Walton County magistrate issues compliance orders, fines and continuances after Jan. 8 hearing

A Walton County special magistrate on Jan. 8, 2025, issued a series of orders resolving or continuing multiple code-enforcement cases involving land clearing, junk and debris, unauthorized structures and public-safety concerns.

The hearing produced several immediate deadlines and financial penalties, including an order finding a private bonfire operator in violation and assessing a $475 total penalty; deadlines for property owners to obtain permits or complete restorations by March 10, 2025; and multiple administrative fees of $88 or $98 depending on the case.

Why it matters: The cases touch on flood- and stormwater-related restoration, wetlands and mine-reclamation issues, public-health hazards from junk and dilapidated structures, and repeated permit violations. Magistrate rulings set short deadlines for restoration or permitting and create enforceable fines that can accrue daily if owners do not comply.

Votes at a glance (case number, owner, violation, order/outcome): - CE2400903 — D and H Sand Inc.: County enforcement alleged storage/clearing debris and improper use; matter continued 60 days to March 12, 2025, for further review (see separate article for full debate). (continued) - Bonfire citation (Light Me Up Beach Bonfires): Found to have…