The day the music died
Dear music lovers:
We at Nervous Nellie’s Restaurant here on beautiful Fort Myers Beach are sorry to have to inform our guests, and all the visitors to our restaurant, we have been forced to cancel all outdoor entertainment due to some angry and malicious neighbors (who only live here a couple of weeks a year).
The outdated Beach noise ordinance states we can only have non-amplified acoustic music. This resolution was passed in 2002 when there was no “Commercial” or “Entertainment” district on Old San Carlos Boulevard. We have, for the last five years of operation as a destination restaurant, entertained hundreds of thousands of visitors and locals alike along the waterfront of this restaurant. We have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities and non-profits as well. The local working musicians who entertain here have received calls that I had to “lay them off in the middle of season” knowing this is how they feed their families and clothe their children. I believe it’s part of our “funky” image as a tourist destination to entertain our visitors and provide them with a quality experience that will make them want to return. To all the restaurants who provide live music, either inside an open air building or outside by the water, this one may be aimed at us, but it sets a precedent in the “entertainment” district that could limit your ability to attract clients who are seeking musical entertainment.
I am in favor of reasonable sound levels during later hours and want to be a respectful neighbor to the nice people living next to us. Some amplification is necessary in order for anyone to enjoy these very talented locals. For years at Nervous Nellie’s, we have had no problem with entertainment outside on our deck except for a few weeks in season when certain renters stay next door.
Please support these musicians when the noise ordinance is discussed at the FMB Town Council workshop that is being held this Monday, March 16, at 2 p.m. This is something that will eventually affect your businesses or the experience of your friends and family when they visit our beautiful piece of paradise. Thank You!!
Stevie D. is manager of Nervous Nellie’s Crazy Waterfront Eatery