Collier County residents speaking out for their dogs to have access to the beach

There’s a dog fight brewing in Naples over allowing dogs on the beach because pet owners want an off-leash area for them to roam freely.

Tuesday, city leaders will discuss a compromise that could allow them at certain times on Lowdermilk Beach.

If this moves forward, dog owners will be able to bring their pups to the beach and not worry about having a leash on them at all times.

Right now, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach at all.

“My daughter comes down from up north with her dog and she can’t go to any of the beaches with the dog so the beach is out,” said Lowdermilk Beach resident, Chris Nejame.

It would only apply for a small portion of the beach, and the time frame is pretty small as well.

Dogs will only be allowed during the week, and from the hours of sunrise til 8:30 a.m.

The city has talked about it in the past, but still there is not a single dog friendly beach in Collier County.

Earlier this month, another group was pushing the county to allow dogs on Vanderbilt Beach.

Some worries by beach goers is dog owners won’t pick up after their pets.

“There’s other people, not just me in this world that are concerned about those things cleanliness and their kids swimming in the water where animals are swimming,” said Lowdermilk resident, Nayiva Blanco.

Others are confident that won’t be an issue.

“I think that 99.9 percent of people would clean up after the dogs, I think it’s a good thing and I would certainly be for it,” said Pat, who also lives on Lowdermilk Beach.

Concern for sea turtles and shore birds has also been a reason the county has steered away from allowing them on the beach.

If you want to share your thoughts, the city of Naples is holding a public meeting on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the city hall.