The Citrus County code compliance special master on Nov. 19 ordered Duisburg Enterprises, represented by attorney Robert Sammons, to pay a $12,000 one-time fine for clearing and grading a 1.17-acre site without required permits and for destruction of trees, including at least one specimen tree.

Angela Johnson, who identified herself as the owner of an adjacent commercial property, told the hearing the clearing began in mid-August and continued for weeks without permits, left debris in her parking lot and damaged a water line serving her salon. “The land was cleared including many, many trees on my property… I had to pay $1,500 for a company to come out,” she said. County staff confirmed multiple inspections and photographic evidence showing widespread site disturbance.

County staff had asked the special master for a $15,000 one-time fine to create a deterrent. Sammons, defending Duisburg Enterprises, accepted that trees were removed but urged a lower penalty; he said plans had been submitted and that mitigation steps were underway. Joanna Coutu, land development director, told the tribunal there was a resubmittal in the county’s system and that the site is tightly constrained, increasing the public visibility of the violations.

After hearing the neighbor’s testimony and reviewing admitted photos, the special master reduced the county’s requested penalty and assessed $12,000 as a one-time civil fine, noting the respondent may appeal under law. Exhibits A and B (photographs) were admitted into evidence without objection. The order did not include an ongoing daily fine but preserves the county’s right to pursue additional remedies if mitigation is not completed as represented.

The case underscores county enforcement of land-development rules and the potential civil penalties for clearing and grading without required permits. The respondent was given the usual notice of appeal rights under Florida law; county staff said they will follow up to ensure required mitigation and any additional administrative costs are imposed if compliance is incomplete.