Fort Myers Beach to come up with a noise ordinance

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- Stricter noise rules may soon arrive on Fort Myers Beach. We’re not talking about a ban on music all together, but town leaders say they’re looking to implement one rule that applies to all beach businesses.

The sweet sound of music is at the center of debate on Fort Myers Beach, but, it’s also what visitors say brings them to the island. Musician Anthony Wayne has been playing music at Nemos on the Beach for three years, and soon the music he plays will be regulated.

“I think there needs to be an ordinance but it needs to be a common sense ordinance,” said Wayne.

Right now, the town is lacking one set of rules that applies to all businesses, but the town is working on changing that.

“I feel regulation is good, not everybody goes to bed at one in the morning, you might not want it to be loud and crazy but certainly want entertainment,” said Alice Zeolei.

The ordinance will be in line with county rules, but will include revisions like how loud the music can be.

“They need to zone it out, you can’t have one blanket ordinance for the entire island because what works for the entertainment district, Times Square, by the pier, doesn’t necessarily work by the hotels and condos on the south end,” said Wayne.

The town attorney will be bringing his suggestions in front of council on May 18. That’s also when residents and business owners will be allowed to give their input as well.