ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Volusia County will soon open its first dog-friendly beach in over three decades as part of an 18-month pilot program.
In July, the Volusia County Council approved a proposal that would temporarily allow dogs on a .6-mile stretch of beach from Rockefeller Drive to Milsap Road in Ormond Beach.
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The beach will welcome furry friends starting on Nov. 1 with the county hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 9 a.m.
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Pet owners must leash their dogs and they can enjoy the section of beach from sunrise to sunset, officials said.
“Residents and visitors alike will revel in community interaction and outdoor recreational experiences through this dog-friendly section on the beach,” a news release read in part.
Nanette McKeel Petrella is the President of Daytona Dog Beach Inc., the organization behind this most recent attempt at a dog beach.
“Our main purpose is to have a safe, environmentally sound, dog-friendly beach and courteous to all people,” McKeel Petrella said.
In July, News 6 reported that there are also some costs associated with the pilot program including:
- $2,754 to install 26 dispensers
- $6,000 annually for bags for the dispensers
- $54,500 for a full-time animal control officer to enforce rules
- $17,000 for annual operations costs
- $25,000 for one-time equipment costs
McKeel Petrella, however, said thanks to private donors and money from their own organization, the county wouldn’t have to pay a dime.
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