Fort Pierce special magistrate orders compliance, sets deadlines and fines in multiple code-enforcement cases

Special Magistrate Jennifer D. Peschke on Jan. 8, 2025, found multiple properties in Fort Pierce in violation of the city code and issued orders requiring owners to correct nuisance conditions by specified deadlines or face daily fines.

The hearing, held by the City of Fort Pierce’s code enforcement hearing officer, addressed dozens of cases including nonoperable vehicles, lot-clearing violations, outdoor storage and landscaping complaints. The magistrate entered orders giving most property owners until Jan. 15, 2025, to come into compliance; the magistrate set a March 15, 2025, compliance date for the large lot-clearing case at 2300 South Kings Highway. The hearing included several parking citations at JC Park with fines due within 15 days.

The orders were administrative findings that each cited nuisance condition “does exist” and that the condition “poses a threat to the public health, safety and welfare of the community,” language the magistrate used repeatedly when issuing remedies. City code enforcement officers presented photographs and notices; property representatives and agents were permitted to speak and request time or describe corrective plans.

Among the cases resolved:

- CE2024-00100, 701 Quincy Ave. (owner: Jean Dontillis, c/o Caricia Dontillis): Code enforcement officer Charmaine Kirkland presented dated photographs showing a U-Haul truck described as a nonoperable vehicle. The magistrate ordered removal of unregistered or nonoperable vehicles and other debris within 20 days of the hearing and warned of a $100-per-day fine for continued noncompliance.

- LTCL2024-00003, 2300 S. Kings Highway (owner: Scannell Properties 533 LLC; registered agent: Congency Global Inc.): Jeff Erovani of JHI Consulting Engineers told the magistrate the owner has a contractor scheduled to begin…