Pensacola magistrate orders cleanups and fines for multiple properties; one found in compliance

Special Magistrate Ralph Peterson opened the City of Pensacola Code Enforcement Authority hearing at 2:00 p.m. Central on Nov. 18, 2025, and heard evidence in multiple code-violation cases. For several properties the magistrate entered orders requiring remediation by Dec. 1, 2025 and assessed daily fines and administrative costs if owners do not comply.

Kevin Smith, a city code enforcement officer, testified that his Aug. 26 inspection of 675 Tanglewood Drive documented a fallen tree, damaged metal fencing and railing, peeling paint and damaged soffits, miscellaneous scrap metal, a derelict lawn mower and vegetation exceeding 12 inches in the right-of-way. "On 08/26/2025, our office received a citizen complaint, and I inspected the property located at 675 Tanglewood Drive," Smith said while presenting photographs. Peterson admitted the photos and records into evidence and found the property in violation of the cited International Property Maintenance Code provisions and municipal ordinances. Peterson ordered compliance by Dec. 1, 2025; "if there is no compliance, then a fine of $25 per day will commence on 12/02/2025," he said, and assessed $200 in court costs.

A neighbor, Casille Reiner of 679 Tennyson Place, told the panel she wanted the problem resolved and asked whether fines could be $250 per day; Peterson said initial assessments are typically $25 per day but that there are different ranges. "I'm hearing 25," Reiner said when questioning the magistrate about the amount.

Jason Hendricks, another code enforcement officer, asked the court to impose the previously ordered $25-per-day fine for 1008 North Sixth Avenue (case CE254825108) after his Nov. 18 site visit found no improvements. Peterson confirmed the earlier order and directed that the $25-per-day fine begin Nov. 18 because compliance was not met by the Nov. 17 deadline; administrative court costs remain imposed.

Officer Ron Balton presented photographs for the property identified as 710 Gentian Drive (case CE254419710), showing inoperable vehicles and a backyard still overgrown. Peterson found no compliance and ordered the $25-per-day fine to be imposed immediately and directed recovery of the $200 administrative charge.

By contrast, Hendricks testified that the property at 2300 North Davis Highway (case CE254222) had been brought into compliance as of the Nov. 18 site visit. Peterson declined to assess the daily fine for that case because the property was in compliance, although he noted the $200 administrative fee remains pending.

For 748 Valley Drive (case CE254951748), Kevin Smith testified that certified notices had been sent and that while the front yard had been cut after the initial notice the backyard remained heavily overgrown. Peterson admitted the city's exhibits, found clear and convincing evidence of violation, ordered compliance by Dec. 1, 2025, and warned that a $25-per-day fine would begin Dec. 2, 2025, if the violations were not corrected. He also ordered $200 in court costs payable within 30 days.

Peterson closed the hearing after asking whether there was any further or new business. The magistrate pronounced that notice had been properly provided as required by Florida law in the matters heard. The orders set compliance dates and financial penalties; the fines described will begin on the dates specified if property owners do not meet the Dec. 1 compliance deadlines.