Unleashing Joy: Celebrating the End of a 36-Year Dog Beach Ban

Cheers resound through the community as we join paws and hands in jubilation - a historic milestone has been reached! After an arduous 36-year wait, the ban on dogs at a section of the beach has finally been lifted. Starting November 1st, 2023 dogs will be allowed on Volusia County Oceanside Beach from Milsap Road to Rockefeller Drive. This momentous occasion exemplifies the remarkable power of unity and showcases the triumph of persistence, presentation of facts and passion.

For decades, four-legged members of our families were denied the simple joy of frolicking on the sandy shores and splashing in the ocean's waves. The longing gazes of our canine companions, their tails wagging with anticipation, spoke volumes of the unspoken desire to experience the wonders of the beach.

But our determination knew no bounds. Together, as a community of dog lovers, we set out to overturn this restrictive decree. The journey was not without its challenges, and at times, the path seemed uncertain. However, our unshakeable belief in the positive impact of dogs on our lives and the joy they bring united us like never before.

Our campaign to end the ban was a testament to the power of collective action. Locals, tourists, and dog enthusiasts alike rallied together, standing shoulder to shoulder, to make their voices heard. The spirit of camaraderie was palpable, and we became a formidable force advocating for the rights of our beloved canine companions.

One of the most moving aspects of this fight was witnessing the impassioned speeches and heartfelt testimonials at public meetings. Pet owners and supporters eloquently shared anecdotes of the profound bond they share with their dogs and the transformative effect the beach has on their four-legged friends. Emotions ran high as tears of joy mingled with tales of cherished memories.

In the digital realm, an outpouring of support flooded our inboxes. Emails and messages of encouragement flowed in from all corners of the globe. Dog lovers from near and far demonstrated solidarity, and their unwavering support fortified our resolve to continue our crusade for change.

This triumph extends beyond a mere change in regulations. It embodies the essence of empathy, compassion, and community. Our persistence has opened up new opportunities for connection, creating a haven where dogs and their humans can come together to forge lasting bonds.

As we celebrate this historic moment, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in this victory. To those who attended meetings and raised their voices, your bravery and commitment inspired us all. And to those who supported us from afar, your words of encouragement echoed like a chorus of cheers, uplifting our spirits when the journey grew challenging.

Today, we also thank the Volusia County Council for listening to all and giving us a chance and thank the staff that was in the scenes and behind the scenes diligently working to bring options to the table so the council could be informed before making a decision. Because of your dedication and hard work our beloved dogs will be able to put their paws on the sandy shores once again. Let this historic milestone be a beacon of hope, a reminder that when we stand together, we can turn dreams into reality and embrace a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

February 2023:

On February 21st, 2023  

Click Link for more information.

January 2023:  

A breath of fresh and a hope restored to getting "Paws in the Sand". The new Volusia County Councilman sworn in. That happened on January 5th and Councilman Kent advanced discussions on one of his campaign promises to deliver dog friendly beach options to us. Those of us who want this need to speak up in support.  Please start now by commenting on the Ormond Beach Observer article below. Click on the text link below to add your comments of support. 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4546543558803626&id=175630775894948&mibextid=Nif5oz

August 2022-  Daytona Beach - Better City for Pets Press Release from The City of Daytona Beach.  The City of Daytona Beach has received a Pet-Friendly Certification through the “Better Cities for Pets” program from Mars Petcare. The certification recognizes cities that have met or exceeded pet friendliness standards. The effort to earn the certification was spearheaded by Daytona Dog Beach, Inc., a local nonprofit committed to the welfare of pets.   Certified cities have programs and policies that make it easier for pets and their owners to live a happy, healthy life together. Daytona Beach met its benchmarks across various traits that support pet-friendly shelters, homes, parks and businesses. The certification recognized Daytona Beach’s efforts to  welcome pets, offer pet friendly programs and amenities and help keep people and pets together in tough times. Daytona Beach’s multiple programs and policies to support a pet-friendly community include an animal tethering policy and mandatory spay and neuter ordinance. 

