Board accepts multiple nuisance-abatement liens and orders corrections for overgrowth, inoperative vehicles and a green pool

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater Municipal Code Enforcement Board on Sept. 24 accepted multiple nuisance-abatement lien filings and ordered owners to correct overgrowth, remove debris, remedy inoperative vehicles, and clean a green pool at several properties or face abatement and liens.

The board addressed several cases in a single block of business, accepting staff recommendations and entering similar orders that generally require correction within five days of the board's written order and authorize the city to abate and recover the cost as a lien if owners do not comply.

Examples of cases and staff findings - 11 South Highland Avenue (case 133-25): Inspector Vicki Suddath said the front yard exhibited overgrowth and trash; notice was mailed Aug. 29 and a compliance date passed. She requested approval to file a nuisance-abatement lien and a five-day compliance window. - 204 South Corona Avenue (case 134-25): Suddath reported certified mail unclaimed and no action after the Aug. 29 notice; the front yard remained overgrown on Sept. 16 and staff requested a five-day correction order. - 2063 Plateau Road (case 135-25): Inspector Gregory Dixon presented photos showing overgrowth at posting and again at the hearing and requested a five-day compliance period for lot clearing. - 1938 Byrum Drive (case 137-25): Inspector Daniel Kasman reported overgrowth on a strip of land to the rear of the property and curb-line overgrowth; staff requested five-day compliance and noted a neighbor complaint prompted the referral. - 1528 Excalibur Drive (case 138-25): Inspector Kevin Maddox documented three vehicles lacking current registration or license plates; one vehicle had been removed by the time of a later inspection but others remained unregistered and staff requested five-day compliance to make vehicles roadworthy and display current registration. - 2440 Chaucer Street (case 140-25): Maddox reported a vehicle with no plate and photos from Sept. 18 and requested a five-day order. - 809 Glen Oak Ave East (case 609-25): Inspector Kevin Maddox verified a pool that remained green and unsanitary; the board accepted an affidavit of non-compliance and ordered remediation with standard lien/collection language if unpaid.

Board actions For each matter, the board voted to find the respondent in violation, ordered correction within five days of the board's written order, and authorized the city to enter onto the property to abate the nuisance if the owner failed to comply. Orders include the standard ability to charge reasonable abatement costs, which would become a lien on the property, and to foreclose, collect, or settle the lien if unpaid three months after filing.

Why it matters These actions are routine tools municipalities use to enforce property-maintenance standards, address visible health and safety concerns, and recover the costs of abatement when owners do not respond to notices. Inspectors documented photographs, visits on multiple dates, and attempts to contact owners; in several cases certified mail was unclaimed or owners did not respond.

Next steps Staff will monitor compliance and, if owners do not correct conditions within the ordered timeframes, may proceed with abatement and lien filings as authorized.