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Magistrate orders William and Pamela Bowles to reduce outdoor music or face $250 daily fine
Summary
After testimony from neighbors and review of video evidence, the special magistrate found William and Pamela Bowles in violation for using an outdoor loudspeaker at 2627 Limetree Drive, ordered them to turn down the music by the end of the day Feb. 12, 2026, assessed a $75 citation and warned of $250-per-day fines for continued violations.
Special Magistrate Ryan Knight found Feb. 12 that William and Pamela Bowles’ property at 2627 Limetree Drive violated the City of Edgewater noise code by using an outdoor loudspeaker and producing sound that peaked above the 60-decibel limit at the property line; the magistrate ordered the respondents to cease the prohibited outdoor speaker use by close of business Feb. 12, 2026 and assessed a $75 citation with $250-per-day fines to begin if the violation continues.
Code Supervisor Myron San Miguel told the magistrate that repeated complaints and field measurements showed peaks above the 60-decibel residential threshold; the code also expressly prohibits the use of loudspeakers on a property. San Miguel said staff reviewed videos and calibration procedures and concluded the readings followed the code’s prescribed method for measuring decibels at the public easement near the property line.
Respondent William Bowles acknowledged playing music and said he has done so for 14 years at the same volume; he disputed the complainants’ readings and said his personal meter mostly read about 60 in his backyard and that short spikes could be caused by a dog barking or passing traffic. Pamela Bowles spoke briefly and the respondents asked the magistrate to consider neighborhood context.
Neighbors who filed the complaint—Barbara Smith and Denise Tyler—testified they have endured louder bass for months and said the noise has disrupted their ability to use their yards and affected their wellbeing. "The prolonged disturbance has taken a toll on our health and overall well-being," one witness said, describing stress and loss of comfort at home.
The magistrate noted that even if occasional external sounds affect meter readings, the code prohibits outdoor loudspeakers and that video evidence submitted showed music correlating with decibel peaks. He ordered correction (turn down the music) by the end of the day Feb. 12, 2026; if the respondents do not comply, staff was authorized to begin assessing $250-per-day fines for each day the violation continues, plus the $75 citation.
What happens next: The respondents must stop using outdoor speakers above allowed limits and may contact code enforcement for compliance verification; failure to comply triggers daily fines as ordered.
