INDIAN HARBOR BEACH, Fla. – Brevard County opened its first dog beach today, Saturday, February 25 at Canova Beach Park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.
The boundaries of the dog beach are Eau Gallie Boulevard to the north and the property line of the Radisson Suite Oceanfront Hotel to the south. Brevard County has posted signs to indicate boundaries.
All dogs must be on leashes and display current licenses and vaccinations in order to utilize the dog beach.
Instead of changing the County Ordinance, the Brevard County Board of Commissioners approved 4-1 for a one-year pilot program to allow dogs on the beach at Canova Beach Park.
Several residents spoke in favor and against a dog friendly beach at the Commission meeting.
Representing Sandy Paws, Rockledge resident Barbara Arnold asked that the County Commission change the ordinance for Canova beach because it is centrally located. She also stated that Sandy Paws received over 4,000 signatures in support of a dog beach.
Melbourne Beach resident Robert Dwyer came out against a dog beach, he cited The Florida Department of Health statistics that children ages 1-9 are at greatest risk for dog bites. He also expressed concern that children running on the beach would be a natural target for dogs.
The 9.1-acre community beach park includes a small pavilion, grill, picnic shelter, benches along crossover, restrooms, drinking fountain and outside showers. One of the 3 dune crossovers is wheelchair accessible.
There is no cost to use the dog beach.
For more information, call the Brevard County Parks South Area Operations office at (321) 255-4400.
