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Commission approves time limits on fireworks and loud noises; vote 3-1
Summary
The commission approved an ordinance to set time restraints on loud or unusual noises and fireworks; the measure passed 3-1 after public comment urging an earlier cutoff.
The City Commission of Opa-locka on April 9 approved an ordinance revising the city’s noise and fireworks rules to define time restraints, exemptions and enforcement; the vote was 3-1.
Commissioner Irvin sponsored the amendment seeking to limit extended fireworks and loud-noise periods around holidays. Public comment included Naomi Breyer, who urged the commission to keep enforcement times earlier and said extending hours would encourage later noise: “If right now we're having issues with 11, why would we extend that time? ... I honestly feel like the time should be at 11. If we push it, maybe 12, but it shouldn't really be past that because trust me, they're going to go against it anyway.”
Commissioner Irvin said his goal was to reduce prolonged fireworks activity and noted that stretching the allowable hours can produce persistent violations; he suggested 1 a.m. would leave fewer excuses for later violations. The commission opened and closed the public hearing, took questions, and then voted. The clerk recorded Commissioner Santiago — yes; Commissioner Bass — yes; Commissioner Ervin/Irvin — yes; Mayor Taylor — no. Motion passed 3-1.
The ordinance amends Chapter 15, Article 5, Sections 15-75 (loud or unusual noises) and 15-80 (discharging fireworks) to define time restraints, exemptions and enforcement; the item was presented as first reading and will be codified on subsequent readings.
