Special Magistrate Monica Schmecker issued a series of orders Dec. 2 after hearing multiple code enforcement cases in Fort Myers Beach, granting owners short compliance windows, assessing administrative fees for failure to meet prior deadlines and postponing fines while remediation and permitting work proceed.

Key outcomes at the hearing:

- 4255 Estero Boulevard (Beach and Sunsets LLC, case 20251135): Code officer Marcel Chavez presented photos showing accumulation of rubbish and overgrown vegetation. The magistrate admitted evidence and allowed 30 days for compliance; the town’s requested $2.50 administrative fee was granted. Officer Chavez said the owner communicated the property should be compliant by Dec. 10 but the magistrate left the Jan. 15 hearing available to verify compliance or assess fines.

- 155 Hibiscus Drive (Cecilia Gonzales, case 20250968): Officer Terry Wike presented notices and affidavits that the property remained noncompliant on a follow‑up inspection Dec. 2. Gonzales told the court she had arranged for rubbish removal starting the next day and acknowledged a fallen temporary fence and standing pool water. The magistrate ordered 30 days to secure the pool, remove debris and address the fence; she advised the owner to begin permitting if a permanent fence is required and warned fines could be imposed at the Jan. 15 hearing if the property remained noncompliant.

- 167 Chapel Street (Ronald Yankee, case 20250722): The town presented evidence that accessory sheds were installed without permits. The magistrate admitted evidence, assessed a $250 administrative fee for the owner’s failure to comply within the initial period and ordered 30 days to either remove the sheds or apply for and complete the required residential accessory‑structure permit; if unresolved by Jan. 2, the magistrate said she may assess daily fines.

- 5660 Williams Drive (case 20241153): Officer Hoffman reported a boat dock lift in disrepair with missing roof sections, loose cables and damaged dock components. Because the respondents had been communicating with code enforcement, the town sought no immediate daily fines and requested an additional 60 days to achieve compliance; the magistrate granted a 60‑day extension and assessed a $250 administrative fee for bringing the matter to the magistrate.

In cases where respondents were not present but had communicated with staff, the magistrate frequently granted additional time rather than imposing immediate fines, while making clear that continued failure to comply could result in daily penalties at future hearings. Several items were noted as already compliant and removed from the calendar, and two items (F and H) were continued at the request of the town and owners for 30 days.

The magistrate closed the session and set the next status conference and enforcement calendar dates in mid‑January 2026.