NAVARRE BEACH — It soon might be illegal to play amplified music outdoors.
Santa Rosa County commissioners have had numerous discussions in recent years about noise complaints related to the Navarre Beach fishing pier. However, commissioners were limited in what they could do because the county does not have a noise ordinance for Navarre Beach.
Commissioner Jim Melvin said a group of homeowners filed a formal noise complaint against the pier with the county in December, which was the first time a signed complaint had come in rather a verbal one.
“We’re going to fashion a noise ordinance that will meet the needs of the beach environment,” Melvin said. “We’re giving serious thought to banning amplified sounds of any variety without special dispensation. If there’s a going to be a special event, you come to the board and get a one-time waiver.
“I hope we’re going to put some teeth in it; a small enough fine that it doesn’t put anybody out of business but big enough that they feel the sting to enforce it,” Melvin said
Melvin, who is spearheading the effort, has worked with County Attorney Angela Jones to gather information to include in the ordinance.
Jones said the full commission must vote to direct her to write a draft of the law. She said initial discussions could occur at meetings Monday and next Thursday.
“I’ve done some research about what the options might be for the county,” Jones said. “We are definitely at the point where the whole board needs to talk about it in general concepts.”
Melvin said the ordinance would be designed to prevent amplified music and noises being played outdoors. That would affect the outdoor fishing pier bar but not Juana’s Pagodas, which plays amplified music indoors. The law would allow acoustic music to be played outdoors, he said.
Contact Daily News Business Editor Dusty Ricketts at 850-315-4448 or dricketts@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustyRnwfdn.