NWFL Daily News GUEST COLUMN: Let's work together to manage South Walton noise
By Dave Rauschkolb | Special to the Daily News
Posted Nov 5, 2017 at 8:00 AM
We recently spent a week in Nashville. It’s a wonderful place to visit; we will go back. Many homes in the community where we stayed were full of Airbnb and VRBO rental guests.
One thing struck me. There we were in the Music City, yet it was one of the quietest places I’ve been to. I was struck by the distinct lack of sound from my neighbors who were renting near us. Even at the bars and restaurants downtown the sound was not too loud. I looked up Nashville’s sound ordinance and it’s rock solid, which is evident from what I could hear. We all deeply love live entertainment, but there’s a huge difference between the right volume with live entertainment vs. it spilling into the community, where some people may be disturbed.
As 30A has grown, so has the noise. Having been the target at Bud & Alley’s years ago with a handful of people concerned about our live entertainment, I experienced both sides of the resident/business owner fence on this issue.
In response to the complaints I spent nearly $40,000 to upgrade our sound system, and at the request of my landlord I had to stop hosting regular live entertainment after dark. The Red Bar had similar issues and responded to the community by containing its noise and the hours of entertainment. AJ’s by design is self-contained and insulated, so sound can’t be heard from outside the building. All this was prior to the Walton County noise ordinance, but every local business responded appropriately to the wishes of the community.
Ironically, where we live in WaterSound we have had to call security on several occasions when nearby renters were partying loudly and we could hear more than just the sound of the water. The preferred remedy is to call security in your community, or the Sheriff’s Office, when noise gets out of hand, rather than engage the offender.
When The Hub opened and they started hosting live entertainment, I was relieved that the strict 10 o’clock rule came into effect with live bands as The Hub is within earshot of our home. We love going to The Hub and the ownership and management have done an outstanding job of responding to the community. They have never given me a reason to complain about noise.
With loud weddings in massive rental houses, loud outdoor music at restaurants, bands in outdoor town center venues and the madness of spring break, noise is often a problem. I think we can all breath a sigh of relief now that Walton County is strictly enforcing the noise ordinance, ensuring all live outdoor music must cease at 10 p.m. and responding to complaints from nearby residents about these venues. Living next to one of them can be a cause for concern, but the noise ordinance is a valuable tool. The important thing is that locals and visitors alike learn what the county noise ordinance rules are and how to lodge a complaint. As a community we should have a low tolerance for loud renters and all live music venues that disregard the noise ordinance.
As I said, having been on both sides of the issue, I must admit I am among the converted when it comes to noise and the need for civility and our right to enjoy peace and quiet in our communities and towns along 30A. From loud noise to not digging turtle holes or not driving golf carts on the bike path, noise is one of many issues that we all need to work together on to politely educate our visitors.
We as locals, along with rental agencies, the county, the TDC and law enforcement, all need to work together to educate renters, restaurants and bars about the Walton County noise ordinance to ensure our right to peace and quiet, and the quality of life we have come to expect here.
If the Music City can do it, we certainly can.
Here is a link to the Walton County noise ordinance: https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/1367
This guest column was written by Dave Rauschkolb, who is a 31-year business owner and resident of South Walton.
Replies
19
Beach Fanatic
Thanks Dave - let's keep SoWal charming!
Noise, litter, sign and light pollution, utilities, etc are all increasing as we grow. It's not that hard to keep our community sweet but it does take attention to details and pressure on government, developers, utility companies, and homeowners.
Noise, litter, sign and light pollution, utilities, etc are all increasing as we grow. It's not that hard to keep our community sweet but it does take attention to details and pressure on government, developers, utility companies, and homeowners.
Beach Fanatic
Great article Dave. I agree, it just takes enforcement and people who care.
SoWal Guide
Thank you for sharing. Well said!
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for putting in the necessary work at your property.
Do you know of any specific examples of Walton County actually Enforcing the Noise Ordinance?
Perhaps they can release some stats the show their 180* turnaround...
Do you know of any specific examples of Walton County actually Enforcing the Noise Ordinance?
