We, the undersigned residents and visitors, respectfully call on the Volusia County Council to reject any proposal to allow horses on our beaches.

While the current proposal includes waste bags and restrictions during turtle season, horses still present serious risks and conflicts that cannot be mitigated:

• Environmental Damage: Horses compact sand and damage fragile dunes and ecosystems, even outside turtle season.
• Safety Risks: Horses are large and unpredictable; one spook in a crowded or family setting could cause serious injury.
• Fishermen Conflicts: Long fishing lines extend from shore into the surf, leaving horses no choice but to pass dangerously close to dunes and beachgoers.
• Unfair Standards: Local residents face misdemeanor charges for walking dogs on the beach, while horses—much larger and more disruptive—would be permitted.
• Impractical Use: Except for a few wide public approaches, most beach areas in our county are too narrow to safely accommodate horses alongside other activities.

For these reasons, we strongly oppose allowing horses on Volusia County beaches. We urge the County Council to protect the safety, fairness, and natural integrity of our shoreline by rejecting this proposal.

Protect our beaches. Keep them safe, fair, and horse-free.