Fort Pierce special magistrate orders cleanups, gives short extensions and fines across multiple code-enforcement cases

The City of Fort Pierce Special Magistrate on June 17, 2025, found multiple properties in violation of city codes and issued deadlines, fines and limited extensions in a series of code-enforcement cases heard that morning.

The magistrate found that a nuisance existed at a vacant lot on Avenue M owned by Sam Moore and ordered Moore to remove appliances, metals, building materials and other miscellaneous items within seven days. The order states the city may abate the condition if Moore does not comply; a $100 per day fine may be assessed and costs of abatement charged to the property. Moore, who identified himself as the owner, repeatedly told the hearing he would clear the property and said, "Not for sale." The magistrate also notified Moore of a 30-day right to appeal.

The hearing addressed three related nonoperative-vehicle cases at 214 Hialeah Avenue involving interests listed as the Lester Spain Howard estate and Vivian Spain Howard and a respondent, Brian Scott Dodd. In one matter an officer reported the beige/gray truck at issue has been removed; the magistrate said an inspection confirming removal would render that case in compliance and declined to assess the $100-per-day abatement penalty for that specific file.

In a second 214 Hialeah case, the magistrate granted respondent Brian Scott Dodd 30 days to update the truck's registration after the officer said the tag appeared expired. Dodd had asked for 60 days citing financial hardship; the magistrate offered and Dodd accepted 30 days. The order directs that failure to comply allows the city to abate the nuisance and assess the cost to the property.

A third 214 Hialeah case concerning a trailer and associated vessels was extended 30 days so the respondent could complete state registration steps; the magistrate directed the respondent to move or otherwise bring the trailer into compliance within that period or face city abatement and cost assessment.

At 226 Hialeah Avenue, the magistrate found a nonoperative-vehicle nuisance and gave the respondent, Shaquille Reynosa, seven days to make the vehicle operable or remove it for sale; the code officer said short extensions could be considered on request.

Three parking citations issued at J.C. Park were upheld and fines assessed. Each citation carries a $50 fine, a $10 administrative fee and an $18 late fee for a total due of $78; the magistrate ordered payment within 15 days or the citation will be forwarded to county court. The citations were listed as PK2025-164, PK2025-174 and PK2025-197.

A residential code case at 603 Azalea Avenue (owner Mark Newman) for protective treatment of exterior shutters and fascia (IPMC 304.2) was found in violation; the magistrate gave the owner 30 days to pressure-wash and repair the shutters. Failure to comply will trigger a $250-per-day fine and the city may abate and charge costs to the property. The order carries a 30-day right to appeal.

The magistrate addressed a certificate-of-use violation for Goodfellas Pizza at 825 Seaway Drive, Unit 7. The city recommended 15 days to obtain the required certificate of use or to cease business activity; failure to comply will result in a $250-per-day fine and, per City Ordinance 20-228, utility services to the business may be suspended while the violation continues. The magistrate noted the business managers had been communicating with code staff and left the 15-day compliance period in place.

A lot-clearing case for a parcel on Jersey Avenue owned by O'Reilly Automotive Stores Inc. was found to present a public-safety nuisance. The magistrate ordered the lot cleared, grass and weeds cut, trees and shrubs trimmed and debris removed within seven days. Failure to comply may result in a $100-per-day fine and city abatement charges; a 30-day appeal period was announced.

The magistrate closed the session by listing numerous additional cases rescheduled or continued for future hearings; some of those were parking or nonoperative-vehicle matters at JC Park and multiple lot-clearing files.

Votes at a glance

- NUIS 2025-16 (Avenue M, owner Sam Moore): Violation found; 7 days to remove appliances, metals, construction materials and miscellaneous items; $100/day fine for noncompliance; city may abate and assess costs. 30-day appeal. (Evidence introduced: NOV and photos.)

- NonOp 2025-83 (214 Hialeah Ave, Lester Spain Howard estate & Vivian Spain Howard): Violation found but officer reported the truck has been removed; magistrate directed inspection and, if removed, case will be in compliance; no $100/day penalty applied in the ruling. 30-day appeal.

- NonOp 2025-84 (214 Hialeah Ave, respondent Brian Scott Dodd): Violation found; 30 days granted to update registration/tag; failure allows city abatement and assessment of costs. 30-day appeal.

- NonOp 2025-85 (214 Hialeah Ave, same owners): Violation found; 30 days granted to resolve trailer registration and associated matters; failure allows city abatement and assessment of costs. 30-day appeal.

- NonOp 2025-81 (226 Hialeah Ave, Nicholas Alvarado / Shaquille Reynosa): Violation found; 7 days to make vehicles safely and legally operable or remove them for sale; city may abate and assess costs if not resolved. 30-day appeal.

- PK2025-164 (JC Park, owner Cecilia Corridott Anderson): Parking citation upheld; $78 total due (fine $50 + admin fee $10 + late fee $18). Pay within 15 days or forwarded to county court. 30-day appeal.

- PK2025-174 (JC Park): Parking citation upheld; $78 total due. Pay in 15 days or forwarded to county court. 30-day appeal.

- PK2025-197 (JC Park, owner Kennedy Raquel Bailey): Parking citation upheld; $78 total due. Pay in 15 days or forwarded to county court. 30-day appeal.

- CE2025-120 (603 Azalea Ave, owner Mark Newman): Violation (IPMC 304.2 protective treatment for shutters/fascia) found; 30 days to pressure-wash/repair; $250/day fine for noncompliance; city may abate and charge costs. 30-day appeal.

- CE2025-148 (825 Seaway Dr Unit 7, Goodfellas Pizza / Paradise Properties): Business operating without certificate of use; 15 days to obtain certificate or cease operations; failure may trigger $250/day fine and utility suspension per City Ordinance 20-228. 30-day appeal.

- LTC-LD 2025-98 (Jersey Ave, O'Reilly Automotive Stores Inc.): Lot-clearing violation found; 7 days to cut grass/weeds, trim vegetation and remove debris; $100/day fine for noncompliance; city may abate and assess costs. 30-day appeal.

What this means for residents

The magistrate repeatedly emphasized short compliance periods for visible public-safety and nuisance conditions (seven days in multiple files) while allowing 30 days in situations requiring registration or other documentary cures. In several cases staff may perform an inspection to confirm compliance; the city may abate outstanding violations and charge costs to property owners if they do not comply.

Ending note

The hearing record shows heated exchanges in some matters, including emotional testimony from respondents describing long-standing disputes and personal hardship. The magistrate noted the procedural right to appeal for each final order and reminded respondents that code staff are available to discuss limited, short extensions in some circumstances.