LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Operators of a gun range in Lake County that has been the source of controversy for years received permission Tuesday to use flamethrowers on the property.
Neighbors of the Ares Training Center off Treasure Island Avenue in North Leesburg have expressed concerns about large events and constant loud gunfire at the property since 2018.
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It received a conditional use permit in 2019 that included some restrictions on what people could do there and when.
Ares operators went back to the Lake County Board of Commissioners Tuesday seeking permission to operate more days, for longer hours, and to use flamethrowers.
“We’re just hoping to get some more hours, just to be a little more competitive with the other gun ranges in the area,” Ares Manager Colin Johnson said.
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Neighbors who fought against the range in 2019 were not happy with the request.
“It’s the noise,” homeowner Louise Crews said. “I agree with my neighbors about that, because I hear it. It’s horrible.”
After hours of public comment and testimony, Lake County Commissioners denied most of Ares’ requested changes, and only approved the use of flamethrowers.
While some commissioners expressed concerns about fire safety, others reasoned the flamethrowers at least wouldn’t contribute to the noise that most neighbors complained about.
“At least we know there’s a time limit,” Crews said. “There’s a day limit, and I think most of us are pleased to see what happened today.”
Though they weren’t granted most of what they requested, Johnson said they weren’t disappointed in the outcome considering how often they get requests to use flamethrowers. Johnson says they’re happy to be able to offer that now.
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