Special master issues fines and abatement deadlines across dozens of Citrus County code cases

Citrus County Special Master Christian Wong presided over a full docket of property-code hearings April 16, 2025, issuing a mix of continuances, abatement deadlines and fines across dozens of cases involving junk and debris, unlicensed or inoperable vehicles, unpermitted site work and deficient safety barriers at private pools.

The most immediate procedural action came in the Michael Arnovich matter (case CE20202042133). Wong said he will issue a written briefing order asking the parties to address whether material on the subject property encroaches on the right-of-way and continued the hearing to the May 20 session at the Inverness courthouse. "I'm going to issue a briefing order," Wong told the parties.

Why it matters: the hearing produced dozens of enforceable timelines and monetary penalties that will affect property owners across the county, including one-time fines, daily accruals for noncompliance and orders tied to obtaining permits. Several cases involved repeat violations or safety concerns (including a pool enclosure) that the special master treated more severely.

Key outcomes (selected highlights)

- One-time fine: Vernon Carpenter’s two cases for junk, debris and unlicensed vehicles were resolved with a one-time fine of $500 total rather than daily fines; the special master noted Carpenter claimed he sold the property immediately before the hearing and imposed a $500 one-time penalty. Code staff indicated the buyer had been notified of the existing violations.

- Briefing order / continuance: Michael Arnovich (CE20202042133) — hearing continued to May 20; special master to circulate a written briefing order asking parties to address the right-of-way/encroachment questions and relevant defenses.

- Repeat and safety cases: Gloria Thrush/Tierney’s properties (several cases) drew a mix of deadlines and higher fines because of repeat findings and a compromised pool enclosure. The special master set 15 days for the unlicensed/inoperable-vehicle violation and 30 days for the junk/debris violation; fines for failure to abate were set at $200 per day on those items. For the pool enclosure violation the master set 30 days and said the prospective fine for continued public-safety risk would be substantial.

- Commercial/unpermitted site work: Several unpermitted site-development matters drew civil penalties. Notably…