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 Gonzales, owner of 719 South 20 Fourth Street, was granted a 60-day extension to pursue required permits and design work after telling the magistrate she had switched architects and was awaiting drawings. The building department reiterated that hardwired heating requirements under the Florida Building Code and the International Property Maintenance Code may apply depending on the building's history.

- Fort Pierce South Kings Highway LLC (2650 South Kings Highway) received a 60-day extension. Staff noted the permit had been renewed; the magistrate stayed accrual of fines while the permitting process continues but said fines would resume if the permit again expired. The parties discussed that permits are valid if an approved inspection occurs within 180 days.

- Carolyn Butler (1401 Avenue M) was granted a 60-day extension after telling the magistrate she had engaged a new contractor and submitted permit paperwork.

- National Debt Relief Services (12856 SW 30th Ct., Pembroke Pines), owner of 1215 Boston Avenue, asked for a lien reduction. Staff calculated administrative costs of $1,952.95 (including a $250 application fee) and recommended reducing the lien to that amount. The magistrate granted the reduction and gave the owner 30 days to pay; if payment is not made in 30 days, the original recorded amount will be reinstated.

- New Covenant Prayer Center (2405 Avenue G) has required permits issued and staff recommended staying the accrual of fines until the permits are closed. Bishop Fisher told the magistrate contractors had been working and that paperwork and inspections were forthcoming. The magistrate accepted staff's recommendation to stay fines while permits are open.

- The matter for 4060 Selvitz Road (owners Bobby and Wanda Johnson) was continued; the owners' representatives told the magistrate they are awaiting environmental resource permits and engineering reports related to wetlands and drainage. Staff recommended returning the case for a status hearing in six months if a permit has not been issued; the magistrate continued the matter for that timeframe.

- For 1713 Bayshore Drive (owner George Cheshire; represented by Ellen O'Connor by phone), staff reported a permit had been issued and recommended staying fine accruals until the permit is closed. O'Connor said the work was 75% complete; the magistrate stayed fines pending final approved inspections.

- In an administrative matter concerning 1238 Avenue D (owner Steven Giordano), staff reported that required affidavits of mailing/posting were not in the record even though certified mailing had been used; the magistrate set aside the prior order determining violation and ordered the case to be rescheduled so proper notice can be documented.

The hearing included regular reminders from city staff about permit rules: permits generally require inspections at intervals to remain active, permits may be valid for 180 days without approved inspections, and the accrual of fines typically resumes if permits expire without required inspections. Several respondents described contractor delays, supply lead times (for handrails and windows), and liability concerns for tenants living in units while repairs proceed. One respondent said his building has four units and two storefronts and that he is working with a contractor who is registering locally to complete railing repairs.

The magistrate closed the session after instructing owners to follow up with the building department for inspections and, where needed, to apply for further extensions through staff if more time is required.

Votes at a glance (decisions recorded at this hearing):

- BV2025-000171518 (1818 N. 20th St., MS Investment Properties LLC): violation found; 90 days to obtain permit; inspections required every 180 days; $100-per-day fine authorized for uncured violations; 30-day appeal period noted.

- 24-1277 (719 S. 20th St., Claudia Gonzales): 60-day extension granted.

- 22-326 (2650 S. Kings Highway, Fort Pierce S. Kings Hwy LLC): 60-day extension; stay accrual of fines while permit active; fines to resume if permit expires.

- BV2024-00029 (1401 Avenue M, Carolyn Butler): 60-day extension granted.

- 21-665 (1215 Boston Ave., National Debt Relief Services): lien reduced to administrative costs of $1,952.95; payment due in 30 days or original amount reinstated.

- 17-894 (2405 Avenue G, New Covenant Prayer Center): stay accrual of fines until permits closed.

- 19-3145 (4060 Selvitz Rd., Bobby & Wanda Johnson): continued; return in six months if permit not issued.

- 24-536 (1713 Bayshore Dr., George Cheshire / Ellen O'Connor): stay accrual of fines until permit closed; final pile-cap inspection required to close permit.

- BV2025-00029 (1238 Avenue D, Steven Giordano): prior order set aside for notice deficiency; case to be rescheduled.

Ending

City staff and respondents were directed to coordinate inspections and permit submissions with the Building Department. Several respondents were told they may seek additional time from staff if contractors or parts (for example, stair handrails or oversized windows) cause delays beyond the extensions granted at the hearing. No criminal penalties were discussed; all outcomes related to civil code enforcement, permit timelines and administrative fines.