From my gatherings and contacts, I thought gulf side was best for February. Does anyone prefer the oceanside?

Venice Beach is doggie friendly and it's just below Sarasota. Most beaches around Sarasota and south are very pleasant in February. Venice is possibly a bit more reasonable than Naples, Marco, or Sanibel.

On the east coast Juno Beach and Jupiter Beach are both dog friendly.

Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are NOT doggy friendly - Sorry.

Would someone please check this out for me and give some opinions;
www.cottagesofparadisepoint.com
It seems too good to be true, but quite costly.

The cottages do seem to be lovely, AND costly like you've said.Traffic getting onto Fort Myers beach can be slow.

NeoPatrick has given you some good advice on the beach.

If you'd like to find other good dog-friendly beaches just enter dog friendly beaches Florida in the Google search line.

One beautiful beach closer to Sarasota is Siesta Key and it appears to be doggie friendly.