City cracks down on property violations with hefty fines

In a recent government meeting, several property violation hearings were conducted in Port St. Lucie, Florida, addressing issues of code compliance related to unkempt properties.

The first case involved a property at 1751 Southwest Dove Lane, where Code Officer Williams reported ongoing violations concerning unmaintained exterior areas. An inspection on February 9, 2024, revealed significant issues, leading to a notice of violation issued on February 12. The property owner, Earl El Bajou, was given until October 10, 2024, to rectify the situation or face daily fines of $25, capped at $2,500, along with administrative costs of $411 incurred by the city.

Another case at 307 Southwest Belmont Circle highlighted similar concerns, with high grass and weeds exceeding twelve inches, along with improper storage of materials. The property owner, Brian de Matteo, was ordered to comply by August 21, 2024, or incur fines of $75 per day, not exceeding $7,500. The city also reserved the right to enter the property to address the violations if necessary.

A third case at 1681 Southwest Clover Street involved similar violations, with the respondent Joanne Dezic required to comply by the same August 21 deadline, facing fines of $50 per day for non-compliance.

Lastly, at 731 Southwest Del Rio Boulevard, Mary Ellen V. Hoover was cited for high grass and weeds, with a compliance deadline of August 21, 2024, and potential fines of $25 per day.

Throughout the hearings, it was confirmed that proper notice was given to all respondents, and the city emphasized the importance of maintaining property standards for public health and safety. The magistrate affirmed the findings of violations and set compliance deadlines, underscoring the city's commitment to enforcing local codes.