Volusia County’s first dog-friendly beach in more than three decades opened on Wednesday, Nov. 1, offering residents and their canine companions a space to enjoy the sun and surf together. As a symbol of the community’s love for their four-legged friends, this section of the beach isn’t just a stretch of sand but a testament to the bond between humans and their pets.

After listening to their constituents’ desires, the County Council approved an 18-month pilot program during the July 11 meeting to allow dogs on the beach starting Nov. 1. The pilot initiative permits dogs to enjoy the beach from Rockefeller Drive to Milsap Road in Ormond Beach from sunrise to sunset. While embracing this seaside experience, pet owners must ensure their dogs are leashed and adhere to the posted guidelines.

Beach enthusiasts and their canine companions are welcome to enjoy the designated dog beach between the northern boundary of Rockefeller Drive and the southern boundary of Milsap Road in Ormond Beach between dawn and dusk seven days a week. Dog bag dispensers will be available within the designated zone, and visitors who choose to visit the beach with their dogs are asked to adhere to the following regulations:

• Pet owners must promptly clean up after their dogs, ensuring all feces are properly disposed of.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times. The leash must be no longer than 6 feet.
• Dogs must not disturb or harm the dune areas or wildlife inhabiting the beach.
• All dogs entering the beach area must have a current rabies vaccination.

To celebrate this dog-friendly initiative, Volusia County is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, on the beach just north of the Milsap Road ramp. Attendees can park at Andy Romano Beachfront Park, 839 S. Atlantic Ave., and enjoy a morning filled with joyous barks, cheerful smiles, and wagging tails.