Ruh-roh! Dogs allowed on part of Jupiter's beach, but not in neighboring Juno Beach

JUNO BEACH — While four-legged friends are welcome on Jupiter's dog beach, neighboring Juno Beach residents and elected leaders are eager to remind beachgoers and snowbirds that their beaches are pet-free. 

The Town Council on Wednesday agreed to update its town code to explicitly prohibit dogs on the beach and change town signs to signal to dog owners that they can't bring Fido. 

Currently, the town's rules state that dogs are prohibited in parks. While the beach is technically considered a park, council member DD Halpern said the town's code and signage isn't clear. 

She raised the issue after a recent incident on the beach in which a person was approached and scratched by a dog. 

"Especially during season, people are coming here assuming the beach is dog-friendly," she said. "I have received complaints about dogs on the beach and people sunbathing and being approached by dogs."

Some residents supported the move to ban dogs on the beach and make it clear they're not allowed. 

John Stelluto told council members he walks on the beach with an air horn to scare dogs off after being approached by a particularly aggressive dog and having no way to defend himself. 

"On the beach, people let dogs go. They don’t control them and it’s very dangerous," he said. 

Council members agreed to write new codes that prohibit dogs on the beach, but allow them in Pelican Lake while keeping them out of other town parks. The council will discuss the rule changes at its next meeting Dec. 8. 

Where does Jupiter dog beach end and Juno Beach begin?

The issue with dogs on the beach in Juno is exacerbated because the town's stretch of sand begins next to one of the county's best known dog beaches in Jupiter. Juno Beach's territory begins 300 feet north of the Juno Beach Pier and extends south to the end of the beach at Seminole Golf Club.

Town leaders said they won't add signs to the beach area, but suggested they add decals on signs to show dogs are not allowed. Vice Mayor Peggy Wheeler said keeping dogs off the beach will make residents and visitors safer and cut down on crowds. 

"I think one of the reasons our beach is less crowded is because people can’t bring their dogs," Wheeler said. "And our current (town code) wording is very awkward." 

kkokal@pbpost.com

@katikokal