Volusia County Council Approves Dogs on the Beach Pilot Program

The dog days of summer now go all the way to the beach in Volusia County – or at least part of the beach.

The Volusia County Council approved a measure to create a pilot program allowing dogs on the beach along a 0.6 mile stretch between Millsap Road and Rockefeller Drive in Ormond Beach.

The program is set to begin Nov. 1, after the end of turtle-nesting season, and will last 18 months. Pet owners must keep dogs on a leash, have proof of rabies vaccination and clean up after the dogs.

“We do have a suggestion of a potential animal control officer dedicated to this stretch,” said Deputy County Manager Suzanne Konchan in a presentation to the County Council.

Konchan said the Lohman family pledged $100,000 to cover the costs of the pilot program and the organization Daytona Dog Beach offered to fund waste-bags and dispensers.

“I think that’s a great first step for a program like this,” Konchan said.

While dog owners are happy with the decision, it also was good news for the area’s travel and tourism efforts, something speaker Nancy Lohman emphasized during the public comment portion of the meeting.

“We currently have over 50 hotels who advertise themselves as dog friendly,” she said. “We have over 20 restaurants who advertise as dog friendly.”

Lohman said while the beachfront is heavily promoted as a destination, there are some national travel websites that say Daytona Beach is not pet-friendly.

“That affects our economic impact,” Lohman said. “Whatever this costs in terms of animal control is more than offset by the economic impact of being pet-friendly.”

Holding an oversized check representing the $100,000 contribution from her husband Lowell and herself, Lohman offered to increase the donation.

“I can erase this and make Lowell give more if it takes more,” she said.

The economic advantages of a pet-friendly beach extends to the area’s tourism development efforts.

“We have many travelers who love to vacation with their pets,” said Lori Campbell Baker, executive director of the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From accommodations, parks, attractions and restaurants, we have plenty of tourism partners that welcome them and their furry companions. We look forward to promoting the county’s new pilot project in our marketing materials.”

The County Council approved the measure by a 6-1 vote with council member Don Dempsey voting against it.