The Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 4 to adopt an ordinance establishing a "noise-sensitive zone" for Silver Glen Springs and Silver Glen Run that targets amplified sound from boats and personal watercraft.

Senior assistant county attorney Linda Blackburn, who drafted the ordinance in coordination with Lake County and local sheriff's offices, told commissioners the section (chapter 5, article 6 — new section 5-75-71) defines the zone and targets "amplified sound" such as radios, portable music players, cellular devices or other equipment that is plainly audible to a law enforcement officer from 25 feet away. The ordinance provides for education, warnings and graduated enforcement actions up to arrest if necessary.

County attorney staff emphasized the ordinance was created to mirror Lake County language and to leverage an existing mutual-aid arrangement so Lake County deputies — who patrol most of the run — can enforce the rule. "The goal is education," Blackburn said, "the goal is minimizing the sound. The goal is not arrest. But...they have the ability to move from warning into an arrest if they need to."

Commissioners said the springs had become less family-friendly due to loud, amplified sound, and stressed the importance of preserving the springs as a safe, comfortable public resource. The motion to approve the ordinance passed unanimously.

What happens next: Legal staff will finalize interlocal enforcement language and coordinate with Lake County and sheriff's offices on implementation and public education ahead of the high-use season.

Quote: "Boats are right next to each other…it’s become uncomfortable," Blackburn said, describing field guidance for officers to identify plainly audible amplified sound.

Provenance: The ordinance text and enforcement standard were introduced by county attorney staff and discussed before the unanimous board vote on Nov. 4.