Fort Pierce special magistrate orders repairs, sets fines and approves multiple lien reductions

The City of Fort Pierce Special Magistrate Jamie Barone on Jan. 15 ordered multiple property owners to correct code violations, set deadlines for compliance and granted several lien-reduction requests after evidence and testimony were presented by city code enforcement staff.

The orders covered a range of violations — from faded business signage and potholes at a U.S. Highway 1 property to nuisance landscaping, nonoperable vehicles and the absence of required business certificates. The magistrate granted lien reductions for two related properties on North 20th Street and reduced administrative penalties in several other cases.

The most immediate compliance deadlines set by the court require property owners to correct violations by Feb. 15, 2025 or Jan. 22, 2025 depending on the case. Daily fines for noncompliance were ordered at amounts ranging from $100 to $250 per day, and in one instance utilities may be suspended under city ordinance if a certificate-of-use is not obtained.

City staff presented photographic evidence and mailed notices for each case. Officers who testified included Heather Bebek (code enforcement), Charmaine Kirkland (code enforcement officer), Manuel Fernandez Jr. (code enforcement), and Officer Debevec. Peggy Reyes, director of the code enforcement department, and Isaac Socido (Court Enforcement) provided procedural…