Sanibel Bans Loud Leaf Blowers. Is FMB Next?

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Earlier this week the Sanibel City Council unanimously passed a modification to its noise ordinance that will ban the use of gas powered leaf blowers after December 31, 2022. There was a lot of community support for the ban from local residents.

The council received about 50 letters, in addition to public comment, at two public hearings. Most were in favor of the ban due to the loud noise and pollution.

The reason for considering the ban, according to the new ordinance: “it has been deemed necessary by the City Council to preserve the City’s neighborhoods and quit enjoyment of the environment within the City of Sanibel while also protecting the general welfare of residents, property owners, workers and visitors.”

Until the end of 2022 residents are allowed to use gas powered leaf blowers between the hours of 9AM and 4:30PM. Using them on major holidays is already prohibited. One amendment was made to the ordinance. All three on Sanibel golf courses asked for an exemption for their pull-behind blowers and that was granted.

The town of Fort Myers Beach is considering a similar ban and the town council is looking at the Sanibel ordinance for direction.

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