HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The burgeoning popularity of pickleball is raising noise concerns among some residents in Hillsborough County, where a legal dispute has emerged over the conversion of tennis courts to accommodate this fast-growing sport.
In Apollo Beach, ten homeowners have taken legal action against the Andalucía Master Association Board, arguing that the switch to pickleball courts will introduce noise that disrupts the tranquility of residential areas. Concerned resident Lori Sessano expressed disapproval, stating that “pickleball does not belong in residential areas.”
Homeowner Greg Jolly echoed those sentiments, noting that the noise from the courts is particularly distressing for local veterans. He described the environment as “toxic,” stating it exacerbates PTSD symptoms for veterans wishing to live peacefully.
The county commissioners are also voicing apprehensions. Commissioner Joshua Wostal highlighted that pickleball courts can produce noise levels exceeding local ordinances, primarily due to the hard surfaces and equipment involved. “The decibel levels exceed even our own noise ordinances in certain cases,” Wostal remarked.
This week, county commissioners decided to investigate the growing number of legal challenges related to pickleball courts, considering their potential effects on property values. However, they opted not to impose a temporary ban on the construction of new courts for the time being.
Commissioner Ken Hagen provided some context, saying the county’s oversight over homeowners associations (HOAs) is limited. “I’ve always been under the impression we have very limited oversight, if any, over HOAs,” Hagen said. He expressed support for exploring options to provide relief to residents if feasible.
The ongoing lawsuit in Apollo Beach has not halted plans for new pickleball courts across Hillsborough County. The Andalucía Master Association Board is committed to addressing the concerns of homeowners while advancing the court conversion project.
In a statement, the Board emphasized its commitment to engaging with residents throughout the racquet court conversion process. They noted that town halls, surveys, and Board meetings have been held to gather community input, resulting in a decision that aims to meet both recreational needs and fiduciary responsibilities.
The Board explained that the conversion focuses on underused clay courts, which only serve about five percent of residents but incur high maintenance costs. By repurposing these facilities, the Board aims to enhance both the community’s recreational offerings and its financial well-being.
To address noise concerns proactively, the Board plans to implement several measures, including restricting play hours, using noise-dampening equipment, and incorporating landscaping designed to mitigate sound. These initiatives aim to ensure that noise levels remain compliant with Hillsborough County ordinances while balancing the excitement of new amenities with residents’ peace.
This ongoing situation reflects the growing tensions between recreational development and community concerns in areas where the popularity of sports like pickleball continues to rise.
As the conflict unfolds, the Andalucía Master Association Board remains committed to transparency and community engagement, seeking to foster an environment where all residents can feel heard and respected.
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