SHORT TAKES : New Universal Park Draws Ire

Universal Studios Florida’s bright lights, loud noises and traffic have raised the ire of some people living near the new, $630-million theme park and sound stages.

In addition to being a tourist attraction, the new park is also a working movie, television and commercial operation, and the late-night activities--such as lights, explosions and gunshots--are too much for nearby residents who would like to get some sleep.

Local officials say the park is not breaking any laws. In fact, they say, the 444-acre attraction is quieter than living near a rowdy bar or an airport.

That’s little comfort, however, to those people who are being disturbed. And some of them are worried that it will only get worse after the theme park holds its grand opening June 7.

“It’s already terrifying,” Audrey Crabtree told the Orlando Sentinel. Her two-story house sits about half a mile from the attraction.

“We hear things blowing up. It’s so bright the lake doesn’t get dark anymore,” Crabtree said. Others have complained about jackhammers operating so close to their homes that walls vibrated and cracked.

Allen Eberly, Universal’s vice president of real estate development, said park officials are trying to contain noise and other distractions after 10 p.m.