Local

Neighbors want Winter Park church to turn down volume after over 200 noise complaints

WINTER PARK, Fla. — People in a Seminole County neighborhood say they're fed up with the noise coming from an area church.

Action Church sits next to Grand Road in Winter Park, next to two busy neighborhoods.

Jeremy Fratti said a year ago he heard a thumping noise and thought it was a car with bass turned up as it was driving down the street, but was surprised to learn the noise was coming from a church.

Ramon Irizarry told Channel 9 that although he knows the exact times the drums will start during Sunday service, he can also hear the church during the week.

The church's lead pastor, Justin Daily, gave Channel 9 a tour inside the facility.

"We worship in here for 60 to 75 minutes every service," Daily said.

When the church has a full house for Sunday Service, Daily said the noise level can reach around 90 decibels.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said there have been 222 noise complaints at Action Church's address since December 2018.

Daily said they are aware of the complaints and have turned down the music significantly in response.

Neighbors deny that claim, saying the problem still persists.

"The police come over here (and) they go to the church, (and) they bring the level of music down. Thirty minutes later when the police leave they take it to another notch."

Officials with the Seminole County Attorney's Office said they're drafting a countywide noise ordinance after several noise complaints came in across the county, and not just from the church. There is no specific date when the draft could be finished.

Neighbors held a peaceful protest Sunday in hopes that it would help.

"We will not be shouting or chanting," said Debbie Smith. "We will just be showing quiet support for those affected by the bass being generated by Action Church."

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