Dogs still OK at Pine Island
BROOKSVILLE –
The dogs will continue to have their day at Pine Island every other Saturday through March.
The bi-weekly “Bark Island” event, when pet owners can bring their dogs to the beach area and have them romp from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., will continue.
However, county commissioners put staff on a shorter leash, directing them to better monitor the animals and make sure all owners are responsibly picking up after Fido.
County Administrator Leonard Sossamon read a letter from the state health department cautioning the board about possible contamination problems from animal fecal matter.
But County Commissioner Dave Russell said he’s been out there during Bark Island and animals and humans alike seem to be enjoying themselves.
Commission Chairman Wayne Dukes said he believes it is a small percentage of participants who abuse the rules. The majority clean up after their dogs and make sure they have the proper vaccinations on file before bringing them to the beach, he said.
“If we’re going to do this, staff is going to have to be very active,” Dukes said.
Dukes said one of the biggest complaints is from beachgoers who say they don’t want their children playing in sand that still has leftover urine from dogs that morning.
“I just want to make sure that everyone behaves themselves, including the dogs,” Dukes said.
Recreation Coordinator Harry Johnson said the county has had the beach water tested after Bark Island events and there have been no closures of the beach due to high bacteria counts.
As for the urination problem, Johnson said rules clearly state that owners must pick up sand clumps and properly dispose of them.
He said he would also stress that dogs stay away from the concession area and that rules will be strictly enforced.
Johnson said Bark Island typically draws about 50 cars. But so far this year, with only two events held, the average is 64 cars, he said.
Given that Pine Island is limited in acreage, Johnson said he may look into establishing a maximum car limit for Bark Island.
Also, at the suggestion of audience member Dick Ross, commissioners asked Johnson to consider tweaking the entry fee of $7. If the county is going to have Bark Island, it should at least make money, Ross said.
Currently, pet owners pay by the car. However, some bring more than one dog and Johnson said he will look into possibly charging extra for multiple pets.
Joanne Schoch, executive director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast Inc., said it is inconvenient for people to bring with them to the beach all the documents proving their pet is current with vaccinations.
She suggested people purchase a seasonal pass where owners would present the dog’s papers once before a county staffer and that’s it. They would not fear losing them at the beach, she said.
Also, parents need to be responsible for their children as they are their pets, she said.
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