Perhaps they can release some stats the show their 180* turnaround...
Beach Lover
Not sure about S.Walton anymore. Up on the river it`s so quiet, you can hear a tick fart. 
Beach Crab
Dave –
Unfortunately I cannot agree with you on this subject for my experience the last 9 months is that the county (Planning, Code Enforcement and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office) can do/will do little to protect the rights of residents to enjoy a peaceful existence within their home. Noise ordinance or not.
I personally don’t feel that live outdoor music ceasing by 10pm is a standard for civility especially when one’s home is 400 feet away from the source and house windows vibrate due to the base noise up to that bewitching hour. In that we are growing so rapidly here in SoWal, to protect all residents the zoning rules and noise ordinance needs to be reviewed especially with regard to the “limited outdoor entertainment” restaurants are allowed within Village Mixed Use areas.
Recently I have discovered that in October 2013 our then Planning Director Wayne Dyess defined "limited outdoor entertainment" to mean amplified music until 10pm and this standard is in place today. All of us who are property owners do our due diligence when purchasing a property and we are falsely led to a belief that "limited outdoor entertainment" means limited and not amplified music and certainly not to 10PM. Our current code and drafts of future code still use the words, "limited outdoor entertainment" for most all Mixed Use zoning.
In 2013 Bill Brakenbill who was the President of the Town Center East Neighborhood Association made an eloquent argument against this planning definition to the Zoning Board of Adjustments but unfortunately lost. All of his arguments still hold up today! This definition affects the 75% of residents who live within these designations or adjacent to these designations. We need to make the public aware that they could be living adjacent to a venue that allows unrestricted outdoor music until 10pm with no recourse.
In an attempt to turn my lemons into lemonade I have asked Kristen Shell who is leading the county effort to revising the land development code to change the wording of “limited outdoor entertainment” to that which it is, unrestricted amplified music up to 10pm. As for me, in order to live a peaceful existence within my home, I must sell my lovely abode and move to a residential location that is nowhere near a mixed use zone. After 9 months, 17 calls to dispatch 5 “in home” visits from WCSO I’ve learned my lessons which are that the county will support business’ rights over resident’s rights and that when WCSO Standard Operating Procedure allows for officer "discretion", that is code for do nothing.
Sorry, but I don't think Peace and Quiet is possible with the current zoning, noise ordinances and enforcement in place. But, there is always hope for the future once it gets bad enough and people mandate pro-active change.
Unfortunately I cannot agree with you on this subject for my experience the last 9 months is that the county (Planning, Code Enforcement and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office) can do/will do little to protect the rights of residents to enjoy a peaceful existence within their home. Noise ordinance or not.
I personally don’t feel that live outdoor music ceasing by 10pm is a standard for civility especially when one’s home is 400 feet away from the source and house windows vibrate due to the base noise up to that bewitching hour. In that we are growing so rapidly here in SoWal, to protect all residents the zoning rules and noise ordinance needs to be reviewed especially with regard to the “limited outdoor entertainment” restaurants are allowed within Village Mixed Use areas.
Recently I have discovered that in October 2013 our then Planning Director Wayne Dyess defined "limited outdoor entertainment" to mean amplified music until 10pm and this standard is in place today. All of us who are property owners do our due diligence when purchasing a property and we are falsely led to a belief that "limited outdoor entertainment" means limited and not amplified music and certainly not to 10PM. Our current code and drafts of future code still use the words, "limited outdoor entertainment" for most all Mixed Use zoning.
In 2013 Bill Brakenbill who was the President of the Town Center East Neighborhood Association made an eloquent argument against this planning definition to the Zoning Board of Adjustments but unfortunately lost. All of his arguments still hold up today! This definition affects the 75% of residents who live within these designations or adjacent to these designations. We need to make the public aware that they could be living adjacent to a venue that allows unrestricted outdoor music until 10pm with no recourse.
