The debate over live music in St. Pete Beach has been loud in more ways than one. City leaders had considered tightening the city’s noise ordinance — including ending some amplified performances as early as 7 p.m. — but on Tuesday night, they decided to press pause. For now, the music continues.

Officials stated that the proposed changes were prompted by challenges in enforcing the existing rules. Current limits cap noise at 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night, with most amplified music prohibited between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. But staff explained that many complaints involve sound that stands out against background noise, even if it doesn’t technically violate the decibel standard.

Dozens of residents, business owners, and musicians packed city hall to voice opposition, warning that earlier curfews could harm tourism and local businesses.

“We are going to lose a lot of money, and we are going to lose a lot of fun,” said longtime resident Larry Levine. “We don’t even have a grocery store. Let us have some fun.”

Musician Mia Hartley said she was stunned to learn the city had floated a 7 p.m. restriction. “Don’t put language in anything that is not being seriously considered. That blows my mind,” she told commissioners.

Not a single attendee spoke in favor of stricter rules. Some argued the city should prioritize recovery from recent hurricane damage instead of drafting new regulations.

“What we had worked just fine,” resident Jeffery Banell said. “I don’t see a need to waste valuable time and resources on a noise ordinance when we are trying to recover from a hurricane that devastated this community.”

Mayor Adrian Petrila offered a compromise: Rather than rewriting the ordinance, the city will step up enforcement against repeat offenders and problem properties. He suggested staff develop an enforcement plan by January 1 and test it through the busy spring tourism season.

Vice Mayor Karen Marriott agreed. “If we have an ordinance on the books that can solve our problem, and we just aren’t enforcing it, then creating a new ordinance isn’t necessarily the correct answer,” she said.

For now, St. Pete Beach will adhere to its current rules — and continue the music while leaders assess whether stricter measures are truly necessary.

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(Image credit: Ambientes Visuales SAS)

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