Noise complaints from jet skis dominated discussions at the November 12 Town Council meeting in Lake Clarke Shores, Florida, as officials grappled with how to address excessive noise levels without inadvertently banning watercraft altogether. Residents voiced concerns about the decibel levels of jet skis, which have reportedly exceeded the town's acceptable limits. Chief of Police provided insights into the situation, noting that officers have been monitoring the noise and will continue to gather data on the issue.

The council is considering an ordinance to regulate noise levels, but members expressed caution about the potential consequences of such regulations. "I didn't want to vote on an ordinance that had the unintended consequence of shutting down all wave runners and jet skis," one council member stated, highlighting the delicate balance between enforcing noise regulations and maintaining recreational activities.

The council voted to approve the first reading of the proposed ordinance, which will return for a second reading where further details, including specific decibel levels for properly muffled jet skis, will be discussed. In the meantime, the police will issue warnings before moving to citations for violations.

In addition to the noise issue, the council also approved a resolution to increase water and sewer rates by 2.9% for the upcoming fiscal year. This decision comes after years without rate adjustments, as officials aim to ensure the town's financial viability amidst rising operational costs and the need for infrastructure improvements.

The meeting also touched on various community updates, including upcoming holiday events and ongoing projects, such as the completion of a sewer main project under budget and plans for a new community lighting project. The council remains focused on enhancing community services while addressing resident concerns effectively.