Magistrate issues compliance deadlines, continuances and lien‑reduction recommendations in multiple Martin County cases

At the April 16 Martin County Code Enforcement Magistrate hearing, magistrate rulings, stipulations and continuances resolved or advanced a slate of property‑maintenance and permitting cases. County code enforcement investigators and the county’s nuisance abatement coordinator presented evidence, and magistrate orders set compliance dates, continuances and recommended lien reductions for several properties.

Worley estate (3211 SE Clayton St., Stuart): The magistrate continued the Worley estate case to May 21, 2025, at the request of the respondent and after the respondent produced photos showing partial cleanup. The county’s investigator, Maria Espaia, had documented high grass, trash and inoperable vehicles and said compliance had not been achieved as of April 15; evidence taken that day was not admitted because the parties agreed to a continuance for a full reinspection.

Ida L. Resacher Intervivos Declaration of Trust (155 SW Canner Hwy., Stuart): Investigator Deborah Carrasco presented photographs of unpermitted work to multiple small structures on the property. The magistrate found violations as charged and ordered compliance by June 30, 2025; failing that, a $100‑per‑day fine will accrue. The county was awarded $575 in investigative costs; the respondent said a contractor had applied for permits and asked for time to complete the permitting process.

Royal Palm Stewart Mobile Home Park LLC (perimeter fence and job site): Chris Counselor (code compliance investigator) testified that fence sections around the park were damaged and a job site had not been secured. The park’s manager said a contract had been executed and work to repair the fence would begin immediately; because the contractor was not yet licensed in Martin County, the magistrate extended the compliance date to June 30, 2025 and ordered the county’s $575 costs be paid if a final order is entered and the violation remains.

KOH S Knox LLC (7770 SW Rattlesnake Run, Palm City): County staff documented fence sections installed without an issued permit; the magistrate ordered compliance by May 30, 2025 and awarded $575 in investigative costs to the county.

James B. Ray Sr. Revocable Living Trust (4729 SE Compass Way): A stipulation signed by the trustee and county staff will be entered as an agreed order. The trustee paid $350 in administrative costs; the stipulation requires compliance by Sept. 16, 2025.

Multiple lien‑reduction and fine‑reduction stipulations: The magistrate accepted staff recommendations and will forward agreed reductions to the County Commission for final approval. Staff presented and the magistrate recommended approval of liens reduced to 10% (typical policy floor) for these matters: a proposed short‑sale purchaser offered $31,277.50 to resolve an outstanding lien on 4645 SE Pompano Street (Palmer); Terry Jacobson and Crystal Fenton offered $17,246 for 1781 SW College St.; Dawn Marie Decker offered $775 (including costs) for 3277 SE Birch Ave.; Lisa Chitty and Chris Bishop offered $4,067.50 for 8004 SE Carlton St.; and ABJJ Property Rentals LLC, a new owner, offered $1,297.50 to resolve outstanding fines on 4440 SE Chesapeake Bay Drive (Holly Speakman). County staff said the owners or contract purchasers brought properties into compliance in each case.

Other items: Investigator Maria Espaia reported a separate case (Evelyn R. Comstock) had come into compliance and the magistrate dismissed the matter. The magistrate accepted county exhibits into evidence where there was no objection and recorded the orders and continuances on the docket.

Outcomes at a glance: - Worley estate (KCNF2025010048): Continued to May 21, 2025 (no evidence admitted today). - Ida L. Resacher trust (2025010356): Order to comply by June 30, 2025; $100/day fine if not complied; county costs $575. - Royal Palm Stewart MHC LLC (ENF2024120195‑01): Compliance ordered; contractor licensing issue led to extension to June 30, 2025; county costs $575. - KOH S Knox LLC (ENF2024120361): Compliance ordered by May 30, 2025; county costs $575. - James B. Ray Sr. Revocable Living Trust (ENF2024090102): Stipulation accepted; compliance by Sept. 16, 2025; administrative costs $350 paid. - Lien/fine reduction recommendations: Palmer (payment offer $31,277.50), Jacobson & Fenton ($17,246), Decker ($775), Chitty & Bishop ($4,067.50), Speakman (new owner ABJJ offered $1,297.50). Magistrate will forward agreed reductions to the County Commission.

The magistrate recorded orders and stipulated timeframes; several matters will return to the magistrate or proceed to the county commission for final action.

Sources: Testimony and exhibits admitted at Martin County Code Enforcement Magistrate hearing, April 16, 2025. Case numbers and compliance dates are from the hearing record and stipulations.