At a Glance
- What: Martin County commissioners will talk about train “quiet zones” along the Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad and give staff direction.
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. The quiet zone item (DEPT-7) is set for 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Martin County Commission Chambers, 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart.
- Why it matters: A quiet zone means trains would stop routinely blowing their horns at some crossings. That could change daily life for people who live near the tracks.
What Is on the Agenda
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners meets Tuesday, Nov. 10. Item DEPT-7 is the “Railroad Safety Capital Improvement Program and Florida East Coast Railroad Quiet Zone Update.” County Public Works staff requested the item.
Staff will share the results of the county’s quiet zone review. That includes risks, benefits, and what the county would have to do to qualify. Commissioners will then give policy direction. According to a press release from local quiet zone supporters, the options include:
- No action
- Quiet zones across the county, either all day or only at night
- Partial quiet zones at some crossings, either all day or only at night
- Some other direction
The vote gives direction to staff. It does not by itself turn off train horns.
What Is a Quiet Zone?
Federal rules require train engineers to sound the horn before they reach a public road crossing. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) says the horn must sound 15 to 20 seconds before the crossing. The pattern is two long blasts, one short and one long. A horn can be as loud as 110 decibels.
A quiet zone is a stretch of track where trains do not sound the horn as a routine step. Only a local government, such as a city or county, can set one up. First, it must add safety upgrades to make up for the missing horn.
Quiet does not mean silent. Engineers can still use the horn in an emergency, such as when a person, car or animal is on the tracks.
How Martin County Got Here
Brightline started passenger service on the FEC line through the Treasure Coast in September 2023. The county says that added about 32 trips a day.
Martin County has 27 railroad crossings. In March 2025, commissioners voted against quiet zones. News reports at the time said safety was the main concern.
Residents kept pushing. On May 19, 2026, the board voted 3-2 to bring the issue back at a later date. A citizen group called Train Quiet Zones for Martin County, led by Jeffry Aderman, says more than 3,000 people support its effort.
“Residents are tired of constant train-horn noise disrupting their quality of life,” Aderman said in the group’s release.
Some commissioners have raised safety questions. At the May meeting, Commissioner Blake Capps pointed to Hobe Sound crossings near Dixie Highway. He said some have little room for a car to stop between the tracks and the traffic light.
How to Watch or Take Part
The meeting is open to the public. Public comment is scheduled for 9:05 a.m., with a three-minute limit per speaker. Supporters plan to arrive at 9 a.m.
You can also watch live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse) or online through the county’s MCTV page. Learn more about the area in our Martin County guide and Stuart guide.
Neighborhoods near the tracks in Hobe Sound and Jensen Beach could be among those most affected by any decision.
FAQ
When is the Martin County quiet zone vote?
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. The item is set for 10:30 a.m. at the County Commission Chambers, 2401 SE Monterey Road in Stuart.
Will train horns stop right after the vote?
No. The vote gives direction to county staff. A quiet zone needs safety upgrades and federal steps before horns stop.
Can trains still blow their horns in a quiet zone?
Yes. Engineers can still sound the horn in emergencies, such as when people, cars or animals are on the tracks.
Who decides if Martin County gets a quiet zone?
Only a local government can set up a quiet zone. It must meet Federal Railroad Administration safety rules first.
How many railroad crossings does Martin County have?
Martin County has 27 railroad crossings along the FEC line.
Can I speak at the meeting?
Yes. The agenda sets public comment at 9:05 a.m. Each speaker gets three minutes.
Sources: Martin County Board of County Commissioners Nov. 10, 2026 agenda (item DEPT-7, file 27-0144); Martin County BOCC meeting schedule; Federal Railroad Administration, “Train Horns and Quiet Zones”; Train Quiet Zones for Martin County press release (Nov. 4, 2026); WFLX (March 11, 2025); TCPalm (May 20, 2026).
