Nervous Nellie’s plugs in
Nervous Nellie’s has been given permission to have amplified music played at its downtown waterfront restaurant located at 1131 First St. until 11 p.m. at night.
The decision came in a 4-1 vote Monday, with council member Summer Stockton voting no. She suggested the music be limited to “amplified acoustic guitar” only and questioned the late hours being allowed.
The town’s new noise ordinance limits noise to 70 decibels, and anything less than that should be permitted regardless of how it’s produced, Mayor Anita Cereceda said.
“We now have safeguards in place,” she said.
Key to the permission was a letter of support submitted by Marina Village, the neighboring condominium community.
“That makes me feel better about this,” said council member Rexann Hosafros said.
Rob Fowler, representing Nervous Nellie’s, said he personally met with the neighbors.
“It’s incredible what you can get accomplished when you actually sit down and talk with people,” he said.
Fowler said the speakers will be pointed out toward Matanzas Bay and the restaurant has an internal volume system that allows managers to control it.
Bud Nocera, president of the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, applauded the move.
“There’s been a noticeable lack of foot traffic on Old San Carlos Boulevard,” he said. “That street is like a shopping mall, with an anchor on both ends, with Times Square on one end and Nervous Nellie’s on the other. When people come downtown for dinner they expect to hear music, especially if they are sitting outside. I know their business has been down because of this.”
The business in previous years had caused problems with loud music, council members said. Several residents voiced concerns that wind can blow the music down the bay and it can be a nuisance. They asked that any readings of volume be taken at the actual site and not where it’s heard by a someone making a complaint.