1. Walton Rocks Beach
Located on A1A, south of the St. Lucie Power Plant, 6.3 miles north of the Jensen Beach Causeway on Hutchinson Island. We are told this is a nice, untouched beach with no life guards, the southern most beach in St. Lucie County. Offers bathrooms and showers, free parking, good fishing, covered picnic tables and restrooms.
Web Mistress note: We spoke with St. Lucie county staff and they told us this is the only pet-friendly beach in the county. However, they said, St. Lucie is one of only two counties in Florida that offer annual permits for private horseback riding on the beach. We were also told there are presently no dog parks in the county.
Note of 01-09-08: One of our readers tells us, "Great beach, just spent two weeks in the area visiting family, went to this beach six times! It was the best. My Italian Greyhound loved it, it was not crowded at all, two occasions we were the only people/dog on the beach, The most active day on the beach saw approximately five dogs and 10 people. This beach is fairly long, even on a busy day, it would offfer lots of room to spread out. It is a must stop for me any time I am in the area."
Note of 08-20-07: A reader tell us some people access Hutchenson Park via Pt. St. Lucie. She gave this area 5 paws up.
Note of 09-27-06: One of our readers made the following report after a recent visit to this beach:
"...we had a fabulous time! It is a beautiful beach, although a bit hard to find...They provide poop bags and there are picnic tables and clean restrooms. I will definitely go back. The only bad thing was a woman with a dog on a leash. The dog pooped on the beach and instead of using the bags provided, she just buried the poop. And then people wonder why there are so few dog friendly beaches in Florida!"
Note of 03-22-06: One of our readers provided more info about this beach, saying it does not require leashes and there is a maximum three dogs per person allowed. Also, guardians are required to pick up after their dogs and, even though leashes are not required, dogs must be kept under control at all times.
2. Note of 10-30-05: A kind reader wrote to tell us the state park in St Lucie County, located on North Beach, allows dogs on a leash on the inlet side of the park, but not the ocean/waves side.
NOTE: We can't visit every area on a regular basis, so if you have information about any dog parks or beaches, or any other animal recreation facilities, in the Ft. Pierce/St. Lucie County areas, please contact FloridaPets.net.