BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. _ Boynton Beach commissioners voted 3-2 to allow dogs on the beach at Oceanfront Park on a trial basis for limited days a month.
Mayor Steven Grant asked City Manager Lori LaVerriere to come up with guidelines and costs for a June meeting.
The result of the vote of Boynton's city commission was unexpected because the Recreation & Parks Board had recommended against dogs on the sand this summer.
A public survey yielded 879 responses and 70 were for dog beach access but comments were mixed, said board chairwoman Betty Pierce-Roe.
"It comes down to public opinion," said Commissioner Joe Casello, who introduced the idea last year.
"I support strong fines and zero tolerance," said Commissioner Justin Katz. "It's worth a try."
The main concern was enforcement: Who would make sure dog owners pick up after their pets on the small beach.
Other coastal towns and cities allow dogs on the beach, but they have limits, strict rules and staff to sell permits.
