Dogs welcome here!

Can’t find a legal place to take your pooch to play? While pets are prohibited on Longboat beaches, there are places in Sarasota and Manatee counties that welcome man’s best friend.

Dogs must be leashed at the following parks:

• De Soto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton (dogs are allowed in the park as long as they are well behaved and on a leash; owners are responsible for proper disposal of dog excrement)

• Arlington Park, 2650 Waldemere St., near Tamiami Trail

• Bay Front Park, U.S. 41 and Ringling, next to Marina Jack Restaurant (some water)

• Bird Key Park on the John Ringling Causeway (beachfront)

• Gillespie Park, 710 N. Osprey Ave. near Downtown Sarasota at Gillespie and N. Osprey

• Ken Thompson Park, 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway on City Island by Mote Marine (beachfront)

Dogs can roam free at the following Paw Parks:

• 17th Street Park, 4570 17th St., east of Beneva Road and west of Honore Avenue

• Lakeview Paw Park, 7150 Lago St., Sarasota

• Happy Tails Canine Park, 51st Street, Bradenton

• Dog Leg Canine Park, 7550 69th St. East, Palmetto

• Woodmere Park, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice

• Brohard Beach and Paw Park, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice (designated a Paw Dog Beach, open seven days a week)

For more information, visit www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation or www.mymanatee.org.