TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — A fight over a proposed dog park is heating up on Treasure Island, and locals are divided.
The Isle Of Capri Civic Association wants to put the park outside of the softball field at Roselli Park on Isle of Capri. It's already a popular spot for dog owners, like Charles Rossi.
"I walk three dogs here," he said. "I have three little dogs, but you cannot let the dogs run free."
The park proposed by the civic association would be about 12,000 square feet. It will have two different sections for big dogs and for small dogs.
"I have been for this park for 10 years," said Rossi.
More than 140 people have signed a petition against it. Most of them have dogs themselves and do want a dog park. They have several concerns about it being at Roselli. They say it will be too close to homes, loud and bring in a lot of traffic.
"I can appreciate their concerns," said Rossi.
The civic association has worked with the park director to make some changes to the proposal. For instance, they will not put lights outside the park. They will also put in plants around the gate to make it look more aesthetically pleasing.
Glenn McKiel and others still have a bigger issue.
"The park has kind of come up rather quickly and under the radar," said Glenn
Supporters say that's not true. They've been working on it for about a year.
Glenn wants the city to look at other locations before signing off on Roselli.
Three city councilors have already donated $500 to help raise money for the park, and it looks like it will get the approval needed.
Glenn said they will not stop fighting even if it is approved.
"We're going to consider all our options," he said. "Whether to take legal action."
