County parks to allow dog walks during 90 day trial

FLORAL CITY, Fla. - A 90 trial program in Citrus County will allow leashed dogs walk on trails during morning and evening hours.

Commissioners approved the proposal June 22 that gives the go ahead to dog owners who want to walk their dogs on leashes from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and then again from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in two county parks.

The experiment will be for Central Ridge District Park in Pine Ridge and the other is the Floral City Park.   Dog walkers are still required to pick up after their dogs and their dogs must stay on the trails.

“We are happy to offer this to our citizens,” said Rafael Del Valle, Parks and Recreation Bureau Manager. “These are popular parks with paved walking trails,” Del Valle said.

There are some rules: Dogs must remain leashed and stay on the trails at all times. Dogs are prohibited from the fields, playground, ball courts, restrooms and picnic facilities and they must be neutered or spayed with up to date vaccinations.

County staff will evaluate the program after the 90-day trial.