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Leesburg residents press for noise enforcement near Berry Park; police, commissioners point to nuisance rules
Summary
Neighbors near Berry Park raised late‑night noise, vibration and illegal campsite concerns; commissioners and the police chief said the city will apply existing nuisance rules, and the city agreed to follow up with increased enforcement and possible ordinance review.
Residents of Oak Ridge Condominiums and nearby properties asked the commission for help with persistent loud music, vibration and apparent campsite activity near Berry Park, saying noise sometimes shakes windows and causes distress for elderly neighbors.
Carol Nichols told the commission her Oak Ridge neighborhood has experienced loud music and vibrations that can be felt inside homes and rattles glass; she asked whether Leesburg has a specific noise ordinance and suggested forming a committee to study an enforceable rule. Nichols referenced Florida’s breach‑of‑peace statute and said callers are often told officers must witness the disturbance to issue citations.
Commissioner Michael Peterson (speaker identified as Commissioner Peterson) replied that the city has a nuisance ordinance that has been used in similar situations and that staff would look into applying nuisance code provisions to address the complaints. Chief Iozzi of the Leesburg Police Department said the police department and the community have been working together and that increased presence recently led to significantly reduced noise; he added that part of the problem area is subject to a no‑trespassing order.
Resident Barbara Lafferty described severe, ongoing vibration and noise near her home that she called “mental torture” and said the noise has harmed a family member with dementia; she urged the commission to adopt a day‑night limit and enforce it.
What the city will do: commissioners directed staff to review the nuisance code’s applicability and confirm enforcement options. The police chief signaled that officers are aware and that additional patrols or targeted enforcement are possible. Several speakers asked for clearer signage about park hours and more “no parking” signs at the park.
Ending: No ordinance change or new regulation was adopted at the July 14 meeting. Staff and police committed to follow up with residents and review whether a dedicated noise ordinance or additional signage and enforcement measures are needed.
