Linda Farmer petitions Pasco County for investigation into Tom Bellino's enforcement practices

Residents of Shady Hills, Florida, are calling for immediate action from Pasco County officials following a petition presented at the recent Board of County Commissioners meeting. The petition, signed by over 200 local citizens, challenges the actions of a resident, Tom Boingo, who has been accused of filing excessive and fraudulent code enforcement complaints against his neighbors.

Linda Farmer, a spokesperson for the petitioners, highlighted the emotional and financial distress caused by Boingo's actions, which have created a climate of harassment within the community. She urged the county to conduct a thorough investigation into the legitimacy of the 377 complaints submitted by Boingo and to dismiss any unjustified claims. Farmer also called for revised guidelines to prevent the misuse of the code enforcement system.

Several residents echoed Farmer's concerns, sharing personal experiences of being targeted by Boingo. They described instances where code enforcement officers were dispatched for minor infractions, such as untagged vehicles parked on private property, while more pressing issues, like homeless encampments and illegal dumping, were overlooked.

Sarah Gonzales, another resident, expressed frustration over the lack of support from code enforcement, stating that her family has complied with regulations yet continues to face scrutiny. She emphasized the need for a balanced approach to code enforcement that addresses genuine community concerns rather than focusing on trivial violations.

The meeting also featured comments from Steven Ivester, who criticized Boingo's self-appointed role in enforcing codes, suggesting that his actions detract from the county's resources and priorities. Ivester warned of potential environmental hazards posed by neglected issues in the area, such as homeless camps near flammable materials.

As the community awaits a response from county officials, the petitioners remain hopeful for a fair resolution that restores integrity to the code enforcement process and alleviates the ongoing distress among residents. The board has committed to reviewing the concerns raised and engaging with the relevant departments to address the issues highlighted during the meeting.