Pensacola code enforcement hearing continues three cases to Nov. 25, closes several after permit compliance

Special Magistrate Matthew Hargraves continued three enforcement matters to Nov. 25, 2025, closed three others after inspectors reported permit-driven compliance, and dismissed two re-notified cases during a Code Enforcement hearing in Pensacola on Oct. 28, 2025.

Inspections Director Jonathan Bilby presented evidence on multiple prior orders and the court’s corrective deadlines. On case 24-216 (525 Chadwick Street), Bilby said the property was found an unsafe structure on Aug. 26, 2025, and ordered to obtain permits by Oct. 27. Bilby told the magistrate, “A permit was issued prior to the required date of compliance,” and asked the court to continue the matter to Nov. 25 to allow additional repairs. Magistrate Hargraves continued the case to Nov. 25 and stated that, if the property is not in compliance at that hearing and the city requests it, daily fines would be awarded retroactive to Oct. 28 at $25 per day.

Case 25-51 (2805 East Lloyd Street, owners Tom and Sharon Shuford) was described by Bilby as partially compliant: an alteration permit had been obtained and an accessory-structure permit application was under review. Bilby asked to continue the case to Nov. 25 for permit review; Hargraves continued the matter and ordered that any fines imposed at the Nov. 25 hearing would be retroactive to Oct. 28 at $25 per day if full compliance is not obtained.

The hearing also addressed case 25-27 (listed on the agenda as 1750 North Palafox Street). Bilby said the structure had been boarded and that a prior order had set a $100-per-day fine to begin Oct. 28 if the property remained noncompliant. Because the building was boarded, the city did not ask to begin fines at this time and asked to keep the case active pending abatement or further action; the magistrate left the matter active. (The transcript contains an inconsistency: Bilby later refers to the site as 1715 North Palafox.)

Magistrate Hargraves closed three cases after inspectors reported permits had been obtained before compliance deadlines or violations had been resolved. In case 24-79 (210 East Avery Street) a permit was issued before the Oct. 27 compliance date and the court costs ($200) had been paid, so the magistrate closed the matter. In case 24-4 (3302 East Lloyd Street, owner Zachary Trujillo) a permit was issued prior to the compliance date and the magistrate closed the file; Bilby noted no court costs were charged on that case because the violation was caused by a previous owner. Two related re-notified matters under case 23-74 (3721 Scenic Highway and 3721 1/2 Scenic Highway) were dismissed at the city's request after the owner obtained permits during the re-notification period.

No requests to increase fines or place additional liens were presented, the magistrate reported no unfinished business, and no new business items were raised under Florida Statute 162.06(4). The hearing was then adjourned.

Actions at a glance: 24-216 (525 Chadwick St.) — continued to Nov. 25; potential retroactive fines $25/day to Oct. 28. 25-51 (2805 E. Lloyd St.) — continued to Nov. 25; potential retroactive fines $25/day to Oct. 28. 25-27 (Palafox — agenda lists 1750, inspector later said 1715) — held active/pending; building boarded, fines not requested now. 24-79 (210 E. Avery St.) — closed (permit issued; $200 court costs paid). 24-4 (3302 E. Lloyd St.) — closed (permit issued; no court costs charged). 23-74 (3721 Scenic Hwy / 3721 1/2) — closed/dismissed after permits obtained.

The magistrate scheduled follow-up on the continued matters for the Nov. 25 hearing; the city will be able to request that fines be applied retroactively to Oct. 28 where the original orders set that start date.