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Palatka magistrate gives April 17 deadline for grass, debris and unregistered truck at 312 Fern St.
Summary
The special magistrate found violations at 312 Fern Street involving overgrown grass, debris and an unregistered/inoperable truck, and set a 30-day compliance deadline of April 17 to avoid fines or a future lien.
The special magistrate found three code violations at 312 Fern Street in Palatka and ordered the property brought into compliance by the end of business April 17 to avoid fines and possible later lien action.
Christie Lowe, a code enforcement officer for the City of Palatka, presented photographs showing grass exceeding 18 inches, man-made debris including tires and items in a trailer, and a white truck without a visible tag. Lowe said updated photos from March 2025 reflected the conditions and recommended compliance steps.
Devin Buford, who identified himself as the grandson of the owner listed in county records, told the magistrate he is “in the middle of probate” and litigation over ownership. Henry Fox said he holds power of attorney for the property and told the magistrate, “The power of attorney signed over both properties to me.”
Magistrate Ron Brown found the city had satisfied due-process notice requirements through certified mail and property posting and said he could find violations. He told the respondents they had until April 17 to register or remove the white truck, mow grass to below 18 inches, and remove man-made debris. Brown said if those steps are completed by the deadline, “there’ll be no fines. This case will be over.”
Why it matters: the magistrate’s finding puts the property on a clear compliance timetable. If the owner fails to meet the April 17 deadline, fines — assessed at $25 per violation per day as stated at the hearing — may begin to accrue on April 18 and the city may return later to seek a lien against the property.
The magistrate noted the truck was described at the hearing as inoperable and unregistered; the owner or responsible party must make it operable and registered or remove it from the property. The officer said the trailer itself appeared registered and could remain if cleared of debris.
Quotations in context: Devin Buford said, “I’m currently in the middle of probate.” Henry Fox said, “The power of attorney signed over both properties to me.” Magistrate Brown told the respondents, “You’ve got until the end of business on April 17.”
If respondents report compliance to code enforcement by the deadline, the case will close; if not, fines and later lien proceedings are possible.
