Lake County is setting its sights on quieting the aquatic revelries at Silver Glen Springs Run, with commissioners poised to vote on a noise ordinance aimed at dampening the din of pleasure craft. If approved, the ordinance would slap restrictions on the use of amplified sound in the area, which serves as a serene retreat for wildlife lovers and a thoroughfare connecting Lake George to Silver Glen Springs. According to Mid Florida Newspapers, the area may soon be classified as "noise-sensitive," with penalties for those cranking out excessive volumes.
Visitors like Cameron Lang and Victoria Faur, interviewed by ClickOrlando, have reportedly been driven away by the boisterous summer crowds blanketing Silver Glen Springs in a cacophony. Declaring the Springs no place for a party, Lang said they prefer to "party with the manatees" instead. While Faur lamented, "It's just really busy. Very loud. Lots of boats, very unsafe. Not a calm, relaxing day at the Springs." The ordinance echoes a similar measure rolled out at Lake Dora Sandbar, prompted by noise complaints at that locale.
While some have raised the flag of annoyance, some see this proposed legislation as a keeper of peace, for both human and beast. Dheeraj Chetti, in support of the ordinance, told ClickOrlando, "That's absolutely fine. Why? Because to not disturb other people. So, to be within their own limits. That's a better idea. And moreover, that even it will not affect the wildlife." The ordinance arrives on the heels of Marion County's own crackdown, which Lake County could soon model itself after should the commissioners cast votes in its favor.
Enforcement of these noise restrictions will rely on the discerning ears of law enforcement officers, who will issue warnings or book repeat violators under a second-degree misdemeanor charge. Once again crossing the line, they may be arrested and charged.
