Dogs to get beach access?

Max Goldner spends summers on the east end of Long Island, N.Y., where he looks forward to his daily walk on the beach. The 5-year-old Wheaton terrier has some restrictions: He is required to stay on his leash, and on some beaches, he is limited to evening hours.

Max’s owners, Nelson and Laurin Goldner, think he would enjoy a day at the beach when he returns home to Longboat Key. But, because of current ordinances, his parents have to drive him to a beach in St. Petersburg or Venice, where dogs are permitted, in order for him to enjoy the Florida surf and sand.

So, last week, Nelson Goldner suggested in an email to Vice Mayor David Brenner a trial period that would allow dogs on the beach — one that could possibly extend from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., allowing the beach to remain dog-free during the day, and would allow dog owners to prove that they’re willing to clean up after their pets.

“Most people feel that their dogs are integral parts of their family, and their social and physical needs are important to everyone in the family,” he wrote.

Vice Mayor David Brenner, who raised the issue in June of why leashed dogs are permitted in Joan M. Durante Park but not in other town parks, asked Town Manager Bruce St. Denis to put the item on an upcoming workshop agenda in the fall.

“If there is a group of people who really feels strongly about it, we should look into it,” said Brenner, noting that he is not a dog owner.

Jackie Salvino, who takes her Havanese dogs to walk in Joan M. Durante Park and to St. Petersburg for an occasional day at the beach, said that she and her dogs, Kirby and Tia, would welcome a trial period for dogs on Longboat Key’s beach.

“I think that would be wonderful,” she said. “When we walk in the park, more than 99% of the time everyone is responsible.”

Laurin Goldner said that she and her husband were pleased that the matter would be discussed at an upcoming workshop. She said that allowing dogs on the beach at least part of the day could ultimately be good for the community, because pet owners look for places where they can visit with their animals.

“Everywhere we travel, we take Max with us,” she said. “We travel to places that are dog-friendly. He’s part of our family.”

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].