May 2022-  Ruff, Rock & Roll Pawty! A Year Worth Celebrating!!  Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. celebrated its 1-yr anniversary at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach on May 25th. Hard Rock, itself pet friendly, hosted our dog friendly “pawty” on the Avalon Terrace, overlooking the ocean. The evening was pawfect! We thank our many raffle and drink sponsors and Author, Barry Kukes, who hosted a book signing. Attendees received a generous swag bag too! Food, drinks, anniversary cake, dog treats, music and play pools made for a memorable event for all. All pups, and even their people, were so well behaved, the Hard Rock Hotel invited us back for another event should we want.  

January 2022- Daytona Dog Beach, Inc.  is pleased to host an exciting new event in 2022 that offers participants a chance to volunteer in a beach cleanup, while enjoying a leisurely stroll with their dog. Go to our Events page to learn more!

July 10th, 2021- Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. held our 1st member meeting, and it was a success. What a great group of people, committed to "Putting Paws in the Sand.

July 5th, 2021- Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. had our first ever beach cleanup between Zelda St. Beach Ramp and University Blvd Beach Ramp.  Between the 10 volunteers that came and participated in the beach cleanup 30lbs. of trash was collected and removed.

June 23rd, 2021-- Daytona Dog Beach Inc. has asked all members, friends, dog lovers to write to Volusia County Council and request they rescind their decision on Item 04 File # 8932. If you wish to do so to support this cause, please email all below. 

June 22nd, 2021 -- Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. Board of Directors attended the Volusia County Council meeting representing our organization and members of Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. Our goal was to seek council’s approval on an option to expand dog friendly beach access on Volusia County beaches, and our desire and willingness to partner with them to make additional dog beaches successful. Unfortunately, we are sorry to report that the Volusia County Council voted 5-1 to continue their ban of dogs on the beach.  We lost this battle, but please keep hopeful, our fight continues. We will issue more in the days ahead about our next steps. In the meantime, we encourage you to express your feelings about their disappointing decision by email or mail, as you feel appropriate. Jeff Brower was the only who wanted to find a solution that would offer us an opportunity to at least offer a trial period.  He suggested our proposed site, between University Boulevard and Zelda Avenue as an option worthy of consideration.  

Their emails are:

jbrower@volusia.org
bjohnson@volusia.org
bwheeler@volusia.org
bgirtman@volusia.org
drobins@volusia.org
hpost@volusia.org
flowry@volusia.org - absent from vote
grecktenwald@volusia.org

Please include your:
Name
Phone #
Address

Click on the County Council member to get contact information.  You can use the District Map link to the right to determine your specific representative. 

https://www.volusia.org/government/county-council/

www.volusia.org/government/county-council/districts-map.stml
www.volusia.org › government › county-council › districts-map

June 12th, 2021 -- Our first in person membership meeting was held, adding another 5 people to our leadership team, our beach ambassador structure was agreed upon, we launched online donations and merchandise sales.

June 11th, 2021 -- The Facebook group hit 700 members.  

June 8th, 2021 -- Based on results from a membership poll, Daytona Dog Beach Inc. announced our logo and slogan, “Putting Paws in the Sand.” 

May 12th, 2021 -- Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. launched our website.

May 5th, 2021--Daytona Dog Beach filed for Articles of Incorporation as a not-for-profit corporation, Daytona Dog Beach, Inc., with the Florida Department of State.  We believe this step will position us to best accomplish our goal of more dog friendly beaches within Volusia County.  We have informed the County Council and their team of this announcement and our desire and willingness to partner with them to bring additional dog beaches to fruition.

April 20th, 2021-- Administrators of the Daytona Dog Beach Facebook group went to the Volusia County Council meeting and represented the group in front of the council. There were citizens for and against new dog beaches in Volusia County. in the end the County Council voted unanimously for staff to continue discussion to allow dogs on the beach. This is a very positive outcome, and we thank the council for approving this key step forward. We will continue to explore ways to support the efforts. More to follow... 

January 28th, 2021-- Daytona Dog Beach Facebook Page was created by Robert Lewis. This was the start of his dream of bringing like minded people together for a great cause and in hope of creating a community were dog lovers can take their furry friends to the beach on the ocean.