Friends, on this beautiful weekend I wanted to provide an update and share the latest.   We were able to present our case to the Ormond City Commission on Tuesday and, unfortunately, they were not interested in helping to put an end to the pilot program at this time, but we understand and respect their decision.  They are willing to help push the County to ensure the rules are followed in the pilot zone and to beef up enforcement of the regular beach rules prohibiting dogs on the beach outside of the zone.  

But everyone’s work is cut out for them on that task….as you can see in the picture above, taken just yesterday south of the zone….many dogs owners are still ignoring rules and doing as they please.  We continue to need your help and to call the County reporting line whenever you see someone not following the rules either in the zone or outside of it.  We called the line yesterday to report both of these dogs and they took the calls seriously….please consider putting the number in your phone for easy reference: 1-386-676-4160.  The County is tracking these complaint calls, so it’s crucial that incidences get reported.

In that same vein, our Sunshine Law request with the County has shown that coverage in the zone is only happening 42% of the time the zone is open….roughly 40 hrs a week when there’s over 94 hours a week the zone is open between sunrise and sunset right now.  This is outrageous and the area needs more than 40/hrs a week of enforcement.  We have also learned that they have not been upfront on their numbers about defecation reports in the zone and the actual number is literally 7 times what was initially reported in the press.  And we learned the County is running out of money to support the pilot zone, and has spent nearly $75,000 of the roughly $100,00 on hand, and that’s only 6 months into the pilot.  So they plan to continue operations “funded through a combination of beach access fees and a subsidy from the General Fund.”  Which we assume will be an unpleasant surprise to most County taxpayers.  And helps explain why the area is understaffed on enforcement.  It’s still a hot mess and the County continues to not live by its own rules and promises.

Lastly, we learned from supporters of the pilot zone on Tuesday in their public comments that what they really want is for the entire beach to be dog friendly and open to pets.  They were not shy that this is their ultimate goal.  So, please get ready for dogs everywhere unless something changes soon.  Please continue to help as you can, report incidences so the County has more truthful data, share this petition on social media, and continue to share stories and pictures with us at notfollowing the rules@gmail.com.  We are more encouraged then ever, despite the City’s current position, to fight the County on this tooth and nail and let them know to stop messing with the beach and putting the public in harm’s way.  We hope you will agree.