COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Some downtown Cocoa Beach business owners are upset with a new proposed noise ordinance that will be discussed this week by the City Commission.

What You Need To Know

  • The Cocoa Beach City Commission is considering enacting a noise ordinance that would move the requirement for quiet from 11 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

  • The possible change stems from long-time residents, but newer businesses says it will hurt them 

  • The first reading of the proposed ordinance is Thursday night

The city has gotten complaints from nearby residents about loud music at night. 

Commissioners are trying to find a balance between a rapidly growing downtown, and neighbors just a couple of streets away who have called the town home for decades. 

Ingrid Llaverias is the manager of Area 142, right in the heart of downtown.

The new gathering spot has only been open since January.

Llaverias says locals have embraced them and the beachy, laid-back atmosphere.

"We have regulars, and they are so happy for us to be here," she said.

But now, due to complaints from some longtime residents, Cocoa Beach commissioners are considering updating their noise ordinance, which dates back to the 1960s, by making it effective at 9 p.m.

Right now businesses like Area 142 can have music until 11 p.m. on weeknights.

"I think we are new on the block, and we are bigger, so we make the most noise, but it's not like that," Llaverias said.

She says representatives from the business have gone to commission meetings and done everything they've been asked to do, including shutting down concerts at 10:30 p.m.

"We're not trying to address one specific business or one specific area," noted District 5 Commissioner Jeremy Hutcherson, who says the decades-old ordinance is outdated.

He says the goal is to get a standard the entire city can manage.

"There is some late-night music, but I think it's just growing pains to be honest with you," Hutcherson said. "The city's got some good growth, a good legacy to build on, and honestly the noise ordinance will get us in a position to grow smartly."

Llaverias says losing two hours of entertainment a night is not good for business, and that more voices should be heard before anything is done.

"I think they should listen to everyone, not just a couple of people," she said.

The first reading of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for Thursday night.