City of Saint Pete Beach enforces turtle-friendly lighting compliance at Hurricane Lounge

The Special Magistrate Code Enforcement meeting held on July 14, 2025, in St. Pete Beach, Florida, addressed several key cases regarding code violations in the city. The primary focus was on case number 20250275 involving Hurricane Lounge, Inc., located at 809 Gulf Way.

Steven Rivera from the City of St. Pete Beach Code Enforcement presented the case, detailing violations related to beachfront lighting standards as outlined in the city’s ordinance. The initial inspection occurred on May 9, 2025, with a notice of violation issued on May 15, 2025. The compliance deadline was set for June 16, 2025, but a follow-up inspection on June 24 revealed ongoing issues, including improper uplighting and non-compliant stairwell lighting.

Rivera recommended a fine of $250 per day starting May 27, 2025, until compliance is achieved, along with $330 in administrative costs and potential lien recording fees.

Rick Falkenstein, the president and owner of Hurricane Lounge, addressed the magistrate, stating that the establishment had made efforts to comply by adding orange tint to the lights and turning off several fixtures. He expressed willingness to make further adjustments if necessary and confirmed he had communicated with city officials regarding compliance.

The magistrate acknowledged the efforts made by Hurricane Lounge but noted that a final determination of compliance would require a city inspection. She granted a 14-day extension for the lounge to ensure full compliance with the turtle lighting code, emphasizing the importance of adhering to environmental regulations. If compliance is not met within this timeframe, the case may be revisited in August, potentially leading to fines.

The meeting then transitioned to case number 20250069, involving respondents Annie Nguyen and Timmy Truong, indicating a continued focus on enforcing city codes to maintain community standards. The proceedings underscored the city’s commitment to environmental protection and regulatory compliance in St. Pete Beach.