Music/Noise Ordinance
To the editor:
Why do some people want louder limits for music in the Town noise ordinance? Because loud music is like a huge neon sign advertising a business. It isn’t for the enjoyment of music. Even musicians wear ear plugs to protect their hearing.
Contrary to some opinions, the Town does not have an entertainment district. Attempts to define an entertainment district resulted in increased noise limits for the entire island and was soundly defeated. To make the noise ordinance enforceable by the Sheriff Department, the same noise limits and measurement methods must be used for all Lee County. Do FMB entertainment venues really feel they need higher noise limits to compete with other Lee County businesses? I thought people came to the island for the beaches.
There are some inequities regarding music that should be addressed. Conditions should not be placed on any establishment limiting them to acoustic rather than amplified music or what type of sound system to be used. The only requirement is that they meet noise limits.
FMB is a small and diverse island with residential zones situated close to entertainment venues. That must be taken into consideration when setting conditions such as hours of operation for outdoor entertainment. Differences between establishments may result and should not be standardized. It is not a question of who was there first, or who provides the greatest benefit to the community, but what is fair to all parties. Every Town Council since incorporation has worked on the noise ordinance. After 20 years it appears that we now have a draft that is reasonable, fair, and enforceable. Congratulations to this Town Council for getting it done.
Tom Babcock
Fort Myers Beach