FEC Railroad Quiet Zone update
Summary
More than 30 residents begged commissioners for railroad quiet zones, describing 5,400 horn blasts a day, lost sleep, PTSD flare-ups, and sinking property values. The board voted 3-2 to schedule the item when an FRA expert can attend.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Much of the expensive crossing upgrades are already done; remaining costs were described as nominal.
Residents along the rail corridor in Jensen Beach, Stuart, and Hobe Sound who endure hundreds of horn blasts daily.
Opponents worry about safety at crossings if horns are restricted without proper infrastructure.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Board of County Commissioners — November 10, 2026
An update on the quiet zone effort and railroad safety improvements along the FEC corridor is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. — relevant for anyone who lives near the tracks.
Board of County Commissioners — October 13, 2026
A resident pushed for quiet zones with double gates at rail crossings — quieter neighborhoods and safer crossings. The board agreed to invite the Railroad Safety Commission to present.
Board of County Commissioners — August 25, 2026
After a train-car collision in Hobe Sound, Commissioner Capps detailed federal-grant-funded safety upgrades at five dangerous crossings; Commissioner Vargas described Jensen Beach crossing and lighting improvements.
Board of County Commissioners — June 9, 2026
Doug Farley showed photos arguing that quiet zones with four-gate crossings are actually safer than horn-only crossings, citing a cyclist killed at Monterey and Dixie last month. He urged the commission to pursue Federal Railroad Administration quiet zone standards.
Board of County Commissioners — May 19, 2026
More than 30 residents begged commissioners for railroad quiet zones, describing 5,400 horn blasts a day, lost sleep, PTSD flare-ups, and sinking property values. The board voted 3-2 to schedule the item when an FRA expert can attend.
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