Flagler Beach City magistrate orders repairs, sets cure deadlines and reduces two parking fines

FLAGLER BEACH CITY — The Special Magistrate hearing on Jan. 28 addressed a batch of code-enforcement cases ranging from parking-on-sidewalk citations to building maintenance and business-license delinquencies, producing denials, reduced penalties and multiple deadlines to cure violations.

Special Magistrate Gregory Pompa opened the session and took roll call, with Drew Smith (city attorney), John Gifford (code enforcement) and Michelle Figucello (clerk to the magistrate) recorded on the docket. The meeting produced several on-the-spot rulings and scheduling decisions but no new policy changes.

The most immediate enforcement actions included: the denial of one sidewalk-parking appeal, reduced monetary penalties in two other parking cases in exchange for community service or reduced fines, findings of violation and cure deadlines for property maintenance problems, and orders to obtain or display Local Business Tax Receipts for several businesses.

Denied appeal, safety rationale Magistrate Pompa heard an in-person appeal from a respondent identified in the record as "Dmitry Dreypich," who later stated his name as "Dimitri Alex DePreche." The respondent argued photos and adjacent construction made the parking area unclear. Pompa pressed on pedestrian safety, asking rhetorically how a wheelchair user or someone with a stroller would navigate around a vehicle on the sidewalk, and concluded, "I'm not persuaded." He denied the appeal and left the citation in force.

Reduced penalties and alternatives In a case involving a vehicle parked under a sign marked "Emergency vehicles only," the respondent acknowledged being over the line. After discussion of the circumstances, Pompa reduced the original penalty and offered an alternative remedy: a $40 fine plus a three-hour beach-cleanup session in lieu of the larger fine. The city noted its separate administrative costs would be billed.

Telephonic appellant offered reduced fine A telephonic appellant, Ella Redepeda, who said she was staying at the Margaritaville Hotel and "followed suit" when other guests parked on a sidewalk, told the magistrate she was flustered and confused. The city attorney recommended leniency given the circumstances. Pompa reduced the original $100 citation to a $50 fine and allowed recovery of city costs, and he encouraged Ms. Redepeda to educate other drivers about not obstructing sidewalks.

Property-maintenance and permit actions Zander Holding Group (2038 S. Ocean Shore Blvd.) was found to have loose and missing siding; the respondent told the hearing the siding has deteriorated over months. The magistrate ordered a 60-day cure period and noted that work may require building permits. The Ocean View Plaza owner reported a permit and materials to enclose refuse cans; the magistrate set a 30-day status check to confirm construction of the enclosures.

Business-license enforcement Several cases involved failure to obtain or display the city's Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR). The magistrate entered findings of violation and gave parties 30 days to pay or secure the LBTR and ordered recovery of city costs (noted in records as approximately $19.20 in several matters). For a Dollar General tenant at Moody Boulevard Associates, the magistrate set a 30-day compliance window and warned of a $2.50-per-day penalty if uncured.

Other nuisance and public-health matters At 1104 S. Ocean Shore Blvd. (Golden Magnolia Marine), staff reported an unmaintained pool and unmowed grass. The magistrate found a violation and set a 20-day cure period, with a $2.50-per-day fine to run if the property remained uncured beyond the deadline.

Procedural notes and scheduling Sandy Ridge Investment LLC (2261 S. Flagler) requested and received a 60-day continuance; the matter will return at the March hearing. Staff briefed the magistrate on increased code-enforcement workload, statutory posting requirements under Chapter 162, and recent authorizations to pursue foreclosure on an especially delinquent property if compliance is not achieved.

What happens next Orders and invoices will be mailed or emailed to respondents; magistrate and staff encouraged parties who cannot meet cure deadlines to contact the code-enforcement office in advance to seek additional time. The magistrate adjourned the hearing after a brief administrative discussion.

Orders and outcomes at a glance - Case 302284F (sidewalk parking): appeal denied (magistrate emphasized pedestrian safety). - Case 2277FB (vehicle under emergency-only sign): fine reduced to $40 + three-hour beach cleanup; city costs billed. - Telephonic P0289FP (Ella Redepeda): $100 citation reduced to $50 + city costs; appellant told to expect written order/invoice. - Zander Holding Group, LLC (2038 S. Ocean Shore Blvd.): finding of violation; 60 days to cure; permitting may be required. - Ocean View Plaza (garbage-can enclosure): permit obtained; 30 days for status update to confirm cure. - Moody Boulevard/Dollar General (LBTR): finding of violation; 30 days to obtain/display LBTR; $19.20 costs; $2.50/day fine if uncured. - Golden Magnolia Marine (pool/grass): finding of violation; 20 days to cure; $2.50/day after deadline.

The magistrate will issue formal orders reflecting these dispositions and any administrative costs; respondents were instructed to contact the city finance or code-enforcement offices for payment and scheduling of alternative remedies (such as beach-cleanup sessions).