Charlotte County considers options to reduce gun range noise

CHARLOTTE COUNTY - Residents of Waterford Estates are raising concerns about noise from a nearby gun range operated by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.

The noise, which comes from necessary training exercises, has been a point of contention for locals.

Connie Went, a resident, said, "My windows rattle. It's not just outside my house, it's inside too."

Shirley Stewart, another resident, added, "We have a lot of PTSD people and we all know how impactful this is for those folks."

Chris Hall, a public information officer for the sheriff's office, acknowledged the issue, saying, "We understand their concerns. Firing those weapons makes noise. Unfortunately, we wish there was a way to do it quieter."

Residents brought their concerns to the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. A 2024 noise study found that while rifles were louder, the noise levels were within acceptable limits for health and safety.

Hall explained that deputies need to train at these ranges to maintain their skills and certifications.

Stewart said, "We understand that they have to do their job the way they are trained to do it."

Went noted, "The handguns aren't the problem. It's the big rifles."

Commissioners discussed options like enclosing the facility, moving long-gun training elsewhere or adding a landscape buffer.

Commissioner Stephen Deutsch said, "I think we got to look at all the options and get a professional opinion."

After hearing from the public, commissioners decided to conduct a study to review the facility and explore possible changes. The county has not yet set a timeline for this study.