Bay County magistrate orders compliance for repeat property violations in Panama City

The Bay County Code Magistrate Hearing held on June 12, 2025, focused on ongoing property violations in the unincorporated areas of the county. The primary case discussed involved a property located at 1139 Fifth Street, Panama City, which has been repeatedly cited for violations of Bay County Code 17-2, including the presence of trash, junk appliances, debris, and derelict vehicles.

Investigator Tim Justice presented evidence detailing the property's condition over several inspections. He noted that despite previous notices and attempts to bring the property into compliance, violations persisted. The property was found to have accumulated yard debris, derelict watercraft, and additional junk, worsening over time. A compliance hearing is scheduled for July 17, 2025, to address these ongoing issues.

Code enforcement officials recommended that the magistrate impose a five-day deadline for the property owner to rectify the violations. If compliance is not achieved within this timeframe, a daily fine of $50 will be imposed for up to 25 days, which could result in a lien against the property.

The hearing concluded with the magistrate accepting the recommendations from code enforcement, emphasizing the need for property owners to maintain their properties in accordance with local regulations. The case highlights the county's ongoing efforts to address property maintenance issues and enforce compliance with local codes.