In an attempt to turn my lemons into lemonade I have asked Kristen Shell who is leading the county effort to revising the land development code to change the wording of “limited outdoor entertainment” to that which it is, unrestricted amplified music up to 10pm. As for me, in order to live a peaceful existence within my home, I must sell my lovely abode and move to a residential location that is nowhere near a mixed use zone. After 9 months, 17 calls to dispatch 5 “in home” visits from WCSO I’ve learned my lessons which are that the county will support business’ rights over resident’s rights and that when WCSO Standard Operating Procedure allows for officer "discretion", that is code for do nothing.
Sorry, but I don't think Peace and Quiet is possible with the current zoning, noise ordinances and enforcement in place. But, there is always hope for the future once it gets bad enough and people mandate pro-active change.
Beach Fanatic
"After 9 months, 17 calls to dispatch 5 “in home” visits from WCSO I’ve learned my lessons which are that the county will support business’ rights over resident’s rights and that when WCSO Standard Operating Procedure allows for officer "discretion", that is code for do nothing."
Welcome to SoWal and the WCSO excuse process...
Welcome to SoWal and the WCSO excuse process...
Beach FanaticAuthor
Dave –
Unfortunately I cannot agree with you on this subject for my experience the last 9 months is that the county (Planning, Code Enforcement and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office) can do/will do little to protect the rights of residents to enjoy a peaceful existence within their home. Noise ordinance or not.
I personally don’t feel that live outdoor music ceasing by 10pm is a standard for civility especially when one’s home is 400 feet away from the source and house windows vibrate due to the base noise up to that bewitching hour. In that we are growing so rapidly here in SoWal, to protect all residents the zoning rules and noise ordinance needs to be reviewed especially with regard to the “limited outdoor entertainment” restaurants are allowed within Village Mixed Use areas.
Recently I have discovered that in October 2013 our then Planning Director Wayne Dyess defined "limited outdoor entertainment" to mean amplified music until 10pm and this standard is in place today. All of us who are property owners do our due diligence when purchasing a property and we are falsely led to a belief that "limited outdoor entertainment" means limited and not amplified music and certainly not to 10PM. Our current code and drafts of future code still use the words, "limited outdoor entertainment" for most all Mixed Use zoning.
In 2013 Bill Brakenbill who was the President of the Town Center East Neighborhood Association made an eloquent argument against this planning definition to the Zoning Board of Adjustments but unfortunately lost. All of his arguments still hold up today! This definition affects the 75% of residents who live within these designations or adjacent to these designations. We need to make the public aware that they could be living adjacent to a venue that allows unrestricted outdoor music until 10pm with no recourse.
In an attempt to turn my lemons into lemonade I have asked Kristen Shell who is leading the county effort to revising the land development code to change the wording of “limited outdoor entertainment” to that which it is, unrestricted amplified music up to 10pm. As for me, in order to live a peaceful existence within my home, I must sell my lovely abode and move to a residential location that is nowhere near a mixed use zone. After 9 months, 17 calls to dispatch 5 “in home” visits from WCSO I’ve learned my lessons which are that the county will support business’ rights over resident’s rights and that when WCSO Standard Operating Procedure allows for officer "discretion", that is code for do nothing.
Sorry, but I don't think Peace and Quiet is possible with the current zoning, noise ordinances and enforcement in place. But, there is always hope for the future once it gets bad enough and people mandate pro-active change.
Thank you for your comments Jordana,
I wrote this article specifically to get people involved and talking about this issue. I wanted people to be aware that there is an ordinance, read it and learn the process for filing a complaint and how other communities have dealt with it. There is no question that lack of enforcement is a common complaint here.
There are a lot of outdoor music venues with Rosemary, Seaside, Watercolor, Aly's, the Hub. Now I've heard the FloraBama folks have taken over the town center stage in Gulf Place and are opening an amplified live entertainment venue/restaurant, Shump Gulley. I'm sure they will be good neighbors but all of these places as well as any restaurant hosting amplified, live entertainment have a potential to disturb the peace; it really should be simple. Play by the rules, be respectful to peace and quiet and everyone is happy. In that scenario business thrives and the community embraces you. Not so much if you disturb the peace in a residential area.
