Ocala Code Enforcement Board orders compliance, reduces lien and sets deadlines in multiple property cases

Ocala — The City of Ocala Code Enforcement Board on Jan. 8 heard complaints ranging from prohibited signs and expired permits to sinkholes and overgrown lots, issuing compliance orders, setting deadlines and reducing one lien.

Staff member Dale Hollingsworth opened the hearing and presented the first case, CE2051204, against Half Price Mattress of Ocala at 3558 Southwest College Road for repeat placement of temporary-sale signs on utility poles in the state right‑of‑way. Hollingsworth said staff is not seeking monetary fines in this instance but recommended the board find a violation and require continued compliance and payment of a cost-of-prosecution fee of $161.97. Jacqueline Tavari, representing the business, said she apologized and explained she placed signs near Black Friday “due to hardship.” Eddie Ferrentino moved to adopt staff’s recommendation; Shirley Wright seconded and the motion passed with Michael Kreuter recorded as opposing on the record.

The board then took up Case 202310164 (City of Ocala v. Shamrock Cove LLC), an older matter involving building-permit and site-plan requirements at 215 South Pine Avenue. Inspector Jeff Gilbo said an earlier mini-split permit expired and a site permit was reactivated; representative Samuel Rivera provided sworn affidavits and confirmed a new permit application (HAR26-0002) was filed Jan. 6. Staff…