Fort Pierce special magistrate grants extensions, stays fines and reduces lien across multiple property-code cases

Special Magistrate Jamie Moreau and city staff heard more than a half-dozen property-code matters at a special magistrate hearing on Aug. 14, 2025, in Fort Pierce. The magistrate granted multiple extensions to allow property owners to obtain permits and finish repairs, stayed the accrual of fines in several cases while permits remain open, found violations at one property and granted a lien reduction to administrative costs for another property.

The hearing covered a batch of code-enforcement and permitting matters brought by the City of Fort Pierce. City inspectors presented evidence and staff recommendations; property owners and their representatives described repair plans, contractor delays or regulatory steps needed to secure permits. The magistrate repeatedly granted time-limited extensions or ordered that fines be stayed while permits move toward closure.

Miles Keller, an investigator and inspector for the City of Fort Pierce, summarized the code violations for one property at 1818 North 20 Fifth Street (MS Investment Properties LLC), listing multiple International Property Maintenance Code violations including unsafe exterior handrails, inoperable windows and electrical hazards. Keller said the city's recommendation was that the magistrate find violations exist and give the owner time to obtain permits and make repairs. The magistrate found that violations exist and ordered the respondent to obtain required permits; the magistrate allowed 90 days to obtain a permit, required inspections at least every 180 days while the permit remains open, and warned that a $100-per-day fine could be assessed for uncured violations. The magistrate also notified the owner of a 30-day appeal period.

Other outcomes included:

- Claudia Gonza…