During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around a property located at 315 South Osceola Avenue in Deland, Florida, which is currently in violation of the City of Deland's property maintenance codes. The property has been reported to have severe structural damage, including a collapsed roof and wood deterioration, prompting city staff to recommend compliance measures.

Kelly Ruiz, the daughter of the deceased property owner, addressed the meeting, stating that this was her first official notice regarding the property's condition. She explained that the house is co-owned with the estate of another deceased co-owner, complicating the situation. Ruiz, who resides in Sarasota, has been managing the property from a distance and has been financially responsible for its upkeep, including yard maintenance and repairs, despite facing challenges in communication with the other co-owner's heirs.

The city has mandated that the property must come into compliance by September 23, 2024, or face a daily fine of $250 starting the following day. Ruiz expressed her concerns about the timeline, stating that the probate process is ongoing and that she requires more time to address the repairs, which she would have to fund out of her own pocket.

Ruiz highlighted the difficulties she faces in coordinating repairs and managing the property, particularly due to the lack of response from the other co-owner's family. She is currently working with a probate attorney to resolve ownership issues and hopes to establish clearer ownership through a quick claim deed, which would allow her to take full control of the property.

The meeting underscored the complexities of property ownership and maintenance in the context of probate and joint tenancy, as well as the city's commitment to enforcing property maintenance codes to ensure community safety and standards.