Special magistrate cuts lien against 6800 Gulf Blvd. owner to 10% after long-running sign dispute

Erica Augello, the special magistrate presiding over Saint Pete Beach code-enforcement hearings, reduced a $49,500 lien against Richard Allen Long, trustee of the Richard Allen Long Revocable Trust, to 10% of the original amount — $4,950 — plus $325 in administrative costs and any necessary recording fees. The magistrate ordered the reduced amount paid within 30 days of the written order and warned that unpaid sums would revert to the full $49,500.

The lien traces to an unpermitted sign at 6800 Gulf Boulevard above a restaurant that code staff said remained in place despite prior notices and postings. The trust’s attorney, Joe Melendez, argued the owner was effectively absent from the jurisdiction during much of 2024 and that enforcement procedures and delays by the city led to the prolonged accrual of fines. Melendez called witnesses and presented a binder of materials to support an equitable reduction request.

Augello said she found the city’s statutory notice — including certified mail and a posted notice — legally proper under chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes and the City of Saint Pete Beach Code of Ordinances. Still, she cited the length of time between the initial notice and final removal, and the record showing the tenant removed other banner signs quickly when notified, as grounds to reduce the lien. Augello said: “You own commercial property in a jurisdiction. . . . That being said, I found at the hearing and I continue to find that legally required notice was given to the property owner.”

Restaurant owner Steven Todorovic and tenant Richard (Rick) Myers testified they were unaware of the formal notice until months later and said they removed noncompliant signs within days of learning of the enforcement action. Myers said he and his team removed the complained-of signs “within 48 hours” of being informed. City counsel opposed a substantial reduction and asked that the lien remain in full because work had been completed without the required permits and fines accrued until removal on March 25, 2025.

Augello declined to relieve Long of the designation as the violator and left responsibility for any contractual claim between owner and tenant to private agreement. She said the record did not allow her to relitigate underlying waivered procedural objections but that equitable considerations justified a reduction to 10%.

The magistrate directed the city to issue a written order with payment instructions and the caution that if the reduced payment is not made, the full lien amount will be reinstated.