Magistrate finds fire-code violations at Cortland shopping center; orders compliance or fines

Deltona’s special magistrate found a property owner at 605 Cortland Boulevard — a shopping center with Publix as anchor tenant — in violation of two fire-code requirements and continued a third pending additional evidence.

Why it matters: the magistrate ordered the owner to correct recordkeeping and signage issues and to repair noted alarm-system deficiencies; the city warned that failure to comply would result in fines of $50 per day per violation.

Fire safety inspector Lisa Nadeau presented the case (Fire-038-2025) and said the city observed several deficiencies during inspections beginning 03/26/2025 and in follow-ups. The city sought records showing current backflow inspection/maintenance for a Cortland Boulevard entrance (violation A), signage on the LP tank that states "No Smoking" (violation C), and repairs to fire-alarm deficiencies noted in a 12/03/2024 fire-alarm inspection report (violation E). Nadeau told the magistrate the city requested 30 days to comply or $50 per day per outstanding violation.

Assistant Fire Marshal Samuel Schaller explained the alarm-reporting process and said the industry standard is that a licensed alarm contractor documents deficiencies and signs reports; Nadeau provided the report the city had received, which listed battery deficiencies in the panel and monitoring box.

Magistrate Kristen Ike said she could not find a violation based solely on hearsay — that is, a report authored by the alarm contractor — unless the city presented a witness with firsthand knowledge or supplemental competent evidence. She continued violation E so the city could present direct testimony or other supporting evidence about the alarm-system deficiencies. For violations A (backflow inspection record) and C (LP-tank signage), the magistrate found the respondent in violation and ordered corrections by 4:00 p.m. on 10/24/2025 (30 days). If the respondent does not comply by that date, the magistrate ordered fines of $50 per day per violation (a combined $100 per day) to be imposed until compliance is verified.

Next steps: the owner must provide the backflow inspection/maintenance report and install LP-tank signage stating "No Smoking" by 04:00 p.m. on 10/24/2025 or face daily fines; the city will continue violation E to allow the fire-alarm contractor or a qualified witness to provide direct testimony about the reported deficiencies.