Magistrate consolidates three Sungold LLC code cases, gives 14 days to finish fence repairs

A St. Pete Beach special magistrate consolidated three code-enforcement cases against Sungold LLC (case nos. 20250312, 20250417 and 20250418) and ordered the property owner to repair remaining down-fence sections and overgrown weeds within 14 days. The magistrate said the city presented evidence showing parts of the fence and vegetation had been addressed but that “portions of the fence being down” remained and warranted a short compliance period.

The City of St. Pete Beach said the parcels share contiguous problems but have different folio numbers; Steven Rivera, a city code officer, presented photo evidence and recommended fines if the property did not reach compliance. Rivera told the magistrate he inspected the property the morning of the hearing and that vegetation along the sidewalk had been cleared but some fence sections remained on the ground.

Respondent counsel (identified in the record as Mr. Lareau) and the magistrate agreed to treat the three cases as a single consolidated matter for today’s hearing. The magistrate declined to assess fines at the consolidated hearing, allowed 14 days from the date of the order for the owner to address the remaining fence gaps and overgrown weeds, and scheduled a compliance check at the Aug. 11 docket.

The magistrate cautioned that gaps intentionally left for ingress and egress are not themselves violations if adjacent fence portions are maintained, but portions that are broken must be removed or repaired. The magistrate also told counsel to ensure the contractor completes the repairs promptly so the city will not need to resume enforcement at the August hearing.

If the property fails to comply at the reconvened hearing, the city may pursue fines or lien recording as allowed by ordinance and prior magistrate orders.