St. Pete Beach magistrate orders daily fines, grants lien reduction and short extensions in Feb. 10 code hearing

Erica Augello, the special magistrate appointed by the City of St. Pete Beach, issued a mix of extensions, compliance findings, fines and a lien reduction during a Feb. 10, 2025, code enforcement hearing.

Augello granted a 30‑day extension to 1008 Airport Road LLC to secure a dumpster enclosure permit; she found two properties — Transform LLC and the property owned by Nancy Gibbs Roy and Janet Gibbs Skelly Hayden — in compliance and ordered no fines; she assessed daily fines against Family International Home Builders LLC for continued violations; and she reduced a $22,000 lien against Christopher and Brianna Smith to $11,000 plus a $325 administrative fee with a 30‑day payment condition.

Why it matters: the decisions affect property owners' financial liability and the timeline for bringing properties into compliance in St. Pete Beach, shaping how quickly problematic properties may be resolved and whether liens or fines will be pursued.

Votes at a glance

- Case 20240157 — City of St. Pete Beach v. 1008 Airport Road LLC: Augello granted a 30‑day extension to secure a dumpster enclosure permit; status hearing continued if needed at the April hearing. Augello said, “I will go ahead and grant an additional 30 day extension since today is February 10.”

- Case 20240633 — City of St. Pete Beach v. Nancy Gibbs Roy and Janet Gibbs Skelly Hayden: City reported the property had been cleaned and was in compliance; the city will not seek fines or administrative costs. Augello ordered an entry finding compliance and no fines.

- Case 20240663 — City of St. Pete Beach v. Family International Home Builders LLC: City counsel reported the property remained out of compliance. Augello ordered a $250 per day fine beginning Dec. 24, 2024, running until the property comes into compliance; she also assessed $329 in administrative costs and authorized reasonable recording fees for a lien if required. In announcing the order, Augello said, “I will issue a $250 a day, fine starting on 12/24/2024, running until the property comes into compliance, as well as the $329 in reasonable administrative costs of the city.”

- Case 20240668 — City of St. Pete Beach v. Transform LLC: City counsel reported the property had been cleaned and was in compliance; Augello found no fines or administrative costs were warranted.

- Case 20240430 — City of St. Pete Beach v. Christopher and Brianna Smith: Attorney Jeff Pfeiffer requested a lien reduction, saying Mr. Smith had earned $9,868.97 from rentals and that storm damage left the home uninhabitable. Augello granted a reduction of the lien from $22,000 to $11,000, plus a $325 administrative fee, and directed that payment be made within 30 days or the lien would revert to the full amount. Augello said she acted “based on the credible evidence that was presented here at today's hearing.”

- Agenda change: Case 20240494 (listed as 5(a) under new cases) was continued to March 10, 2025, at 10 a.m.

Details and context

1008 Airport Road LLC (Case 20240157): Jonathan Finch appeared for the respondent and described conflicts between staging trailers and parking that could affect timing for enclosure work. Augello clarified that the order required securing the permit, not completing the enclosure, and she granted a 30‑day extension for securing the permit; if compliance was not achieved the matter will be checked again at a later hearing.

Family International Home Builders LLC (Case 20240663): City counsel reported multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact the responsible parties and said prior mailings had been returned as undeliverable. Because the property remained in violation, Augello found the property still in violation as of the hearing date and assessed the $250 daily fine retroactive to Dec. 24, 2024, plus administrative costs and recording fees if a lien is needed. The city indicated it is the property owner’s responsibility to notify the city when compliance is achieved.

Lien reduction (Case 20240430): Pete Duerer, code enforcement manager, and Jeff Pfeiffer, representing Christopher Smith, presented competing positions. Pfeiffer noted storm damage to Smith’s home, said Smith had not previously had code issues, and offered $11,000 plus $325 administrative fees as partial satisfaction; Augello accepted that proposal and ordered the reduced payment due within 30 days, reverting to the full lien if unpaid.

What the orders require next

- For fines or liens, the owners must notify the city when properties are brought into compliance; recording or other lien‑related fees may be charged to recover costs. - For the reduced lien, the $11,000 plus $325 administrative fee must be paid within 30 days or the lien will return to the original $22,000 amount. - The 1008 Airport Road LLC permit must be secured within the granted extension period; further status will be checked at subsequent hearings if needed.

Speakers and roles (as recorded in the hearing)

- Erica Augello — Special Magistrate; attorney appointed by the City of St. Pete Beach (presiding official) - Louis Cruz — City representative, City of St. Pete Beach Code Enforcement (city counsel/inspector role as recorded) - Pete Duerer — Code Enforcement Manager, City of St. Pete Beach - Jonathan Finch — Representative for 1008 Airport Road LLC - Jeff Pfeiffer — Attorney representing Christopher and Brianna Smith - Nancy Gibbs Roy — Respondent (property owner) - Janet Gibbs Skelly Hayden — Respondent (property owner)

Ending

The magistrate said written orders would follow and be mailed or emailed when contact information on the hearing sign‑in sheet is available. The hearing was adjourned after the listed items were addressed.