Special magistrate issues fines, deadlines and lien decisions after full St. Pete Beach code‑enforcement docket

Erica Augello, the appointed special magistrate for the City of St. Pete Beach, presided over a full code‑enforcement docket on Dec. 8, 2025, finding multiple properties in violation of local ordinances and issuing orders, fines and continuances.

Augello opened the hearing and explained that proceedings were conducted under the authority of "chapter 162 Bridal Statues" and the City of St. Pete Beach code of ordinances, that the city carried the burden of proof, and that testimony would be under oath. Pete Doer, the city’s code‑enforcement manager, presented evidence and introduced cases on behalf of the city.

Key outcomes at the hearing included: a 30‑day order to secure an after‑the‑fact fence permit for Christopher J. Padgett (case 20250061) after Padgett admitted installing a fence without a permit; assessment of a $1,000 one‑time fine (plus $330 administrative costs and any recording fees) for Team B Equities LLC at 463 85th Avenue after an Airbnb posting showed stays under 30 days (case 20250712); a reduced fine of $200 (plus $330 administrative costs) for Enam/"Inam" Ibrahim after the property manager said a one‑night listing was a family test run and testimony established only a minimal exchange of funds (case 20250713); and a $1,000 fine (plus $330 administrative costs) for Ballast Point Holdings LLC for two short‑term rentals documented on VRBO (case 20250715).

Augello also issued 30‑day compliance windows for properties with maintenance or permitting deficiencies. For 3508 Gulf Boulevard (case 20230431), Augello directed the owner to secure reinstatement or an after‑the‑fact permit after permit administrator Joanne Bollin described expired insurance, workman’s‑comp and other missing documentation. For 340 78th Avenue (case 20250716), owner Peter Grecci was ordered to obtain necessary permits and the matter was set for a Jan. 12 status hearing.

On repeat‑violation matters, Augello found Kenneth Donovan’s property in repeat violation for outdoor storage and assessed a $50‑per‑day fine plus $330 administrative costs (case 20250602). Augello urged Donovan to obtain a written compliance plan from the city to avoid continued penalties.

Lien decisions included a reduction for 3511 Gulf Boulevard LLC: owner Jimmy Yerge persuaded the magistrate he had not received certified notices and had remedied the problem promptly, so Augello reduced a $16,500 lien to $1,650 (10%) plus $330 administrative costs, payable in 10 days (case 20250410). Brightwater Beach Condominium Association’s lien‑reduction petition was continued to Jan. 12, 2026, because an after‑the‑fact permit was still under review. Donna J. Murphy, owner of a property cited for short‑term rentals, was granted a reduction to $700 plus $330 administrative costs after she said a property manager had been responsible and the owners had severed ties with that company (case 20250504).

Augello’s orders included formal findings and timelines: many owners were given 30 days to obtain required permits or documentation; failure to comply would trigger reassessment of fines and potential liens. The magistrate also noted that if a property is brought into compliance, fines will cease, but where evidence showed money exchanged for prohibited short‑term stays she treated the violations as "irreparable/irreversible" for the purpose of assessing penalties.

The magistrate said orders and copies would be mailed or emailed to parties and several matters were continued to the Jan. 12, 2026 hearing. "Please make sure I have your contact information so I can send you a copy of the order," Augello told multiple respondents. The hearing adjourned with a reminder of the Jan. 12 docket and holiday wishes.

Votes at a glance

- Christopher J. Padgett (544 72nd Ave, case 20250061): found in violation; 30 days to secure an after‑the‑fact fence permit; reconvene Jan. 12. (Order issued.) - Team B Equities LLC (463 85th Ave, case 20250712): found in violation; one‑time $1,000 fine + $330 admin + recording fees. (Order issued.) - Enam/Inam Ibrahim (404 88th Ave, case 20250713): found in violation; $200 fine + $330 admin + recording fees (reduced based on minimal exchange); no repeat finding entered. (Order issued.) - Royal Properties Management LLC (340 78th Ave, case 20250716): found in violation; 30 days to comply and secure permits; status hearing Jan. 12. (Order issued.) - Michael Edward Delp (3508 Gulf Blvd, case 20230431): found in violation for unpermitted pavers; 30 days to reinstate/seek after‑the‑fact permit; status hearing Jan. 12. (Order issued.) - Ballast Point Holdings LLC (336 S. Tessier Dr, case 20250715): found in violation; single $1,000 fine + $330 admin + recording fees. (Order issued.) - Kenneth and Wilma Donovan (820 59th Ave, case 20250602): repeat violation; $50/day fine + $330 admin; no cure time because repeat violation. (Order issued.) - 3511 Gulf Boulevard LLC (case 20250410): lien reduced to $1,650 + $330 admin, 10 days to pay or lien reverts. (Order issued.) - Brightwater Beach Condo Assn. (case 20240193): lien‑reduction petition continued to Jan. 12, 2026, pending permit approval. (Continued.) - Paul and Donna Murphy (case 20250504): lien reduced to $700 + $330 admin, 10 days to pay. (Order issued.)

What happened on the record (selected quotes)

- Augello on procedure: "I am a practicing attorney licensed by the Florida Bar ... My role is solely to determine whether a city code has been violated." (Erica Augello) - Augello on short‑term listings: "It is very clear that it is being advertised for less than 30 day rental." (ruling language from the hearing) - Respondent Chris Padgett: "That was my mistake ... I will submit the permit for the fence." (Christopher J. Padgett)

Next steps

Orders will be issued in writing and mailed/emailed to parties. Several matters were continued to the Jan. 12, 2026 hearing for compliance reviews and any assessment of fines if requirements are unmet.