Sunday, December 29, 2013

It Seems Florida Doesn’t Like Dogs

When we go to Florida we want to see and experience the many beautiful beaches of the state, and we want to take our dog along as we neither can nor will leave our dog alone in the trailer. When we researched the various beaches in this area, we learned that dogs are not allowed anywhere. In fact one website told us that there is only 2 places in Florida, St.George Island in Franklin County and Gulf County where dogs are not only allowed but welcome. However, Florida State Parks, located in both counties do NOT allow dogs on the beach. Very sad, indeed.
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DSC_0087 DSC_0088We found out that St. George Island was about 2 1/2hrs away from us. So we decided to check it out. We followed Hwy 20 east to Freeport from where we went onto Hwy 331, which intersects with Hwy 98. Hwy98 runs along the outer barrier islands. We crossed several long bridges and causeways before we actually arrived on St. George Island. It’s a beautiful laid-back kind of place, not too fancy but nice enough to enjoy.  What we did notice out there was that people looked at our van as if it was the most natural thing in the world to see ISLAND TOURS written along the side. Even our lighthouse logo was a nice fit for this trip.
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As we parked near the beach we saw several couples leading their dogs to and fro the beach. A friendly sign reminded dog owners to keep pets on the leash and pick up after their dogs. Franklin County must have some smart councilors. As dogs were prohibited on beaches in all other counties, they calculated quite rightly that they could attract visitors to their own community by profiling themselves as dog friendly. That this thought has shown to have merit there is not doubt about. And boy did we meet friendly and happy dog people along the beach. Even folks without dogs stopped and talked to us. This turned out to be one of the most fun beach walks I’ve ever had. And I will make sure to write a letter to the Franklin Co. Council to let them know.
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It is just a pity that we are camped so far from Franklin County. After all, this is the way we have imagined Florida to be. The beach along St. George Island is just gorgeous and we were sure blessed with beautiful warm weather, something that a lot of other folks also had found out.
DSC_0175 Here was a father busy building a sand castle for his son, and right farther down another one played with a kite. Happy people on a great beach!

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Thanks for visiting again!

5 comments:

  1. Better come on down to Mexico and the Isla where all dogs run free and are so happy.

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  2. There are very few beaches in FL that allow dogs. We were stopped in a parking lot on the National Seashore near our house, just looking at the water with the dog on a leash in the parking area, when a ranger came by to remind us the dog was not allowed on the beach. This while we were standing in front of a big sign saying the same thing. They are really serious about that. Luckily for us, Halley hates the beach and water and is more than happy to sleep in her bed in the motorhome while we do our thing.

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  3. I will surely miss your "Island Tours" van in Quartzsite this year.

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  4. Florida is warm, and busy, but not as nice as Arizona and California. Enjoy the warmth and sunshine thou.

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  5. Once in a while there is that glimmer of common sense that rises to the surface. Nice to see you're enjoying some warmer weather.

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