The Special Magistrate meeting held on February 10, 2025, in St. Pete Beach focused on code enforcement issues, particularly concerning lien reduction requests and compliance matters.

During the meeting, it was announced that the city would not impose any fines or administrative costs on a property that had recently come into compliance. This decision reflects the city's approach to encourage adherence to regulations without financial penalties in certain cases.

A significant discussion arose regarding a lien reduction request involving Christopher and Brianna Smith. The city’s code enforcement manager, Pete Duerer, presented the case, noting that the Smiths were seeking a reduction of their lien, which totaled $22,000 plus $325 in administrative fees. The city opposed this request, citing a strict zero-tolerance policy for short-term rentals.

Jeff Pfeiffer, representing the Smiths, argued for a reduction based on the family's financial difficulties following recent storms and hurricanes that had severely impacted their home. He stated that Mr. Smith had earned less than $10,000 from rentals and was willing to pay $11,000 plus the administrative fee, which he believed was a fair compromise given the circumstances. Pfeiffer emphasized that this amount would still serve as a deterrent while acknowledging the family's current hardships.

The magistrate's decision on the lien reduction request is pending, with further discussions scheduled for March 10, 2025. This meeting highlights the ongoing challenges faced by property owners in St. Pete Beach, particularly in the wake of natural disasters and the enforcement of local rental regulations.