Over Memorial Day Weekend, thousands enjoyed Florida’s coast, including many dog owners visiting beaches with their pets. Following the success of a pilot program in Ormond Beach, a local nonprofit, Daytona Dog Beach, Inc., is campaigning to open a dog beach in Daytona Beach.
On April 1, the Volusia County Council voted to make the Ormond Beach dog beach permanent. The pilot, launched in November 2023, lasted 18 months. During this time, Volusia County Animal Services recorded nearly 13,000 dogs enjoying the beach without significant incidents.
In early May, the Council asked county staff to explore options for establishing a dog beach in Daytona Beach.
Nanette McKeel Petrella, president of Daytona Dog Beach, Inc., said her group of about 50 volunteers has been actively involved, picking up over 6,000 pounds of trash during the pilot.
“The pilot proved what we believed all along — this could be successful,” Petrella said.
While the exact location for a Daytona dog beach remains undecided, Petrella is monitoring key factors such as parking, beach access, nearby dog-friendly businesses, and volunteer availability to help determine the best site.
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