Palatka magistrate authorizes lien action after continued violations at 607 N. Eighteenth St.; $11,800 in fines to date

The special magistrate on July 15 authorized the City of Palatka to place an official lien on the property at 607 North Eighteenth Street after finding continued violations that remained unabated since the first hearing. Code enforcement presented photographs and testimony showing manmade debris, overgrown vegetation (measured by officers at up to 36 inches), sidewalk and parkway overgrowth, and mold and mildew covering an estimated 45% of the structure’s exterior.

Code Enforcement Coordinator Christy Lowe told the magistrate this was a second hearing and that the property’s condition had worsened; Lowe said staff had posted the property and placed notices in the Palatka Daily News but had received no response from the owner. Lowe testified the property was vacant, has a lock on the gate and a no-trespass sign, and that fines to date total $11,800. Lowe asked for an official lien to secure the outstanding fines.

The magistrate found that due process had been satisfied by certified mailing, property posting and publication and that “substantial and competent evidence” supported continued violations of Palatka Code §30-32(a) for accumulation of manmade debris, overgrown grass and sidewalk obstructions, and of §30-169 for mold and mildew on approximately 45% of the building exterior. Based on the evidence, the magistrate authorized the city to place an official lien on the property; fines will continue to accrue at $25 per violation per day until compliance is achieved.

Lowe told the magistrate that neighbors and the public had reported the property as a recurring source of debris and overgrowth and that the city would proceed with placing the lien on the property rather than foreclosure at this point. The magistrate closed the hearing after entering the lien authorization and documenting the total fines to date.