One of the largest complaints come from monster houses with crowds of 30 or more just being loud or wedding venues. I just think we have to try to get ahead of this and tighten the rules and demand enforcement. I would think the Sheriff would support a low tolerance for noise and would also support tightening the rules. Education is the key so everyone, venues, restaurants, rental companies, locals and tourists all know the rules so everyone can work together to enforce and comply with the rules.
This wheel has been invented in other communities, we just have a very low tolerance and stop noisemakers in their tracks. Don't get me wrong, I love live entertainment but there has to be a balance struck that works for everyone. People should be able to enjoy themselves in the privacy of their own home but when it affects the neighbors that is just plain wrong. It boils down to respect really.
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
I read an article once where community members picketed the business in the right of way; that was the turning point.
"After 9 months, 17 calls to dispatch 5 “in home” visits from WCSO I’ve learned my lessons which are that the county will support business’ rights over resident’s rights and that when WCSO Standard Operating Procedure allows for officer "discretion", that is code for do nothing."
Welcome to SoWal and the WCSO excuse process...
Beach Fanatic
Thank you for your comments Jordana,Interesting since I've heard that Gulf Place residents have been vocal against music there.
I wrote this article specifically to get people involved and talking about this issue. I wanted people to be aware that there is an ordinance, read it and learn the process for filing a complaint and how other communities have dealt with it. There is no question that lack of enforcement is a common complaint here.
There are a lot of outdoor music venues with Rosemary, Seaside, Watercolor, Aly's, the Hub. Now I've heard the FloraBama folks have taken over the town center stage in Gulf Place and are opening an amplified live entertainment venue/restaurant, Shump Gulley. I'm sure they will be good neighbors but all of these places as well as any restaurant hosting amplified, live entertainment have a potential to disturb the peace; it really should be simple. Play by the rules, be respectful to peace and quiet and everyone is happy. In that scenario business thrives and the community embraces you. Not so much if you disturb the peace in a residential area.
One of the largest complaints come from monster houses with crowds of 30 or more just being loud or wedding venues. I just think we have to try to get ahead of this and tighten the rules and demand enforcement. I would think the Sheriff would support a low tolerance for noise and would also support tightening the rules. Education is the key so everyone, venues, restaurants, rental companies, locals and tourists all know the rules so everyone can work together to enforce and comply with the rules.
This wheel has been invented in other communities, we just have a very low tolerance and stop noisemakers in their tracks. Don't get me wrong, I love live entertainment but there has to be a balance struck that works for everyone. People should be able to enjoy themselves in the privacy of their own home but when it affects the neighbors that is just plain wrong. It boils down to respect really.
Beach Fanatic
Nothing's changed.
We have local Ordinance and Laws.
These are Selectively Enforced by the elected Sheriff.
Nothing to see here, move along and get out of the tourist way.
We have local Ordinance and Laws.
These are Selectively Enforced by the elected Sheriff.
Nothing to see here, move along and get out of the tourist way.
Beach Lover
MTV's new reality show ... this should be good for business
"Set in the Florida Panhandle along the beach that stretches all the way to Alabama, "MTV Floribama Shore” is the story of eight young adults who come to spend the summer in the hottest beach town on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach, to party it up and put the real world on hold for just a little bit longer. But each is armed with incredible life experiences and standing at a crossroads, whether it’s ending a relationship, tasting independence for the first time, or trying to escape the past. This coming of age story captures the very real thrill and angst of being young and trying to figure out the future with a group of people you’ll come to call family."
"Set in the Florida Panhandle along the beach that stretches all the way to Alabama, "MTV Floribama Shore” is the story of eight young adults who come to spend the summer in the hottest beach town on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach, to party it up and put the real world on hold for just a little bit longer. But each is armed with incredible life experiences and standing at a crossroads, whether it’s ending a relationship, tasting independence for the first time, or trying to escape the past. This coming of age story captures the very real thrill and angst of being young and trying to figure out the future with a group of people you’ll come to call family."
Beach Fanatic
MTV's new reality show ... this should be good for businessJust wait and watch the Adkinson WCSO PR Machine get involved in this some how...
