Volusia County Council voted 5–2 on Aug. 15 to ask staff to prepare a controlled trial and operational plan for horseback riding on county beaches, after a lengthy public hearing in which proponents and residents raised safety, environmental and sanitation concerns.

County coastal staff outlined legal and permitting issues: there is no blanket state or federal prohibition on horseback riding on beaches, but activity must comply with federal wildlife protections (including coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and disturbance limits during turtle nesting season). Staff said successful programs elsewhere in Florida use permits, reservations, restricted times/places, trailer parking and waste removal by owners.

Council discussion focused on two candidate locations: Weeks North Shore Park/Roberta Road (Ormond-by-the-Sea) — an east-of-A1A site with limited trailer parking and dune access — and a site near Grace Lutheran Church with more trailer parking but that would route riders across A1A at a signalized crossing.

Council direction and conditions the motion asked staff to include in the trial plan:
- A trial period and operational plan with clear reservations/permit rules and an online reservation system;
- Seasonal restrictions to avoid sea-turtle nesting season and limits to low-tide/wetted-sand areas;
- A requirement that owners clean up waste (bags or on-foot pickup) and a plan for county cleanup response;
- Limits on trailer parking and a specified review period and report back to council; and
- Consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the sherifffor enforcement details.

Councilmembers stressed the need for a narrow, monitored trial and quick staff follow-up; opponents voiced concern about safety, enforcement and the public share of beach space.

The motion carried 5–2, with two councilmembers voting no. Staff will prepare a trial plan that includes reservation logistics, enforcement mechanisms and guidance on permissible locations and return with an implementation proposal.