Silencing the issue

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Speakers were moved as part of the agreement.

Crews removed lawn speakers from the Ford Amphitheater on Monday as part of a settlement with Hillsborough County and the Environmental Protection Commission.

"It's one step in the process," said amphitheater general manager Ed Morrell.

Morrell said the lawn speakers are being removed and repositioned. He also said the settlement involves building a permanent sound barrier behind the lawn area to better contain the music. The $2.5 million barrier, which should be complete by next September, will replace a temporary one.

The EPC says the owner of the amphitheater, Clear Channel Entertainment, will pay $50,000 so sound technicians can monitor future concerts once the wall is built.

The EPC has logged dozens of complaints from nearby homeowners about the noise levels coming from the concert venue since it opened in July 2004, and the issue was even heard in the courts.

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