PALATKA, Fla. – The Palatka Police Department said it will crack down on people who blast loud music while driving and those with loud car exhausts because of complaints from residents.
Michael Borton said he often hears loud cars in Palatka.
“I live two blocks off of 19th, so I can be at home in my bedroom and hear ‘bdrmmm, bdrmmm’ and all I want to do is shoot the tires,” Borton said.
It’s a loud sound he said comes from a modified car exhaust.
He also said he hears loud music.
The Palatka Police Department made a social media post saying they’ll be conducting an enforcement wave this summer.
It started May 7 and it will go through the start of the school year.
Assistant Police Chief Matt Newcomb said while his officers are out patrolling they’ll pay more attention to those two things.
If you’re in violation of the state statutes about loud music or loud exhaust you could be fined $113 for each.
Florida statutes state if your music is heard loud from 25 feet away, you are in violation.
For exhausts, Florida statutes require vehicles to be equipped with an exhaust system that prevents excessive noise. And prohibits vehicle modifications that result in a louder vehicle noise than the noise made by the vehicle as originally manufactured.
People in Palatka gave their opinions on the PDP announcing its noise enforcement crackdown.
“[I don’t think it’s necessary] I think it’s just a way to target more people,” Alicia Mack said.
She and her husband Michael Mack own Five Star Cleaning. They don’t live in Palatka, but are always in the area for work.
Michael Mack said the enforcement would effect him.
“I’m one of the people who plays loud music. I like to get my groove on. I like to dance in spirit, so I feel like I can be more respectable at night time or depending on the crowd,” Michael Mack said.
Borton said while this is something he doesn’t like, he doesn’t want anyone to be fined.
“Just make sure they’re aware that they’re being watched,” Borton said.
So maybe the drivers will change their ways.
Someone asked under the PDP’s social media post if the enforcement would be for a certain group. Newcomb told News4JAX that they’re not targeting a racial group or any group at all.
Just people who don’t abide by the statute.