Finally! Noisy Leaf Blowers Will Soon Be Gone

Noisy leaf blowers are the scourge of Florida. Because we don't really have a 'winter', there's no break from noisy leaf blowers wrecking the neighborhood peace once a week. In my neighborhood, it's on Monday, and it starts around 8 am.

I know it's for sun protection, but it feels like they wear face coverings to protect their identity.

Naples, Florida has already stood up to the problem, enacting an ordinance back in 2021 banning gasoline powered leaf blowers within city limits. The also made the restriction that battery and electric powered leaf blowers cannot exceed 65 decibels. I live in Estero, which does not have a similar law. You see that picture above? That's the kind of leaf blowers that are used in my neighborhood. Gasoline powered. And they are LOUD! Upwards of 100 decibels.

But there's also a challenge to that law. According to a tweet from Jason Garcia "the Florida Senate wants to stop cities and counties from imposing any kind of restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers". How this bill could affect Naples in not known. Gas-powered leaf blowers are just the worst.

Innovation to the rescue. According to a press release from the school "The challenge before Johns Hopkins University engineering students: Take a leaf blower, but make it quiet. Make it work as powerfully as ever, but do not allow it to emit the ear-piercing caterwaul that has gotten leaf blowers banned in some communities and cursed in many others."

And they did it.

The student's leaf blower design drops the noise level by 40%, virtually eliminating the most obnoxious frequencies. And it's retail ready - Black and Decker plans on having them in the stores within 2 years.

"Our product takes in a full blow of air and separates it," said team member Leen Alfaoury. "Some of that air comes out as it is, and part of it comes out shifted. The combination of these two sections of the air makes the blower less noisy."

Their design does not reduce the power of the machine, it just reduces the noise. Something those of us in Florida who are trying to sleep in would absolutely welcome.

Team adviser Stephen Belkoff puts it bluntly: "It's still a leaf blower but it's not nearly as annoying as it was before they got involved."

The tricky part will be adaptation. A lot of the landscaping services using gas-powered leaf blowers will continue to do so because of the cost to upgrade. They'll keep using what they have until they break, but when they do, the price point and power of battery powered blowers is where they need to be. Plus, a 56 volt leaf blower costs half as much as one of those backpack style blowers.

Although the student's task was to reduce the sound of noisy leaf blowers, the design can be adapted for use on other loud appliances like vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.

The weather is expected to be much better this weekend than last. Some of the events that were postponed are ready to take place. Here are your Weekend Vibes for the third weekend in June. Check out these 6 things to entertain you this weekend in Southwest Florida.

It is officially here, summer. Summer solstice occurred on Thursday. It's also hurricane season and we had our first storm of the year. Time to check out our supplies and plans if a storm comes our way. There is a guide here to help remind you of a few things so you will be prepared.

Summer Solstice celebrations are occurring all over. There is a night market in downtown Fort Myers and an artisan market in North Naples. In addition, there is a Juneteenth celebration in Naples that was postponed from last week.

Finally, I DO have a sneak preview of a great family show taking place beginning of next week. I couldn't resist.

Remember, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for June 21st through the 23rd.

There are lots of things to keep you busy this weekend in the Fort Myers and Naples area. If you can, get out and support local events and business. Enjoy these Weekend in Southwest Florida.

*Please note, events are subject to change. Especially considering the weather. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

It's time for the annual celebration of summer at Fort Myers Brewing Company. Try new, limited edition beers as well as your longtime faves. There is a large roster of live entertainment and lots of great food from a variety of trucks. Festivities begin Thursday and run through Sunday. Free. More info here.

This monthly event highlights local and regional musicians. It's Friday from 6-10pm. Some streets are closed in the downtown area and music is featured both outdoors and in many of the restaurants, bars and galleries. Free. More info here. 

This celebration takes place at River Park Community Center Saturday. It was originally planned for last week but was rescheduled due to weather.  Enjoy dancers, music and live entertainment. There will also be presentations, food, vendors and more. The center is on 11th St., in Naples beginning at 11am. Free.  More info here.

This fun event is at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers. It's a place to interact with local entrepreneurs and creators. Perhaps you'll make some connections and get some inspiration. There will be entertainment and food trucks too. Free. More info here.

Meet local artisans at this monthly Mercato market in North Naples. Some 25 artists will be on hand with a wide variety of goods. In addition, there is a Bubbles Bar for you to enjoy sparkling wine and Prosecco. Proceeds benefits Empty Bowls Naples, a non-profit with a mission to  fight hunger. Saturday Noon to 4pm. Free. More info here.

This is NOT this weekend but I wanted to give you a heads up because it is a big deal for parents and grandparents to get ready for. The show is actually Tuesday and Wednesday. This popular, award-winning kids television show comes to life on the stage at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composers. Tickets start at $43. More info here.