Bay County magistrate orders cleanups, places liens and reduces fines across multiple code-enforcement cases

Bay County Special Magistrate Bill Lewis reviewed a slate of code-enforcement cases in July 2025 and issued a mix of compliance orders, abatements and fines, and several reductions in long-standing penalties.

The magistrate found violations ranging from junk, derelict vehicles and overgrowth to unfit or unsafe mobile homes. For properties where the county contracted abatement, Lewis ordered that the costs and fines be recorded as liens against the parcels. He also granted multiweek timelines for several owners to obtain permits, demolish unsafe structures or complete repairs.

The most significant monetary actions included orders that property owners pay abatement costs and fines that will be recorded as liens: a final order for 7629 Santa Rosa Avenue assessed $7,297.12 in county abatement costs plus a $1,200 initial fine; 7325 Helmage Avenue was recorded at $6,073 in abatement/incidental costs plus a $1,000 fine; 8127 Cluster Road was assessed $3,912 for abatement plus a $1,000 fine; and 7139 Brett Road was entered with $300 in abatement costs plus a previously assessed $700 fine. The magistrate said each amount will draw statutory interest from the date of recording.

In a tax-deed–related matter (17517 Center Drive), a purchaser, Gabriel Stefani, asked the magistrate to waive a previously assessed $10,000 fine and related interest. Lewis declined to waive the full amount but agreed to reduce the outstanding fine to $5,000; Stefani indicated he would pay the reduced amount the same day.

Other actions, schedules and findings taken at the hearing included:

- 5307 Julie Drive: Investigator Chris Hubbard testified about junk, derelict vehicles, an unsafe accessory structure and overgrowth. The magistrate found violations of Chapter 17 of the Bay County Code and ordered the owner to bring the property into compliance within 60 days by removing junk and either demolishing the unfit accessory structures (with permits and removal of debris) or submitting a complete structural repair plan and building-permit application. Lewis reduced the suggested fine to $100; a compliance hearing was scheduled for Sept. 10 at 1:00 p.m. "I'm gonna give you 60 to bring the property into compliance," Lewis said.

- 4101 Volz Road: Investigator Robert Clarkson testified that roof and permit issues had persisted since 2023. After inspections and a January 2025 permit that was finalized in June, Clarkson recommended findings. The magistrate reduced accrued fines to $5,000 plus statutory interest and found the property in compliance at present, so it is not subject to further fines now.

- 7629 Santa Rosa Avenue (Margie Smith): Staff testified the county contracted to remove blight and documented removal of items from the site. Lewis found the county's cleanup appropriate, ordered the respondent to pay $7,297.12 for abatement (plus statutory interest) and imposed a $1,200 initial fine for untimely correction; the amounts will be recorded as liens. Smith raised concerns about items she said had been removed; Lewis advised her to file a police report if she believed property was stolen.

- 818 Avenue C (Panama City Beach): Investigator Joe Tripp found two sheds and two carports installed without permits, several encroaching into the right-of-way and failing setback requirements. Lewis found violations of the land development regulations (LDR 4.05-1), gave the respondent 30 days to obtain permits and either appropriately relocate or remove the structures, and warned of an initial $200 fine plus a $25 daily fine after 30 days (for up to 20 days) if the property is not brought into compliance; a compliance hearing was set for Sept. 10 at 1:00 p.m.

- 2628 Lory Avenue, Lot B (mobile home): Building inspector Scott Thorpe and code staff documented an unfit/unsafe single-wide mobile home (rotted subfloor, missing egress, electrical and structural defects). Staff advised that repairs require a full building-permit submission or a demolition permit. The magistrate gave the owner 30 days to comply, and warned of a $1,000 fine and lien if the work is not completed. The matter is set for a compliance hearing Aug. 13 at 1:00 p.m.

- 416 Water Oak Circle: Investigator Joe Tripp found three derelict vehicles, appliances and junk. The magistrate ordered the owner to remove junk and reduce to one sheltered/registered vehicle within 10 days or face an initial $200 fine and $25 daily fines after the 10th day (for up to 20 days). The case is set for an Aug. 13 compliance hearing at 1:00 p.m.

- 7139 Brett Road: Staff reported a prior magistrate order and county abatement of overgrowth; Lewis ordered the respondent to pay $300 in abatement costs plus a prior $700 fine (both to draw statutory interest) and recorded the final order as a lien.

- 8127 Cluster Road and 7325 Helmage Avenue: Both were presented as final hearings after prior magistrate orders and county-contracted abatement. Lewis ordered payment of the abatement costs and fines (8127 Cluster Road: $3,912 abatement + $1,000 fine; 7325 Helmage Avenue: $6,073 total abatement/incidental costs + $1,000 fine). Both amounts will be recorded as liens and draw statutory interest.

- 209 East Baldwin Road: Inspector Robert Clarkson reported overgrowth and prior foreclosure-related issues; staff confirmed the property is now in compliance and the magistrate removed it from the upcoming compliance docket.

Magistrate Lewis repeatedly emphasized permit and plan-review requirements: repairs must be done under active, finalized permits or by demolition and removal; if permits expire or are revoked the order will be treated as a failure to comply. Several respondents were given 30- or 60-day windows to obtain permits, submit action plans and finish inspections. Lewis reminded owners the fines become liens on real and personal property if unpaid.

The county scheduled compliance follow-ups for Aug. 13 (several mobile-home and abatement matters) and Sept. 10 (selected compliance checks).