 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Beach dogs have an exclusive community
By AMY WIMMER
© St. Petersburg Times, INDIAN ROCKS BEACH -- Sorry, Lady of Largo, Buster of Belleair Beach and Rufus of Redington Shores. Indian Rocks Beach is turning away doggie "outsiders" and declaring its dog park "for residents only." "It's something that none of us wants to do," said City Manager Tom Brobeil, who suggested the change to ease crowds at the city's leash-free dog park. "But I have to find a way to reduce the number of people in there." Indian Rocks Beach introduced the park, complete with pet-sized water fountain, as a way to allow dogs to run and play free of leash laws. The park has proven so popular that city officials are worried about the safety of dogs and dog owners. Not to mention the fact that some of the city's own residents have been scared away by the congestion. "Some residents of Indian Rocks Beach don't use the park anymore because it's crowded by outsiders," City Commissioner R.B. Johnson said. Brobeil plans to post a sign on the dog park fence informing users that it is now for Indian Rocks Beach residents only. The sign also will state that proof of city residency is required, though city officials aren't yet certain how they will enforce that. "Who's going to be out checking IDs?" asked City Commissioner Toby O'Brien. "Nobody." For now, the sign will do. "If it doesn't curtail it with a sign, we'll come back to it," Mayor Bob DiNicola said. The sign will also mention -- subtly, of course -- that if out-of-towners have a problem with the new rule, they should lobby the officials of surrounding cities to create their own dog parks.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times South Pinellas desks |
