- May 5, 2024
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With a 3-2 vote, the Flagler Beach City Commission decided not to allow dogs at restaurants in the city, confirming state law.
Ted Sofianos and his boxer/St. Bernard mix, Sophacles, love going to Flagler Beach. Though they live in Palm Coast, they enjoy the tranquility of walking beachside and dining outdoors together.
The only problem is that’s currently against the law, according to the Dixie Cup Clary Local Control Act, also known as the “doggie dining” bill, which was passed in 2006 and enacted in 2007.
Restaurants in Flagler Beach — as with most cities — are bound by the laws established by the state health department. Still, some restaurants allow doggie dining.
The state gave the Flagler Beach City Commission Aug. 25 an ordinance that proposed giving the city authority to regulate doggie dining. The commission voted 3-2 to reject the ordinance, leaving state laws banning doggie dining in place.
City Commissioner Kim Carney, who wanted more time to review the ordinance, said those in favor of doggie dining may not fully appreciate the rules that would accompany it. For example, to allow doggie dining, a restaurant would be required to train its staff and have a designated dining space.
Sofianos said the ban is unfair.
“It’s totally dictatorial,” Sofianos said. “It was done unilaterally and without the consent of our public.”
In Sofianos’ opinion, restaurant owners should decide whether to allow doggie dining.
“If an owner wants to open the patio or deck to doggies with the proper measures in place, and you don’t like dining with them, don’t go,” he said.
Flagler Beach Chamber of Commerce Chairman Joseph Pozzuoli said his board has mixed views about the ban. Some said they prefer not to have the potential disruptions of dining next to other people’s dogs, while others enjoyed doggie dining.
Pozzuoli’s personal opinion is that the majority of dog owners don’t train their dogs, and therefore, he can understand the complaints. But, he said, Flagler Beach is still a dog-friendly city, and restaurants will continue to make the decision whether to allow it.
And, ultimately, “I don’t think it will change the percentage of people visiting restaurants,” he said.
Carney also was concerned Flagler Beach would be responsible for any lawsuits that occur, including dog bites, but city attorney Drew Smith said the city would not be liable.
According to Carney, 19 of the 22 restaurants in Flagler Beach allow dogs to dine outside with owners.
Sofianos said: “No one brings a rabid dog to an eatery. Most dog owners are responsible people.”
— Brian McMillan contributed to this story.
TWO SANDY MEETINGS
SaveFlaglersBeach.com Inc. is holding a public seminar to educate residents and local officials about solutions to the beach erosion at Flagler Beach. The meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Flagler County Association of Realtors, 4101 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell. Call 439-3726 or visit www.SaveFlaglersBeach.com.
The city of Flagler Beach will then hold a town hall meeting about beach erosion 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Disabled American Veterans building, 208 S. Sixth St., Flagler Beach.
