Two rental stores are fighting against a proposed noise ordinance in Walton County, Florida. Vicki Blount, co-owner of Elegant Tents & Events in Freeport, Fla., says the ordinance will affect the large wedding industry in Walton County, including caterers, tent renters, wedding planners and others who provide services for the industry.

“From what I understand, it is very broad. Anyone who is briefly annoyed by noise can complain and get events shut down,” Blount said. “The average wedding we do can cost $50,000. The people come here and spend money directly with the business they are working with, in addition to all the other things they do when they are here. A lot of people are going to be affected.”

The ordinance was to go before the County Commission last Tuesday, but District 4 Commissioner Sara Comander decided to pull it off the agenda late in the day. “I thought that it was too vague, so I had it pulled for now,” she said. Comander added that the issue will be brought to the board in March.

Chuck Hinson owner of Hilltop Productions and H&M Tent Rentals, said about 150 industry workers had planned to make their opposition to the ordinance known to commissioners. "Our industry brings in about $80 million a year," he said. "We have been getting calls from attorneys and lobbyists who are willing to listen to our concerns. Maybe that will get their attention."

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