Volusia County Council to explore test area for dogs on beaches.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Volusia County Council unanimously decided to explore a test area allowing dogs on the county's beaches after much public interest and discussion on the topic. The council has identified the Bicentennial Park area in Ormond-by-the-Sea as the trial proximity for the test.

According to a release, council members requested staff to present information and various options during the March 21 meeting regarding enforcement, potential user fees to bring dogs into the allowable zone, the length of the area where dogs may be allowed, and the public is welcome to attend the meeting and provide comments. 

The meeting will commence at 4 p.m. in the County Council Chambers at the Thomas C Kelley Building at 123 Indiana Boulevard in Deland. Those who are unable to attend can submit comments in advance to publicparticipation@volusia.org. Any comments received by 4 p.m. on March 20 will be provided to the County Council and become part of the public record.

If the council can establish parameters and vote to pass a program design on March 21, the official vote to change the ordinance will occur in a subsequent meeting. The council hopes that exploring the test area will provide valuable insights to ensure the success of the program if implemented county-wide.