Fort Myers Beach task force presses town to restore signage and enforcement for dogs on the beach

Members of the Marine and Environmental Resource Task Force pressed the town to act on recurring off‑leash dog problems on Fort Myers Beach, urging replacement of missing signs, stronger enforcement and outreach to short‑term rental operators.

A resident who monitors wildlife on the island described repeated incidents of dogs harassing or attacking shorebirds and other dogs and said the behavior puts town privileges at risk. “We could lose that right to have be able to walk our dogs on the beach,” the resident said, attributing the risk to repeated noncompliance by a small number of owners.

Councilman Alex King offered to bring the committee’s concerns to the town council at its next meeting and to raise two practical steps: restoring signage at beach access points and asking that short‑term rental operators post leash and wildlife protection rules in guest materials. Members also suggested providing dog‑waste bags and a warning/citation record so code enforcement can track repeat offenders.

What the committee asked for: Members asked the town to (1) restore or replace signs at public beach access points that state leash rules and wildlife protections, (2) supply dog‑waste bags at access points, (3) request that short‑term rental hosts include leash rules in guest instructions, and (4) clarify how code enforcement documents repeat violations and when fines or citations are issued.

Enforcement and education: Several members said most pet owners comply but that tourists and short‑term renters — who may be unaware of local rules — are frequently the problem. Members discussed a graduated enforcement approach: warnings or “strike” records followed by citations for repeat offenses.

Next steps: Councilman King said he would raise the issue with town council and that he could present the committee’s request at the council meeting the following week. The committee did not take a formal vote at this meeting; the item will be forwarded to council for consideration.