Magistrate continues Callahan unsafe-structure case to Nov. 18; sets Nov. 7 compliance, $50 daily fine to start Nov. 8

The Nassau County special magistrate on Aug. 12, 2025, found that the commercial property at 545819 U.S. Highway 1 in Callahan is in violation of county nuisance and unsafe-structure ordinances and continued the enforcement matter to Nov. 18, 2025. The magistrate set a new compliance date of Nov. 7, 2025; if the property is not in compliance by that date, a $50-per-day fine will begin Nov. 8. The county also disclosed administrative costs of $619.89 related to the enforcement action.

Officer Jerry Hutto of Nassau County Code Enforcement reviewed the case history, noting a prior finding of violation on June 10, 2025, and reinspection on Aug. 11 that showed the property remained in violation. "As of today's date, the property has yet to achieve compliance with code section 7-93... and the county is seeking the order assessing an amount of $50 per day beginning 08/12/2025 and continuing until compliance is achieved and the county administration cost in the amount of $619.89," Hutto testified; the magistrate later set Nov. 8 as the start date for fines to allow time for an ownership transfer and remediation effort.

Potential buyer Robert Whaling and Heather Hagen addressed the magistrate. Whaling said he was attempting to purchase the property but could not close because title companies would not insure a property with an open code-enforcement case; he said he had undertaken cleanup work and expected to complete a transaction if title issues and probate items were resolved. "If it closes then, it closes before October 4 is the compliance with you you said. Right?" Whaling asked; county staff and the magistrate clarified timeframes and recommended regular contact with code enforcement.

County staff said they would not unilaterally dismiss a known violation and that, if a purchaser acquires the property and brings it into compliance, the purchaser could petition the Board of County Commissioners for a reduction in fines under existing county procedures. The magistrate set the Nov. 7 compliance deadline and Nov. 18 fine-assessment hearing and said a written order would follow. The magistrate also asked prospective buyers to coordinate with Officer Hutto if they proceed with the purchase and remediation.