Booming bass could mean jail time in Winter Springs

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — A warning for music lovers in Winter Springs: pump up the bass, and you could go to jail.

The city is considering a new ordinance restricting certain low-frequency noises.

Channel 9's Bianca Castro learned that it replaces an old rule that officials admit they couldn't enforce.

Some of the live music that blares from a popular Winter Springs entertainment venue is anything but enjoyable for the people who live on what is typically a quiet street a few blocks away.

Winter Springs resident Rafael Garcia said the music shakes the windows on his house and keeps him awake at night.

But the city couldn't do anything about it.

The city is tightening rules on those low-frequency noises that don't necessarily blast your eardrums, but send vibrations through your home or even your body.

"When we did measurements of the actual sound levels, they didn't violate the previous ordinance and the noise levels themselves weren't that dramatic, but you could actually feel the vibrations," said Winter Springs Mayor Charles Lacey.

Police will also get the power to arrest repeat offenders.

Violations could mean up to 60 days in jail. It's one of the stricter noise ordinances in the region.

Some said it's a welcome one.

"(I'm) ecstatic, yes. They should make rules about that because it was getting out of control," said Garcia.

The commission is expected to approve the ordinance next month.

WFTV