The neighborhood would have the final say on a fenced, 1-acre space within Coquina Key Park. A space where dogs could romp unleashed remains a possibility for Coquina Key, city officials say. The neighborhood has the final say on whether to allow a fenced, 1-acre dog space within Coquina Key Park, and the neighborhood association is studying the plans, Footlick said. Some residents expressed doubts when the idea first came up earlier this year.
Plans call for fences, landscaping, a water fountain and a picnic shelter.
The area is a mixed-use space where unleashed dogs frolic near people passing through. Sometimes confrontations have occurred between dog owners and pedestrians or cyclists. At best, the parks could prevent situations in which dogs running free approach and perhaps scare people on foot or on bicycles. One such situation resulted last week in a St. Petersburg police officer's shooting and killing a pit bull. Officer Jack Soule said the dog came up to him barking and growling.