"Set in the Florida Panhandle along the beach that stretches all the way to Alabama, "MTV Floribama Shore” is the story of eight young adults who come to spend the summer in the hottest beach town on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach, to party it up and put the real world on hold for just a little bit longer. But each is armed with incredible life experiences and standing at a crossroads, whether it’s ending a relationship, tasting independence for the first time, or trying to escape the past. This coming of age story captures the very real thrill and angst of being young and trying to figure out the future with a group of people you’ll come to call family."
Its not the first time a MTV Reality Show was in the area. Years ago that show Jack A$s with Johnny Knocksville did a stunt on I-10. I think a few actually got arrested here or in neighboring county.
Yes, the MTV Crowd is just what our area needs...
Beach Comber
Dave, unless “limited outdoor entertainment “ is defined and the VMU standards are applied for comparability with adjacent neighborhoods, we will continue to have issues.
Beach Lover
NWFL Daily News GUEST COLUMN: Let's work together to manage South Walton noise
By Dave Rauschkolb | Special to the Daily News
Posted Nov 5, 2017 at 8:00 AM
[snipped]
We as locals, along with rental agencies, the county, the TDC and law enforcement, all need to work together to educate renters, restaurants and bars about the Walton County noise ordinance to ensure our right to peace and quiet, and the quality of life we have come to expect here.
If the Music City can do it, we certainly can.
Here is a link to the Walton County noise ordinance: https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/1367
This guest column was written by Dave Rauschkolb, who is a 31-year business owner and resident of South Walton.
Dave,
Good article. But from my view the air and the airwaves are free for all shouldn't they be? Historically people have been able to make all the noise and music they want to anywhere. I'm not understanding why you as a private property owner think that you have the "right" to peace and quiet on your own property when the air is free for everyone to use and customarily has been used to make noise, music, etc for centuries.
Why do you view this music as a disturbance that should be stopped? I believe there should be a customary noise use ordinance for Walton county and plan to introduce it at the next meeting. Music should be allowed without restriction - especially if it's a hired band - that's good for tourism. As long as the band stays within 15 feet of your property line then it should be ok?
Let the airwaves be FREE for all!!!
[spoiler: Dave, Hope you don't mind I'm just having a little fun. I happen to agree with you 100% on the noise issue but couldn't resist]
Edited
Beach Lover
I honestly don't see what the draw is for South Walton. Traffic, crowds, and yes, noise. But at least it isn't part of the "Redneck Rivera" anymore. Now it's snob central with prices to match. And you might get run over by someone on a bicycle.
Beach Fanatic
There has always been live music in this area and the businesses that host it would have gone under a long time ago if it wasnt popular. This seems like another example of a bunch of people moving into and area and trying to change it to suit them. And Dave even YOUR establishment had live music (as well as the amphitheater) for many years. Just because you chose to stop doesnt mean everyone has too. South Walton has always been music/musician friendly and if it has to come to another "SAVE THE MUSIC" march down 30A I am sure it can and will be arranged. Obviously jordana didnt do alot of research into where she was buying/building or she would have found out the definition of "limited outdoor entertainment" varies from state/county. These places that host live music have been here alot longer than most of the people that live here now and compromised on the hours and loudness years ago when this issue came up before. It is not the county OR the residents job to "make the public aware that they could be living adjacent to a venue that allows unrestricted outdoor music until 10pm with no recourse." That would fall under "researching where you are moving to" not just barging in and trying to change an area to suit you.
Beach Fanatic
In case some of you dont remember or were not here for "SAVE THE MUSIC" back in 2008 there are a couple of threads on this site that will inform you on how and why the current noise ordinance came about. Just type "SAVE THE MUSIC" into the search function and they will be on page 2. We were not ready for SOWAL to become a retirement community back them and I am sure that there are still plenty of us that STILL dont want it to become one.
Beach Lover
Thanks Dave - let's keep SoWal charming!Some people think Bourbon Street is charming.
Noise, litter, sign and light pollution, utilities, etc are all increasing as we grow. It's not that hard to keep our community sweet but it does take attention to details and pressure on government, developers, utility companies, and homeowners.
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