Council directs staff to seek arrangements to clear code fines and speed sale of two blighted South Brooksville properties

Brooksville's City Council on Aug. 4 directed city staff to work with the personal representative for the estate of the late George Rodriguez and a prospective buyer to seek an agreement that would allow the sale of two code-violating properties on South Brooksville Avenue while preserving some ability for the city to recoup enforcement costs.

Attorney Daryl Johnston, representing the personal representative for Rodriguez's estate, described a sequence of events in which the property had squatters removed late last year, the estate later identified a buyer willing to rehabilitate the properties and the title search disclosed roughly $39,000'$43,550 in outstanding code fines imposed by the special magistrate. Johnston said the estate's remaining net proceeds after mortgages, taxes and administration were insufficient to both close the estate and fund cleanup; the buyer proposed a rehabilitation budget in the range of $150,000 to $200,000.

Johnston asked the council to consider waiving or reducing code fines so the sale can close quickly and the buyer can start cleanup and rehabbing. Council members expressed interest in finding a middle ground. Several members said they wanted the city to recoup at least some amount if possible, and one councilor suggested a mechanism to collect a payment at closing. Others emphasized the urgency of halting ongoing fines that accrue while the property remains noncompliant.

Council directed staff to: (1) negotiate with the estate and the buyer to identify options that would allow closing and immediate cleanup while preserving a way for the city to recover some enforcement costs; (2) explore whether a portion of the outstanding amount could be paid at sale closing; and (3) return to council at its Aug. 18 meeting with recommendations. The council motion passed without recorded opposition after staff and the owner's attorney agreed to continue talks.

Daryl Johnston and David Hanley (community development director) provided the principal factual record in the hearing. Johnston said Rodriguez died in July 2024 and that estate administration and unlawful-detainer actions to remove occupants had delayed repair and marketing of the property. Hanley provided the staff calculation of outstanding fines and the history of code enforcement actions. Council members said they preferred a negotiated settlement that speeds rehabilitation over a protracted foreclosure or further penalties that would slow recovery.

Speakers referenced in this account: Daryl Johnston (attorney for the estate), David Hanley (Community Development director), Mayor Tanner, and council members.