Keltie McCormick of Port Orange took her dog to the beach for the first time Saturday morning.
And she plans to bring her furry friend, Gin-Jin, back to Volusia County's new dog-friendly beach at least a few times a week.
“She's just blind,” McCormick said of her Pekingese. She said, “I think she likes being in the water, and she likes digging in the sand.''
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Saturday morning at Andy Romano Beachfront Park to commemorate Volusia County's first dog-friendly beach in more than 30 years.
A half-mile stretch between Millsap Road and Rockefeller Drive in Ormond Beach opened for dogs Wednesday. If the puppy and its owner behave normally for 18 months and everything else goes well, the Volusia County Council could decide to make it a permanent feature.
The feet can now hit the sand from sunrise to sunset. But there are rules.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs. Must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. You must have proof of your pet's rabies vaccination and must not disturb the dunes or harm wildlife.
long time no see
Ahead of Wednesday's opening, dogs were allowed at Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Bay and Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach, about 30 and 45 minutes south of the new park, respectively. .
Dixie Scudiello of Ormond Beach thinks opening a dog park here is long overdue.
Scudiello said of his pet bullmastiff, “Tyson is excited to be able to come and have a spot so much closer than Ponce Bay.”
Huguette Shields agreed. When he moved to Daytona Beach from Texas, he said he was surprised by the lack of dog parks in Volusia County.
more:Volusia County's dog-friendly beaches open today
“Everywhere I've lived, there's been a dog park, except in Florida, except in Volusia County,” she said.
Shields explained that when she lived in Texas, she could take her dog “everywhere,” including the beach. Now that Ormond's beach park is open, she plans to take her dachshund, Lulu, to the beach every day.
“She's (still) training how to walk on sand,” Shields said. “She's never been to the beach anywhere but Texas, of course.”
Leading the vision to reality
District 4 Councilman Troy Kent proposed the idea at the first council meeting and has helped lead the development ever since.
“This was a mission I was given when I served as an Ormond Beach city commissioner, and I heard one response after another from constituents who wanted to be able to bring their dogs to beaches in Volusia County. I have to say, they wanted the experience of a lifetime,” Kent said. “I am truly humbled and grateful to be in a position to share this message with you.”
Nancy and Lowell Roman of Ormond Beach donated $100,000 to help with program costs.
“I think it's important that we all remember why this is so important in our community,” Nancy said. “Walking the dog is a healthy alternative for many of us who don't always have the opportunity to exercise.”
She also said the park will help with tourism and economic growth in Volusia County.
“There are a lot of restaurants and hotels that allow pets, so this is an added plus,” she says.
Volusia County Council President Jeff Brower reminded those in attendance Saturday that the new dog beach is the result of a community camaraderie and called on the public to continue speaking out about the changes that need to be made.
“When your community comes together, you are the government,” he said. “When we work together, we get things done.”
