They’re still thumping around, but fewer hoopties are cranking the bass so loudly you can feel your abdominal wall vibrate. According to springtime news reports by Tampa Bay Times’ Richard Danielson, the Tampa City Council voted 6-0 — without Mary Mulhern, who was absent — to fine drivers whose stereos are plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet. Fines are $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense and $450 for a third offense. Even though most of the people complaining about noise were African-American, activist Life Malcolm claimed that the ordinance targets young black men.
This article appears in Sep 19-25, 2013.