• As we all are aware, there will be situations on island where groups or individuals may get carried away in their celebrations and excitement of life in our island paradise, and continue these celebrations on into the night and beyond. While we appreciate and celebrate the freedom we have as Americans to enjoy ourselves, there are also limits to that expression that begin to infringe on the rights of others to enjoy domestic peace and tranquility. When those limits are exceeded, and you have done a reasonable job of being a good neighbor, then what are the options?

    The first option, if one feels comfortable in doing so, may be to have a friendly chat with the party letting them know that their excitement is going above and beyond a reasonable level and is disturbing those around them. Having the knowledge of the times and noise levels below may help convince them to tone it down. No need to get confrontational or physical, just a friendly reminder. If that does not do the trick, the next option is to call the authorities.

    Under Lee County Code (14-18, § 6, 9-2-2014), no business or residence may create a sound level which exceeds the limits set forth for the receiving land use category in Table 1 when measured at or within the real property line of the receiving land.

    Table 1
    SOUND LEVELS BY RECEIVING LAND USE

    Land Use Category Time Sound Level Limit dBA
    Residential, public space, or agricultural 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.
    10:00 p.m.— 7:00 a.m.    		 66
    55
    Commercial or business 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.
    10:00 p.m.— 7:00 a.m.    		 72
    65
    Manufacturing or industrial At all times 75

    If you believe that there are possible violations of these levels during the above times, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is empowered to enforce this ordinance. If an officer encounters a circumstance which reasonably indicates that a person is violating this chapter, the officer will conduct either a sound level measurement test, or noise disturbance determination in accordance with section 24¼-5(4) of this chapter to determine whether or not a violation of this Chapter exists. Nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit the LCSO from charging persons responsible for acts which affect the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them for breach of the peace or disorderly conduct under F.S. § 877.03, as may be amended from time to time.

    If and when you make the call, please use 239-477-1000 for a “non-emergency dispatch”