Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/301152
residential, while the dbA level (described as the range of sound people actually hear) was lowered to 60 during the same time frame. The other maximum allowable readings for residential receiving areas are 55 dbA and 60 dbC between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. People in the River Forest Civic Association and other residents in the proximity of Bob's Boathouse at 5515 S. Tamiami Trail requested the changes, citing a diminished quality of life since the restaurant opened in early November 2013 and began offering live music. Jim McWhorter, a retired professional engi- neer and president of the River Forest Civic Association, explained in emails to the commissioners that the proposed limits would align Sarasota County with the other Southwest Florida counties, whose allow- able noise limits were lower. Sarasota County Zoning Administration Office staff confirmed his research. Nonetheless, county staff recommended lev- els of 65 dbA and 70 dbC between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. for residential receiving areas. "This is a music Mecca," Yochim of the Live Music Alliance told the commissioners on April 22, "and I am not so sure that the [county board members] understand the talent and the revenue generated on a daily basis." She added that she founded the alliance "because I realize the one thing we haven't done in the past is be organized." As of late morning on April 23, the group had 1,964 "likes" on its Facebook page. An aerial view shows the proximity of residential areas to Bob's Boathouse on South Tamiami Trail. Image from Google Maps Sarasota News Leader April 25, 2014 Page 37