LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Lake County commissioners have approved a new noise ordinance aimed at restoring peace at Silver Glen Springs, one of the county’s most popular natural attractions.
Commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to designate the springs as a noise-sensitive area, following complaints from visitors and nearby residents about loud music and amplified sound. The ordinance went into effect the same day.
The new rules provide clearer guidelines for when sound becomes disruptive and give law enforcement authority to intervene when excessive noise interferes with others’ use of the springs.
Commissioner Leslie Campione said the measure addresses ongoing conflicts among visitors.
“I was actually out there yesterday,” Campione said. “I think everybody that’s been impacted negatively by the crazy noise wars that have gone on out there are really excited about the hope of this helping.”
According to the ordinance, the excessive use of amplified sound devices has had a “deleterious effect” on adjacent properties and has negatively impacted other visitors along the spring run.
For some visitors, the quiet atmosphere is a major reason they return.
Jo Houghton-Davies, who visits Silver Glen Springs with her family from the United Kingdom, said the peaceful setting sets it apart from busier tourist destinations.
“That’s one of the main appeals of coming here,” Houghton-Davies said. “You’ve got all the busy places in Orlando, but if you want to go somewhere quiet, then it’s so important to have that as well.”
The Silver Glen Springs ordinance follows similar action by Lake County commissioners in Mount Dora, where officials recently approved noise restrictions at the Lake Dora sandbar after residents complained about loud music coming from boats.
[BELOW: Lake County commissioners to discuss proposed noise restrictions for Lake Dora Sandbar]
County officials say signage explaining the new rules has not yet been installed at Silver Glen Springs, but updates are expected in the coming days.