, pulled it during Tuesday’s meeting, saying the community made its stance clear.
“I’ve probably had 98% of emails against the idea and maybe 2% for,” Kent said. “Not only is it not ideal, it’s not feasible.”
The plan would have allowed horseback riding in two non-driving zones, a 9-mile stretch from North Shore Park in Ormond-by-the-Sea to the Flagler County line, and another stretch near Neptune Beach in Ormond Beach.
[WATCH PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Volusia County may open beaches for horseback riding]
Residents who live and recreate along those beaches pushed back, citing concerns about safety, space and cleanliness.
“We didn’t want horses here,” resident Don Hancock said. “There’s not enough beach left for us alone, us and horses.”
County staff had drafted rules including advance reservations, capacity limits, and seasonal restrictions to protect sea turtle nests. Riders would have also been required to provide health certificates for animals and clean up after them. Even with those guardrails, residents organized petitions and prepared to speak out.
[WATCH PREVIOUS COVERAGE BELOW: Volusia County leaders consider beach horseback riding]
Hancock said neighbors quickly rallied.
“We had a petition going … a couple hundred signatures,” he said. “Horses and your kids and grandkids on the beach, it just doesn’t go together.”
Kent thanked fellow council members for hearing out the concept but said the location and logistics didn’t work.
The withdrawal effectively ends the debate, at least for now, on horses along Volusia County beaches.