Walton County magistrate reduces two fines, sets compliance deadlines in seven code-enforcement cases

Special Magistrate Hayward Dykes on April 9, 2025, heard seven code‑compliance cases in South Walton and issued final orders that included a partial fine reduction for Riverrun LLC, a reduced but substantial penalty for a long‑running junk and debris case, and compliance deadlines with per‑day fines for five other properties found in violation of the Walton County Land Development Code Chapter 7.

The magistrate granted Riverrun LLC a reduced fine after county staff confirmed the property was brought into compliance in March. In a separate, contested case, Dykes reduced a previously assessed $35,400 fine to $18,500 for a lot used for repeated dumping — but warned the reduction will be rescinded if the reduced amount is not paid within 90 days. For other cases, the magistrate set firm compliance deadlines and daily fines to begin accruing if requirements are not met.

Votes at a glance

- CE24618 (Riverrun LLC, Santa Rosa Beach, parcel 302S20333300000200): Magistrate granted a fine reduction. Order: $350 fine plus a $98 administrative fee (total due $448), payable within 30 days. County had recommended at least 25% ($700) of the prior $2,800 fine; the respondent had asked for $0. Evidence showed orange fill and heavy equipment had been brought onto the lot without permits; a mobile‑home permit was later obtained (compliance dated March 11, 2025). (Provenance: transcript 266.645–306.4; 563.82–613.205)

- CE24458 (Sebastian Appelt, parcel 352S20332900490070): Magistrate reduced the assessed fine from $35,400 to $18,500 and imposed a $91 administrative fee. The reduced amount must be paid within 90 days or the original fine will be reinstated. Neighbors and a resident letter urged a full fine to deter repeat dumping and nuisance use of the lot. Staff had recommended 25% of the assessed amount. (Provenance: transcript 714.56–802.715; 1461.135–1523.5)

- CE24993 (Kenneth and Melba Boyd, 180 East Wilson St., Santa Rosa Beach): Magistrate found violations for construction without permits and post‑permit changes; granted 80 days (through June 30, 2025) to bring the property into compliance because a variance hearing is pending and the owner faces imminent health issues. Order: $250 per day to accrue after June 30 if not compliant; $84 administrative fee due within 30 days. Planning staff said the variance for the pole barn could not legally be granted under the code; the planning director said the department will oppose the variance. (Provenance: transcript 1660.98–1879.99; 3424.78–3489.0698)

- CE24905 (CW and RW Holdings LLC, 125 Tradewinds Dr., Santa Rosa Beach): Property found in violation for an unpermitted deck and accessory structure. Order: obtain planning approvals and building permits within 60 days (on or before June 9, 2025) or face $100 per day; $98 administrative fee. No representative appeared at the hearing. (Provenance: transcript 3631.535–3837.8599; 3907.445–3950.04)

- CE240976 (Marion B. Shira, 11 Starlight Lane, Santa Rosa Beach): Violations included unpermitted RV/camper and exterior storage of inoperable vehicles/junk. Magistrate found sufficient evidence of violation and allowed 45 days plus a small cushion, setting a compliance deadline of May 26, 2025; if not complied, a $150 per day fine will be imposed. A $88 administrative fee must be paid within 30 days. The owner and family described steps underway to relocate vehicles and the RV; staff recommended 30 days but the magistrate extended the deadline to 45 days. (Provenance: transcript 4029.625–4315.845)

- CE240948 (Larry W. Kennedy, 36 Carnation Rd., Ponce de Leon): Property found in violation for overgrowth and junk/debris. Order: bring property into compliance on or before May 26, 2025 (approximately 47 days from the hearing); $100 per day fine to begin if not complied; $88 administrative fee. No representative appeared. Staff recommended 45 days. (Provenance: transcript 5038.165–5215.1953; 5249.34–5286.915)

- CE240876 (Nancy Marie Weimort Revocable Trust / Michael Weimort as representative, 351 Morrison Ave., Santa Rosa Beach): Violations for post‑permit changes and a shed inside a setback; magistrate ordered the owner or representative to apply for required permits within 30 days (on or before May 9, 2025). If not complied, a $200 per day fine will be imposed; administrative fee $102. Staff recommended 30 days; the magistrate also noted record‑keeping and title information on file should be checked to ensure orders are drafted to the correct legal owner/representative. (Provenance: transcript 5366.83–5559.73; 5692.7676–5744.325)

What officials and neighbors said

Magistrate Hayward Dykes framed his rulings around compliance and deterrence, telling parties he would reduce fines in two cases but insisted on concrete deadlines and fees to encourage timely compliance. In announcing the Riverrun order, Dykes said, "Based on the testimony and evidence presented, I will grant the fine reduction, as requested by the Riverrun LLC." (transcript 563.82–613.205)

Neighbors and residents provided the hearing its most extensive public testimony in the Appelt and Boyd cases. Mark Douglas, who lives across from the unpermitted structure at 180 East Wilson Street, described repeated disturbances and safety concerns and said the building "is an absolute disaster as far as anything that might happen for street improvements." (transcript 2450.04–2468.665; 2468.665–2523.2952)

Calm Gulf Drive resident Erica Adelman urged a larger fine for the Appelt property, arguing a reduced penalty would not deter future dumping: "If the fine is reduced, it wouldn't be as effective... to deter people to break the law." (transcript 1103.86–1170.9451)

Planning Director Matt Carpenter testified on the Boyd case that the department would oppose the requested variance, saying that "that variance cannot be legally granted according to the land development code and the circumstances of this case." (transcript 2229.705–2312.3901)

County staff recommendations and magistrate decisions

Across multiple matters, county code officers recommended time‑limited opportunities to obtain permits or remove violations (typically 30–60 days) and daily fines ranging from $100 to $250 after the deadline. The magistrate largely accepted staff recommendations but adjusted timeframes in some cases (notably extending the Boyd deadline to 80 days and giving Shira 45 days) to account for pending variance proceedings or reported medical issues.

What happens next

Orders contain explicit deadlines and administrative‑fee amounts; in at least two matters (Appelt and Riverrun), the magistrate reduced the assessed penalties but tied reductions to payment within fixed windows. In other matters, daily fines will begin to accrue if owners fail to secure permits or otherwise remedy the violations by the stated dates. Planning and code staff will re‑inspect properties after the deadlines and resume enforcement if order terms are not satisfied.

The magistrate closed the docket after entering orders for the listed cases and noted outstanding signed orders would be distributed to county staff for collection and follow‑up.