Punta Gorda neighbors clash over backyard basketball court noise

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. —

In Punta Gorda, a backyard basketball court has become a focal point of community debate, with children leading the conversation and neighbors divided over its impact.

Abe Mills expressed his desire for children to have a voice in the matter, saying, "My mom didn't want me to come here. I chose to come here. I asked because I wanted children to have a voice in this thing."

The court, located in a neighborhood backyard, has become a point of contention. Some neighbors claim the bright lights and after-hours pick-up games are a disturbance, while other parents and friends argue that kids should be playing outside.

Julianna Percent emphasized the importance of outdoor activity, stating, "And they need to listen because we know, like what can affect mental health and like what can affect our physical health if we just stay inside and, like, be lazy all day because we have nothing else to do."

Maria Boccardo, a mother of six, does not allow her children to have social media or phones until high school and believes her backyard is fostering a positive environment for kids.

"Enjoy the fresh air, learn a sport, have fun with his brothers, recruit a neighbor. I'm really, actually proud of all of these kids who call. All their neighbors, and say, 'Hey, let's play a game of basketball for 45 minutes, before bedtime," she said.

However, retired detective Deborah Cotellessa, who lives across the canal from the Boccardos, expressed her frustration with the noise.

"The giant stadium type lighting directly across the canal from me, and the noise level from the multiple basketballs. The large groups of kids playing and whatnot. The glare from the light. It's been a real annoyance, and it's kept me from enjoying my outside space in my property, basically," she said.

Cotellessa clarified that she does not mind children playing during the day but wants the council to address after-hours disturbances.

The Punta Gorda City Council heard from neighbors along the basin, with opinions split between supporting the children and opposing the noise.

The assistant city manager stated, "There's going to be further discussion, obviously, taking both sides. Always listening to either party. And that's where this is going to go. And then once we get that, then the steps that need to be taken, we'll go from whatever that conversation brings out."

Children in Punta Gorda are asking the council to understand that they are staying out of trouble and enjoying the outdoors.

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