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New Law Could Reduce Noise At Silver Glen

    While new state laws in theory protect recreational use at Silver Glen and other popular locations along the St. Johns River system, ongoing complaints continue to be registered by area governments.  At Silver Glen, the ‘holy grail’ of boating recreation on the river, continued popularity and ongoing complaints thrown into a stew that includes multi-jurisdictional oversight have made for an ongoing headache.
    “If reasonable actions are not taken locally to protect this natural environment,” said Lake County Commission Chairperson Leslie Campione this week, “I feel certain the state will intervene and we will be back to where we were last year fighting an outright ban on motorized vehicles and anchoring.”
    Campione toured the Glen over the weekend, in response to continued complaints about activities there.  Over the years, the Glen has become famous for its scenic setting and crystal clear water coursing through a short river that is wide enough for boating and also shallow enough for walking.
    Noise complaints are most common, with boating groups at times imposing their preferred music on each other in an ongoing ‘who can be louder’ battle of the speakers.  Additionally, while alcohol is banned in the Glen, the combined oversight of Lake and Marion Counties as well as the FWC, often seems to provide light enforcement, at best.
    “I was there on Sunday,” Campione said early this week, her latest trip to the area.  It’s part of an ongoing effort by the chairperson to navigate usage at the Glen that meets the needs of the environment and recreational users.  Boaters received a reprieve after the Florida Legislature passed new laws earlier this year that headed off an FWC recommendation to ban anchoring or mooring in the Glen, but ongoing issues could indeed, and likely will, see the issue return to the forefront sometime in the future.
    Lake County has a prominent jurisdictional role at Silver Glen, and is looking to head off future problems by addressing ongoing issues now.
    Campione said the county is currently looking to draft an ordinance that would create a ‘quiet zone’ in the Glen, one which would regulate amplified noise in the springs and run. The ordinance would seek to “protect the natural environment and tamp down on hostilities resulting from excessive noise being generated by many who are visiting this pristine area,” said Campione.
    No timetable has been firmed up for the potential ordinance, as Campione said both county staff and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are reviewing the document to ensure its legality and enforcement protocols.
    “The hostilities over noise are escalating in such a way that many are concerned the next phase of this situation will be violence,” Campione said.  “In my opinion, the noise wars have become a threat to the safety and welfare of the community.”