By John Morton
After a warning in April, the Crescent Club, 6519 Midnight Pass Rd., was fined by Sarasota County for $4,000 on June 3.
It came as the result of code enforcement officials determining that live music was occuring past the county-mandated 10 p.m. cutoff time.
Complaints often came from the House of the Sun condominium complex directly across the street. Residents there asked the Siesta Key Association civic group for assistance.
“Our residents and visitors have submitted numerous complaints to both the sheriff and code enforcement regarding noise and unpermitted music after hours allowed,” association president Catherine Luckner said. “We hope to see a reduction in noise violations and unpermitted live music. We are a community of many neighbors and visitors that enjoy our family-friendly island.
Crescent Club owner Gary Kompothecras said he has taken measures to respect the cutoff time, and has also installed a decibel meter in his establishment within view of musicians on his outdoor patio.
He also has transparent pull-down screens he uses and is directing more speakers inward, he said.