Dogs in Sowal/at the Beach

[scooterbug44]

What exactly are the basic rules for visiting dogs?

I know it can make it more difficult to find lodging and that the dog is not allowed on the beach sans permit or at certain hours of the day.

The relatives visiting are both retired and outdoorsy so the dog is used to lots of adventures/going everywhere and constant companionship, so I know that it will be quite mad about being in a condo while they are biking, kayaking, whopping it up etc.

 

[wrobert]

You can find information on the permits at http://www.waltontaxcollector.com/default.aspx?id=32

Personally, I feel this ordinance is unconstitutional because it requires you to either own property or be a year round resident in order to purchase a permit. While I am not an attorney, I believe it violates the full faith and credit clause of the US Constitution. But I have been told by commissioners that people that actually live here should have special privileges that visitors and part timers do not. I guess the only privilege that they get is to pay extra taxes. Grrrrrr!

 

[ShallowsNole]

You can find information on the permits at http://www.waltontaxcollector.com/default.aspx?id=32

Personally, I feel this ordinance is unconstitutional because it requires you to either own property or be a year round resident in order to purchase a permit. While I am not an attorney, I believe it violates the full faith and credit clause of the US Constitution. But I have been told by commissioners that people that actually live here should have special privileges that visitors and part timers do not. I guess the only privilege that they get is to pay extra taxes. Grrrrrr!

I bet you are tired of me following you around, but it is so much fun to argue with you. :wink:

Yes, we have a permit system. No, visitors may not legally take their dogs on the beach. This doesn't help the guest who began this thread, but it is important to note that a dog may not be taken to the beach in ANY other county in Northwest Florida, at all, any time. The closest beach that allows dogs that I am aware of is St George Island, in Franklin County - if they still do.

It was once proposed that all dogs be banned here, but that turned into the most vicious BCC meeting I've ever been to. It was truly scary. So, the compromise of the permits was created.

It is possible to find dog-friendly accommodations, and the owners/managers of those properties should be able to provide guidelines about where the dogs can be walked and other activities, other than being on the beach, a visiting dog might enjoy with their humans.

 

[wrobert]

It was once proposed that all dogs be banned here, but that turned into the most vicious BCC meeting I've ever been to. It was truly scary. So, the compromise of the permits was created.

It is possible to find dog-friendly accommodations, and the owners/managers of those properties should be able to provide guidelines about where the dogs can be walked and other activities, other than being on the beach, a visiting dog might enjoy with their humans.

Take them to the Bark Park that is on county owned land and uses tax dollars for maintenance. Except Tuesdays, I think you have to be a member of some organization to use the public facility on that day. Another thing I disagree with, as I am sure you can tell.

I need to save my money, get my law degree, move out of here, come back and visit so I can get arrested and fix this stuff.;-)

 

[NoHall]

My only issue with dogs on the beach is that they tend to poop/pee in the sand, and I trust that sand to a lot of my bare skin.

Granted, I realize that lots and lots of critters have pooped and peed on the ground. But still...

 

[ShallowsNole]

GOP, dear, the Bark Park is very popular on and in SoWal. Keep it up and you might lose your hard-earned rep points.

 

[ShallowsNole]

My only issue with dogs on the beach is that they tend to poop/pee in the sand, and I trust that sand to a lot of my bare skin.

Granted, I realize that lots and lots of critters have pooped and peed on the ground. But still...

I have told this story before, but I don't think you were here then...once upon a time, I was face-down in my beach chair, almost asleep, a perfect day on the beach. Suddenly, I feel something cold and wet sniffing my butt, directly followed by a warm torrent. So you can probably tell which side of the dog-on-the-beach issue I'm on, and I have three of my own.

Fuzz, however, brings up the point - where do pompano poop?

 

[NoHall]

I have told this story before, but I don't think you were here then...once upon a time, I was face-down in my beach chair, almost asleep, a perfect day on the beach. Suddenly, I feel something cold and wet sniffing my butt, directly followed by a warm torrent. So you can probably tell which side of the dog-on-the-beach issue I'm on, and I have three of my own.

Fuzz, however, brings up the point - where do pompano poop?

EWWWWW~!!!

 

[wrobert]

GOP, dear, the Bark Park is very popular on and in SoWal. Keep it up and you might lose your hard-earned rep points.

Hey I recognize where I am. As long as they don't go putting watermelons in it I am going to take my dog there one day.

 

[Chandra]

Take them to the Bark Park that is on county owned land and uses tax dollars for maintenance. Except Tuesdays, I think you have to be a member of some organization to use the public facility on that day. Another thing I disagree with, as I am sure you can tell.

One correction here, yes the county agreed to allow the Bark Park to temporarily lease land, but the maintenance is actually paid for with funds raised through memberships and fundraising. That is why there is a members day, to encourage people to join, in order to continue to keep the park operational. The Bark Park board felt that the park should be free to all dogs---visiting and local, though they have an agreement with the county that Bark Park is responsible for the maintenance of the park. They depend on members donations for pet waste removal, cutting the grass, insurance and all other expenses.

So, whether someone is a dog lover or not, supporting the park is a good idea because it gives dogowners a place to let their dogs run---hopefully reducing the number of dogs that are on the beach or other inappropriate places.