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Fort Myers Beach magistrate grants mostly 30‑day windows for compliance across multiple property violations
Summary
At a Dec. 2 hearing the special magistrate dismissed one case as compliant, granted 30‑day windows in several cases (including a pool/fence and rubbish matter), gave a 60‑day extension for a dock safety case and set follow‑up hearings in January to consider fines if violations remain.
Special Magistrate Monica Schmeicher presided over a series of code enforcement matters Dec. 2 in Fort Myers Beach, issuing orders that generally give property owners 30 days to correct violations and reserving fines for follow‑up hearings.
Officer Marcel Chavez told the magistrate that Estero Beach Club East (2654 Estero Boulevard) had corrected its violations; the town accepted the officer’s report and the matter was dismissed.
In a separate case at 4255 Estero Boulevard, the town presented photos and a notice of violation documenting accumulation of rubbish, weeds and standing water. Officer Chavez requested a $2.50 administrative fee to cover the cost of bringing the matter before the magistrate; the magistrate admitted the evidence, granted the requested administrative fee and allowed 30 days for compliance, saying fines could be assessed at the Jan. 15 hearing if the property remained in violation.
At 155 Hibiscus Drive, code officer Terry Wike presented evidence that overgrown grass, rubbish and an unsecured pool had persisted after earlier notices. Property owner Cecilia Gonzales said a contractor will begin cleanup the next day. The magistrate admitted exhibits and gave 30 days to correct the issues, including treating or securing the pool and addressing fencing; she warned that fines could be assessed if the work was not completed.
For 167 Chapel Street, the town presented evidence that accessory sheds were installed without permits. The magistrate admitted the evidence, assessed a $250 administrative fee for bringing the case and gave the owner 30 days (through Jan. 2) either to remove the sheds or submit permit applications; she said fines would be considered if the owner failed to act.
Officer Hoffman presented a dock safety case at 5660 Williams Drive documenting a boat dock lift in disrepair; the town and owner were in communication. The town requested and the magistrate granted an additional 60 days to bring the dock into compliance and charged a $250 administrative fee, postponing any daily fines unless the property remained noncompliant after the extension.
The magistrate recorded a 30‑day continuance for one item and noted a separate case had been dismissed as compliant before adjourning the hearing.
Next steps: Cases will be reviewed at the mid‑January hearings. If properties remain noncompliant the magistrate indicated administrative fees or daily fines may be assessed.
