The City of Sarasota is reminding beachgoers that through two new video messages that, despite its love for our four-legged friends, Lido Beach is a dog-free zone. In partnership with Audubon Florida, the city is focusing on the unintended consequences of dogs at the beach, including harmful impacts on wildlife and water quality.

“Dogs and Threatened Species” highlights the threats posed by dogs, whether leashed or unleashed, to threatened species currently nesting on Lido Beach, including least terns, snowy plovers, and black skimmers. “Dogs and Water Quality” focuses on the potentially harmful impact to water quality when owners do not pick up after their pet. It is estimated 40 percent of dog owners in the City of Sarasota leave excrement on the ground, whether on the beach, right-of-way, or backyard.

The video messages will be shared on the City of Sarasota website and social media platforms in the coming weeks as residents and visitors plan family beach outings during the summer season. Two off-leash dog parks are located in the city limits at Arlington Park, 2650 Waldemere St., and Gillespie Park,710 N. Osprey Ave. Brohard Beach and Paw Park in Venice is the only dog beach in the Sarasota region.