Fort Pierce Court Grants 30 Days for Property Cleanup at 911 Atlantic Avenue

In the heart of Fort Pierce, the Special Magistrate Hearing unfolded under the watchful eyes of city officials and concerned residents. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of urgency and hope as the community gathered to address pressing code violations that have lingered in the shadows of the city’s neighborhoods.

The first case on the agenda involved a property at 911 Atlantic Avenue, owned by Lottie Broom. Heather De Bevig, a representative from the City of Fort Pierce Code Enforcement, presented a series of violations that had been documented since April 11, 2025. The list was extensive, citing issues such as nuisance land due to outside storage, improper placement of containers, and various deficiencies in the property’s structural integrity. Photographs taken by the enforcement officer illustrated the extent of the neglect, showing debris and disarray that had accumulated over time.

Harlan Broom, the property owner's son, stood before the magistrate, expressing the challenges his family faced. With his mother residing elsewhere and unable to manage the property since the passing of his father, Harlan pleaded for time to rectify the situation. “I just need time to get things in order as far as cleaning up,” he stated earnestly, highlighting the emotional toll the family had endured.

The magistrate, acknowledging the circumstances, granted a 30-day extension for the family to address the violations. The order included specific tasks: cutting grass, trimming overgrown vegetation, removing trash, and ensuring the property met safety standards. The magistrate emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in fines of $100 per day.

As the hearing progressed, the next case involved a lien reduction request for a property at 2420 Sunrise Boulevard, owned by James Holland and Alexandria Lopez. The history of this case revealed a timeline of non-compliance and fines that had accumulated since 2024. However, the property had recently been brought into compliance, showcasing a positive turnaround that the magistrate acknowledged.

The discussions during the hearing not only highlighted the challenges of property maintenance but also underscored the city’s commitment to upholding community standards. As the session concluded, the magistrate encouraged residents to take proactive steps in maintaining their properties, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility within the Fort Pierce community. The meeting served as a reminder of the delicate balance between individual circumstances and the collective well-being of the neighborhood, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency to address their own properties.