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Citrus County special master orders multiple cleanups and daily fines for junk and debris cases
Summary
At a July 15 code compliance hearing, the special master found dozens of properties in violation of the county’s junk‑and‑debris ordinance and set varied compliance deadlines and per‑day fines.
Citrus County code compliance officers presented numerous accumulation‑of‑junk-and‑debris cases at the July 15 hearing. Evidence offered included dated photographs from initial, corrective‑action and pre‑hearing inspections, certified mail receipts or posted notices, and testimony from officers who conducted on‑site inspections.
Erica Olsen, Cody McGuire and other county officers described common conditions: piles of household garbage, appliances, construction debris, oversized items on lawns and driveways, and, in several cases, transient occupants or tenants who did not reside at the recorded owner’s address. Officers authenticated exhibits showing that some properties had multiple corrective actions and continued noncompliance. In cases where owners or agents acknowledged the condition, the special master generally granted a short period to abate and set per‑day fines that would begin if the property was not made compliant.
Representative outcomes from the hearing included: - A 15‑day compliance period and $150 per day if not abated (Case: Celeste/Celesie Fissel at 3045 Leeway, owner’s daughter Gabrielle appeared and said she is handling probate). - A 3‑month compliance period for a 4.7‑acre property (David Roberts) with a $100‑per‑day fine after that period; the owner described health and financial constraints and the special master allowed three months before fines begin. - Multiple 30–45 day periods with $100‑per‑day fines for standard residential junk cases where officers reported ongoing noncompliance (examples include Robert and Florina Knapp; Mary Cleary; others).
The special master repeatedly admitted county photographic evidence as exhibits and explained that administrative costs will be assessed along with fines as allowed by the Citrus County Code. He noted he rarely extends compliance time absent clear exigent circumstances (for example, documented hurricane damage), but awarded additional time where evidence of ongoing progress or personal hardship was credible.
Several tenants and family members spoke during their cases, clarifying probate status, caretaking responsibility, or that cleanups were underway. The special master reminded parties that orders are recorded and can be enforced as liens if fines accrue.
