Titusville magistrate orders trust to secure or remove deteriorated truck-stop buildings; deadlines set for permits and remediation

The magistrate found multiple violations at the former truck-stop property at 8251 Windover Way — including deteriorated roofs and exterior walls, unsecured vacant structures subject to vagrant entry, and unsanitary interior conditions — and ordered the property owner, recorded as the George Raymond Donald Senior Trust, to secure the structures against unauthorized entry by Sept. 5, 2025. The magistrate set a second milestone requiring that a permit application be submitted by Sept. 5 and that permits be issued within 30 days thereafter (roughly Oct. 5, 2025). If the trust fails to comply, the magistrate warned fines of $100 per day per violation.

Officer May described repeated vandalism, graffiti, signs of vagrant occupation and fire damage to one building in April 2024. The property contains three buildings and two fuel canopies; Officer May said the structures show roof and wall deterioration and that no building permits for rehabilitation or demolition were on file. “All structures show signs of deterioration… signs of vagrant activity. People entering the property… graffiti, trash,” Officer May said.

Julie Donald, appearing with power of attorney for the trust, told the magistrate the family is pursuing bids for demolition and has a purchase contract under which a buyer plans redevelopment; she said she is seeking financing and that an EPA soil-sampling step is pending. The magistrate allowed 60 days to secure openings against entry and directed the trust to submit permit applications by Sept. 5; permit issuance was required within the next 30 days. Administrative costs of $128.53 were assessed and will be included in the order. The magistrate urged the owners to keep the city informed of progress and noted that the city may consider additional time if clear steps—permit application or other binding commitments—are demonstrated before the deadlines.