There is growing concern among residents of Ocean Springs with the deteriorating quality of life due to excessive noise coming from downtown bars and other entertainment venues. Enforcement of the existing noise ordinance is lax, with reports indicating that calls to police dispatch often go unaddressed. Unlike other popular historic towns including Bay St Louis (MS), Fairhope (AL), Savannah (GA), and Beaufort and Charleston (SC); Ocean Springs does not designate a maximum decibel limit within its Noise Ordinance.
The spread of nightlife and entertainment venues downtown has gained Ocean Springs a "Party Town" reputation, attracting patrons from across the Gulf Coast. This culture was a root cause in shooting incidents downtown in November 2022 and May 2023 with one fatality and multiple injuries. Residents reportedly are increasingly avoiding Government Street after dark on the weekends. Excessive noise and overly dense bars threaten the City's charm and safety.
What we want:
Sensible noise control ordinances similar to other historic towns that mandate clear maximum decibel limits