Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/161733
Sarasota News Leader August 30, 2013 Page 89 Siesta Seen ing the County Commission next month to extend the sunset of the Noise and Air and Sound Pollution ordinances for another year, to allow time for more public comments and potential revisions of the ordinances. During the Aug. 6 Siesta Key Village Association meeting, Peter van Roekens, the Siesta Key Association secretary — who also represents the Terrace East condominium complex at the SKVA gatherings — pointed out that most of the Terrace East residents are away for the summer and therefore not around to complain about the noise. However, he said, one question is whether the decibel limits allowed in the current ordinance will be changed. complaint originated, Matthes pointed out. That "doesn't work," he added. "It does work," van Roekens told him, "and there are many communities that do it [that way]. I've talked to [five of] them." Such a measurement has to eliminate the effects of ambient noise to be valid, van Roekens continued. "We just have to make really, really sure that we don't shut this Village down," said SKVA Vice President Kay Kouvatsos. "Exactly," van Roekens concurred. "I know residents want it quiet," Kouvatsos, "It can't get much stricter than it is," replied co-owner of the Village Café added, but people Russell Matthes, who co-owns the Daiquiri come to the Village for its lively atmosphere. Deck Raw Bar restaurants. Matthes said it would be difficult to enforce "Oh, yes, it can," van Roekens told Matthes. the maximum noise levels if they were meaOne vital factor is the place from where the sured from the locations where people register complaints. sound is measured, van Roekens added. An effort was made at one time to measure "Well, we'll have to see," van Roekens rethe sound at the "receiving point," where a sponded. % While people exercise along the shore at Siesta Public Beach, terns and other sea birds take time to relax, it appears. Photo courtesy of Peter van Roekens