JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A new pilot program approved by City Council allows businesses to play outdoor music from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Prior to the program, stores could not play any sound outside -- not even volume on a television.
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News4Jax spoke with beachgoers and business owners who all seemed to agree that the outdoor sound ordinance is great for business. One woman said the beach wouldn't be the same without music.
"It shouldn't be a problem," Kathy Simmons said. "If you feel like you don't want to hear the music, stuff the ears."
Simmons and several of the people said it's normal and should be tolerated, especially at night.
"I don't think it's legit. People here at the beach," Ryan Shoop said. "We live here and we all understand that this is where we gather at night."
Without the ordinance, businesses like The Wreck would not be allowed to play music from outdoor speakers. With the ordinance, permitted businesses are allowed outdoor sound from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Fernando Meza, owner of The Wreck, said he wants to play outdoor music later but wishes outdoor sound wasn't regulated at the beach in the first place.
"We had a meeting yesterday with the chief of police, and we received good news to a certain point, but we are hoping to work with the city and compromise, especially after 10 o' clock," Meza said.
News4Jax reached out to Mayor Charlie Latham for comment, and he said, "There are several residents in the downtown area. Our goal was to help facilitate a compromise between the businesses and the residents."
Businesses with a permit for outdoor music are grandfathered into the new ordinance and your permit remains in effect. Latham said noise levels must be at 75 decibels or less at the property line. To put that into perspective, OSHA requires hearing protection for 85 decibels or above.