Ocala orders immediate vacate of Watson home, citing dangerous structure; city to assist with removal and cleanup

The City of Ocala adopted a magistrate’s finding that the residence at 1115 Northwest 15th Avenue is a dangerous structure and ordered that occupants immediately vacate the property so the city and police can assist the owner in regaining access and beginning remediation.

Officer Steven Knight testified that the property had significant trash and unsanitary conditions and that the building department had posted the structure as dangerous, which enables the Police Department and code enforcement to take steps to remove occupants and abate hazards. Family members and the property owner’s emergency temporary guardian described an individual occupying the home who they said prevented family from entering and who had contributed to the property’s condition.

Magistrate Ryan Fong said the order is intended to assist the family and police in removing the individual and allowing contractors and caretakers to enter and restore the home. The magistrate adopted staff recommendations to declare the structure a nuisance and to allow immediate entry for abatement; the written order will specify corrective steps and include city costs of $171.47.

Family members said they were seeking mercy and assistance because the homeowner, they said, has dementia and they had been unable to get access to the property. A pastor and other community members told the magistrate they were assisting the family as volunteers and urged prompt help to remove the occupant and secure the home.

The magistrate said no fines were being imposed at the hearing; fines would be considered only if the owners failed to comply with the corrective orders. The city noted that the order would allow it to work with the Ocala Police Department to secure the property, remove the occupant and begin abatement so contractors can complete repairs and cleaning.