Paws In The Sand

JUPITER, FL – March 2, 2018 – If you are a true Jupiter local, it is almost impossible to say you haven’t been to the dog beach in Jupiter. Walking up and down the foamed sea shore from Marcinski (shower 25) to Carlin Park (shower 59), you are sure to be greeted by many four-legged friends. While enjoying the sun and sand with their owners like the good boys and girls they are, you may wonder how did such a communal commonality come to be since many local beaches do not allow canines.

What you may not know is that back in 1994, the Town of Jupiter (TOJ) almost took away the privilege of allowing dogs onto the beach front. Yet a concerned citizen had the courage to rally a group of 30 residents to pursue a mission that would change the livelihood of Jupiter forever: To support and maintain environmentally healthy, clean, and dog-friendly beaches.

The said local, Anita Lankler, who had two Labradors herself, began to organize beach cleanups and provide dog waste bags at beach crossovers, which they still continue to supply to this day. By the time that the TOJ Council had to come to a decision whether the beaches remained dog friendly or not, Anita struck up a deal with them. They made an agreement that if the pups were able to stay on the beaches, that they would clean, preserve, and educate the public on keeping the seashores sustainable, as well as become involved in the community. And this is where the not-for-profit organization Friends of Jupiter Beach (FJB) came into fruition.

Over the past 24 years, the once small group has extensively grown into a large organization comprised of thousands of volunteers of all ages. Today, FJB holds public beach cleanups the first Saturday of every month (except in May), fundraisers, and community events year round. They stay involved in the community through collaborating with local businesses, schools, outreach programs, and organizations such as Teach the Beach Foundation, Furry Friends, Peggy Adams, Jupiter Police and Fire Departments, Jupiter Parks and Recreation, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

“FJB has truly kept up the promise that was made years ago to the community,” says Karen Gray, executive director of FJB. “People love Jupiter beach, and more importantly they love having a dog beach. We are ranked one of the Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in the United States by USA Today, and I am told all the time that we are the reason dog lovers and owners have moved here.”

Since 2006, FJB has collected more than 67,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from the beach, which has resulted in over $469,000 in savings for the community. Recently, they established a group called Young Friends of Jupiter Beach, with kids ranging from middle school to high school, that holds additional beach cleanups on the third Sunday of every month.

The annual FJB Food and Wine Festival proceeds go directly to the organization and you can even bring your furry friend along as your date

Their annual dog-friendly event FJB Food and Wine Festival is coming up and will be held on May 19, 2018 from 2 p.m.–5 p.m. at the Riverwalk Plaza Down Under beneath the Indiantown Road Bridge. The event brings together enthusiasts to sample delectable food, wine, liquor, and beer from select area restaurants, caterers, and beverage purveyors. Since 100 percent of the proceeds benefit FJB, come out and enjoy a great time while supporting a local cause!

When strolling down the sun- kissed sand of Jupiter Beach with your canine companion(s), do not take for granted the privilege that FJB has continued to provide for our community. Remember to keep the beaches clean, respect fellow beachgoers, and get involved to maintain the preservation for all walks of life to enjoy.

For more information on Friends of Jupiter Beach, go to www.friendsofjupiterbeach.org, and for more information on the FJB Food and Wine Festival, go to www.fjbfoodandwine.org. Follow FJB on Facebook and on Instagram @friendsofjupiterbeach.