Special master halves fines in convenience-store gambling-case; issues deadlines, fines across dozens of code cases

Special Master Karen Jenkin on Aug. 7 reduced civil fines by half for a Homestead convenience store that faced eight citations for operating without an appropriate business license and having gaming-style machines on the premises, and she issued a series of compliance deadlines and fines in scores of separate code-enforcement matters.

The reduction came after the store's attorney, Michael A., told the special master his client had appealed earlier orders to circuit court and asked for mitigation to avoid the cost of prolonged litigation. Michael A. said the eight orders carried fines assessed per machine and that the total had grown because of interest and administrative costs. "We're asking for a reduction of the fines that were assessed. We're not seeking to relitigate the responsibility, obviously," Michael A. said.

The special master reviewed the file and the current balance the city had calculated — which included hard costs and administrative fees — and ordered a 50% reduction. "I do find a violation of City of Homestead for all these 8 cases here... I have gone ahead and reduced 50% of the cost, leaving at 8,500," Jenkin said, reading her ruling and listing the related case numbers.

Why it matters: The decision reduces a near‑term cash burden for the business and signals how the special master will weigh remedial steps, prior history and administrative costs when multiple citations arise from a single underlying activity. The attorney said the orders remain on appeal in circuit court and that settling with the reduced total would be coordinated with appellate counsel.

Votes at a glance (selected outcomes from the Aug. 7 special‑master hearing)

- CE24040036, CE24040037, CE24040038, CE24040039, CE24040041, CE24040042, CE24040043, CE24040048 — Finding of violation; fines reduced 50% to a consolidated balance of $8,500;…