Special magistrate orders property cleanup, sets $100/day fine if Charles Baker doesn't comply by Aug. 11

Nassau County Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Harrison Poole found a Fernandina Beach property owned by Charles James Baker Jr. in violation of county nuisance ordinances on July 8, 2025, ordered the property cleared or demolished by Aug. 11, 2025, and set a fine-assessment hearing for Aug. 12, 2025. If the property is not in compliance, the magistrate said a $100-per-day fine will begin Aug. 12.

The county's case was presented by Deputy County Attorney Abigail Jorambie and Code Enforcement Officer Marci Camacho, who testified that initial inspections and notices were sent after a building department referral in March 2025. Camacho told the magistrate the county issued a notice of violation on March 20 and an amended notice on May 6, with re-inspections on June 16 and July 7 showing continued violations. Camacho said the notices were mailed and posted as required.

Baker, who identified himself as Charles James Baker Jr., told the magistrate he had been out of state, recently returned to Jacksonville, and inherited the property after his mother's issues. Baker said he had engaged a contractor and had permit paperwork in process and asked roughly 30 to 45 days to complete work. "About 30, 45 days. I should be able to get everything taken care of by then," Baker said.

Robert Hunt, Nassau County Building Department supervisor, explained the demolition process and said a pre-inspection is required to confirm utilities are disconnected before demolition begins. "The pre inspection will be to ensure that the utilities, the water, and the electric are disconnected prior to you going and doing the demolition," Hunt said.

Poole ordered compliance by Aug. 11 and scheduled the fine-assessment hearing for Aug. 12, explaining that if the property remains out of compliance the county will impose the daily fine. Poole also advised Baker that if more time is needed he must appear at the hearing and document efforts to achieve compliance; such efforts would be considered but not guaranteed to prevent fines.

The county introduced photographs and notices into the record; Baker did not object. The magistrate's written order will be issued in the coming days.

Votes at a glance: no formal board vote; this was a magistrate's finding and order issued from the hearing record.