The Anna Maria City Commission held the first public hearing Nov. 19 for a revised noise ordinance.
The city is holding firm on its quiet hours, but increasing fines.
Once adopted, the city will enforce a flat $500 fine for each of three offenses within 12 months and then take the case to a special magistrate.
Currently, the city has a tiered fine system. The first fine is $100, the second is $250 and the third offense results in a $500 fine. Each additional fine after three is $500.
Additionally, the city is redefining who can be fined. Currently only the property owner or manager can be fined.
Under the new ordinance any person deemed liable — owner, tenant, rental agent, manager, occupant or guest — can be fined $500.
The city also is retaining the rule that three or more violations within a 12-month period on a property could result in the property being deemed a public nuisance, resulting in the rental privilege being shut down.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria-substation deputies documented four noise complaints at various locations in October, although no citations were issued, no fines were assessed and each complaint was cleared with a verbal warning.
The final hearing and vote on adoption is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
— Tal Reeve