Worley estate given until Nov. 19 hearing to show compliance after Magistrate offers continuance

The Martin County Code Enforcement Magistrate continued the hearing for the Worley estate at 3211 Southeast Clayton Street to the Nov. 19, 2025 docket and directed the property owner to come into compliance with county code requirements for trash and high grass.

Maria Espia testified that inspections on July 14 and subsequent checks found high grass, trash and a shutter issue; photographs and a notice of violation issued July 16, 2025, were introduced as county exhibits. "On 07/14/2025, I inspected the property. At that time, I observed high grass, trash, and a window with shutters," Espia said, and she offered exhibits documenting the condition and a permit history showing no permits issued for the cited work.

Donald H. Worley (identified at hearing as a family member) described ongoing financial and housing pressures, said he had moved family members into the house after a foreclosure at another residence, and said he was arranging repairs and cleanup through barter arrangements with acquaintances. The magistrate noted apparent progress on the shutters but that trash and weeds remained and asked whether the owner could comply by Oct. 31. Worley said he could comply "before then. Absolutely." The magistrate instead accepted an offer to continue the case to Nov. 19, 2025, to allow additional time and stated that if full compliance is demonstrated and inspected before that date, costs (the usual $575) would not be imposed; if the property remains noncompliant at the continued hearing, the magistrate said costs would be awarded to the county.

All county exhibits were entered into evidence. The magistrate recorded that the owner may appeal any final order to circuit court and that the case will be re-noticed for Nov. 19, 2025 if noncompliance persists.