Proposal would allow dogs on Neptune Beach 24/7

Dogs would still have to be on leash held by owner at all times

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – The city of Neptune Beach is considering a proposal to allow dogs on the beach at 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The amendment to the city animal ordinance, with an added section stating that dogs would be allowed on Neptune Beach at any time, was discussed earlier this month. 

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Owners would still be required to have dogs securely attached to a leash no longer than 12 feet and hold on to the leash at all times.

Neptune Beach Vice Mayor Scott Wiley told News4Jax Wednesday that he is against making any changes to the ordinance.

"You have people down sunbathing. You have people who want to go to the beach to read, to relax. And just to allow dogs on 12-foot leashes during that time, I just don't think it's in the best interests of the citizens of Neptune Beach or the beachgoers. I really don't," Wiley said.

Currently in Neptune Beach, which borders Atlantic Beach to the south and spans from Atlantic Boulevard to Seagate Avenue, dogs are prohibited to be on the beach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the summer and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter. 

If passed, the city's new guidelines will correlate with Atlantic Beach's allowance of dogs on the beach at anytime. However, Neptune Beach is not proposing to allow dogs off leash when in the water with their owners, which is allowed in Atlantic Beach.

Jacksonville Beach, which borders Neptune Beach to the south, currently does not allow dogs on the beach between 9 a.m. to 5  p.m. any time of the year.


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