Sarasota court imposes daily fines on McCaffrey for code violations

In a tense session at Venice City Hall, the Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement addressed ongoing compliance issues concerning local properties. The meeting, held on March 5, 2025, revealed a significant lack of progress from property owner Mr. McCaffrey, who faced fines for failing to secure necessary permits.

The magistrate expressed confusion over Mr. McCaffrey's actions, noting that he had been granted two months to obtain a permit but had only submitted an application after the deadline. The magistrate emphasized that the orders were clear, and the failure to comply would result in penalties. As a result, a daily fine of $250 was imposed, starting immediately, for one property, with the fine continuing until compliance was achieved.

The magistrate clarified that the fines would cease once Mr. McCaffrey obtained the required permits, indicating a pathway to resolution. However, the situation was complicated by a second property, where a fine of $150 per day was also established, again contingent on obtaining the necessary permits for repairs.

Throughout the proceedings, the magistrate took into account the gravity of the violations and any previous infractions by Mr. McCaffrey. The decisions made during this meeting will be recorded in the public records of Sarasota County, establishing a lien against the properties involved.

As the session concluded, the magistrate's firm stance underscored the city's commitment to enforcing building regulations and ensuring compliance, reflecting broader efforts to maintain community standards in Venice. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to local codes and the potential consequences of neglecting such responsibilities.