(SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FL.) -- Parking and noise complaints were echoed at the July Santa Rosa County Commissioners meeting.
From business owners reporting illegal parking on their property to neighborhood residents citing noise nuisance ordinances, the July 23 public forum lasted a half hour.
A loud video of her neighboring property proved Linda Fowlkes' complaint was legitimate.
“The thump thump of the bass coming from Seven Brew permeates my home and yard,” Fowlkes said. “Inside my house, the music vibrates the windows and comes down the exhaust pipe of my stove and fills my kitchen with noise.”
Photo Credit: Linda Fowlkes complains of local eatery breaking noise ordinance
Fowlkes cited statute to officials, stating that when "a reduction of the volume levels of such sound serves a significant governmental interest.” Fowlkes said the noise has led to stress, loss of sleep, and anxiety, and officials are not addressing the concern.
The resident said a Sheriff’s deputy allegedly did not understand the decibel reader when called out. Resident Corrine Lawson Schmidt agrees that the noise is disturbing.
“My family, along with other residents in our neighborhood, we've been living with an ongoing problem that has significantly affected our quality of life,” Schmidt said.
There is no answer to the problem, according to the resident.
Photo Credit: Corrine Lawson Schmidt complains of Seven Brew's noise nuisance that affects the "quality of life" of neighborhood residents
“We have done everything that we've been asked to do,” Schmidt said. “I've contacted law enforcement; I've filed complaints with code enforcement with no response.“
If it’s not noise, it’s parking for two business owners, including Kevin Redski and Andy Demont.
Redski, co-owner of Juana's on Navarre Beach, addressed illegally parked cars at his business, suggesting comprehensive solutions beyond just towing. Redski also addressed boat ramp parking as a major issue, which is frequently occupied by non-boaters, according to the business owner.
“I'm out there 24 hours a day, and I see where some things can be improved,” Redski said. “Obviously, the boat ramp is a huge issue with the boaters who come in and want to obviously have parking spots and get frustrated when there's cars parked there during the day.”
Redski suggested existing “off-limits” parking signs can be better used, specifically at the park across from Juana, which, according to Redski, is often ticketed for parking after dark despite being largely empty during the day.
Redski suggested officials form a committee with business leaders to brainstorm long-term parking solutions.
Photo Credit: Business owner Kevin Redski tells commissioners a committee needs to be formed to address the local illegal parking issue
“Let's maybe have meetings on it to discuss solutions,” Redski said. “The obvious solution is going to be: we need more parking.”
Demont, owner/operator of Andy D's Food of Navarre, agrees, adding his business is often 'inundated' with beachgoers, causing him commerce problems. Demont also suggested a community steering committee comprising business owners and other experts.
“There's a lot of people out there with different expertise that can bring that to the table, of course, guided by the commissioners, possibly with engineering involved,” Demont said.
Like Redski, Demont said knee-jerk reactions, including a temporary fence, are not long-term solutions. While Demont agrees a committee should be formed, he also said underutilized boat ramp parking could bring relief while generating county revenue.
Photo Credit: Sandra Perdue complains of no parking on Navarre Beach at the July 23 Santa Rosa County Commissioners meeting
Resident Sandra Perdue also has parking problems when visiting Navarre Beach, noting “there are no parking signs.”
Perdue said parking in the sand is not an option, recalling past stuck vehicles. Commissioner Rhett Rowell asked if tourism dollars could, in fact, be used for parking and was told yes, with staff noting while “limited,” there is opportunity to place parking-within-certain-hours signage.
According to Santa Rosa Assistant County Administrator Jared Lowe, there are plans for a parking lot expansion.
“There's a parking lot expansion that's going out for bid here soon,” Lowe said. “It'll be under construction during the off-season this year.”
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at angela.u@lead4earth.org.
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