Code compliance rulings: roundup of Feb. 17 hearing findings and deadlines

Special Master Christian Waugh issued rulings across a lineup of code-enforcement cases at the Feb. 17, 2025 Citrus County hearing. Below is a concise listing of cases for which the record shows formal findings, compliance timelines and daily fines or procedural outcomes.

Summary of decisions (case number → subject → outcome / compliance deadline → daily fine if not abated):

- Michael R. Novich — accumulation of junk and debris (case listed as 20Four-two117) — Violation found; 30 days to abate; $100/day after deadline. (Separate right-of-way allegation, case 20Four-two133, postponed for written order in April.)

- Tubbs Ranch & Grove LLC (case 2020Four-six20) — fine appeal on multiple structural items; special master eliminated fines accrued Dec. 23, 2024–hearing date and reduced the daily fine going forward (county had sought $500/day; special master halved the practical rate). Owners must pursue outstanding permits; county to reinspect.

- Mildred Gore (cases listed on agenda) — Found violations in three cases (overgrown vegetation; accumulation of junk and debris; temporary occupancy of an RV). Orders: overgrown grass and junk cases — 90 days to abate; $100/day thereafter. Temporary RV occupancy — 7 days to abate; $100/day thereafter.

- Equity Trust Company (case 20242166) — Tree/vegetative debris on 4.84-acre property: 4 months to abate; $100/day after deadline.

- Soldier Boy Properties (case 202402156) — Violation conceded; 30 days to abate; $100/day after deadline.

- Ralph W. Smith (three related cases) — Repeat and accessory-use matters: granted 60 days to abate; $50/day per violation after deadline.

- William B. Portwood (two cases) — Agreed violations; 7 days to abate; $50/day per violation after deadline.

- K. M. Martin (two repeat cases) — Repeat violations found: for the overgrown/vegetation case special master set repeat fine at $50/day and $200/day going forward; for the junk/repeat case he maintained county position: 27 days at $100/day (repeat window) then $200/day going forward.

- Ashley Herron (case 2024-1884) — Temporary occupancy / related violation: 60 days to abate; $100/day if not abated.

- David S. and Janice L. Jorstad (case 2024-2141?) — Owner presented cleanup; special master granted 14 days to confirm abatement; $100/day if not complete.

- David Ferrer (case 20242081) — Owner presented post-inspection photos; special master concluded the earlier observed junk condition had been cleaned as of the most recent inspection and did not assess further sanctions for that specific matter.

- William Patrick McKeown (case 20242159) — Special requirements for accessory structures on small lot: 30 days to abate; $150/day after deadline.

- Joseph R. Kujic Jr. (case 202402590) — Use-standard/storage violations on a 0.54-acre parcel: 30 days to abate; $200/day after deadline.

- Michael E. Neal (case 2402188) — Accumulation case: 14 days to abate; $50/day after deadline.

- John Stasio (case 20242198) — Accumulation of junk and debris: 30 days to abate; $100/day after deadline.

What the entries mean Each line lists the case as recorded in the hearing, the county code section most commonly invoked (Chapter 20, Article 3, Section 20-31A for junk/accumulation matters) and the special master’s remedial order: a compliance timeline followed by a daily civil penalty if the respondent fails to abate. Several decisions were calibrated for storm recovery or property-specific circumstances; in at least one appeal (Tubbs Ranch) the special master suspended accrued fines and reduced the daily penalty in light of hurricane impacts and partial compliance.

How to follow up - Owners who received orders were instructed to notify Code Compliance when they consider their property abated so a reinspection can be scheduled. County staff told the special master they will perform reinspections after the compliance deadlines. - For one matter of legal interpretation (Novich right-of-way encroachment), the special master deferred a written opinion until the April hearing; that opinion could affect the county’s enforcement approach to landscaping and mulch in the right of way.

Ending — Practical note Citizens and property owners should treat each deadline in the special master’s orders as enforceable: failure to abate by the date announced will generally trigger the posted daily fines. The special master noted that appeals of his orders may be filed to the circuit court within the statutory period if owners wish to challenge the findings.