Palatka magistrate allows city lien on burned Laurel Street property; $7,125 owed and $50/day accrual

Special Magistrate Ron Brown found that 1315 Laurel Street has ongoing violations for a deteriorating burned structure and remaining man-made debris, and he entered an order allowing the City of Palatka to place an official lien on the property for the outstanding fines.

Christie Lowe, City of Palatka code enforcement officer, reported ongoing contact with the property’s registered agent in Fort Lauderdale and presented photographs showing a partially boarded, fire-damaged structure with openings that allow access and scattered debris (tires, vacuum cleaner and other items). Lowe said the property owner had boarded portions of the structure but left gaps that children could still access; she also said some debris remained in the yard. Lowe took photos on January 29, 2025 that reflect the property’s current condition and said the owner had not completed boarding and closure of all openings.

Brown found there remained a violation of section 30-169 (deteriorating exterior due to fire damage) and section 30-32(a)(1) (accumulation of man-made items). He granted the city’s request to enter an order allowing the placement of an official lien on the property. Lowe provided the current tally of fines as $7,125, and the magistrate said fines will continue to accrue at $50 per day until the violations are satisfied. City staff said they expect to record the lien imminently.

The magistrate noted the owner had shown some progress but had not sealed off access to the structure; he instructed the owner or their representative to finish boarding and remove remaining debris to avoid further accrual of fines or escalation. Code enforcement will monitor and, if necessary, pursue further remedies consistent with the city's code and the magistrate's order.