Pensacola code enforcement orders fines, continuances and compliance deadlines in multiple cases

Special Magistrate Matthew Hargraves presided over a city of Pensacola Code Enforcement Authority hearing on Jan. 27, 2026, resolving a slate of cases involving unpermitted work, unsafe structures and unpaid court costs.

The magistrate granted a continuance in one case after finding evidence that the property owner had been out of the country when certified notice was available. In multiple other matters he found properties remained in violation, awarded court costs of $200 where requested and set firm deadlines for obtaining permits or abating unsafe conditions. If owners fail to comply by the deadlines, daily fines will begin as ordered.

Why it matters: These rulings set enforceable deadlines and, where noncompliance continues, begin recurring penalties that can accumulate quickly. The decisions affect small-property owners and small commercial businesses in Pensacola and illustrate the city’s enforcement process for building-code violations.

Qualified continuance in service dispute: 909 West Blunt Street Robbie Weekley presented evidence that the property at 909 West Blunt Street had been found previously in violation for work without a permit and that a $25-per-day fine had been ordered to start. Respondent Frederick Gould testified and produced travel itinerary documentation showing he was traveling abroad when certified mail was available. Magistrate Hargraves said the owner’s evidence rebutted the presumption of effective service and continued the question of daily fines to the Feb. 24 hearing. The magistrate extended payment of previously ordered $200 in court costs to Feb. 23, 2026, and did not order daily fines to commence immediately if the property is brought into compliance by the new deadline.

Unpermitted plumbing at 1206 East Cervantes Street City staff presented photos and stop-work records for plumbing work at 1206 East Cervantes. Owner Jenny Cockrell testified she and Inspector Jonathan Bilby walked the property and agreed a licensed plumber must pull a permit; she told the court the project is paused because the job is currently out of funds. Cockrell said, “We’re willing to get a plumbing permit pulled and do the work.” Magistrate Hargraves found the property in violation specifically for work on plumbing done without a permit, ordered $200 in court costs payable within 30 days, and required that a permit be pulled by Feb. 23, 2026. He ordered that if a permit is not pulled by that date, daily fines of $25 per day will begin on Feb. 24, 2026.

Commercial property: Cafe Corner LLC, 4730 North Davis Highway Staff testimony and photographs documented interior demolition, framing and electrical work at the Cafe Corner property. Kimberly Gettle, who identified herself as president and 100% owner of Cafe Corner LLC, described contracting and budget problems and told the court she intends to bring the work into compliance. She stated, “I have no problem doing things the right way.” Magistrate Hargraves found the property in violation for work without required permits, awarded $200 in court costs payable within 30 days, and set a compliance deadline of Feb. 23, 2026. He warned that if the commercial permits are not pulled, commercial daily fines ($100 per day as stated on the record for commercial properties) would commence on Feb. 24, 2026.

Other docketed orders and outcomes - 525 Chadwick Street (case 24-216): Magistrate Hargraves found the property still in violation for unsafe conditions and ordered daily fines of $25 per day to be applied retroactively to Oct. 28, 2025, and to continue until compliance. - 710 North 7th Avenue (case 23-41): Staff reported a permit had been issued; the magistrate closed the case with no further action. - 1004 West Brainerd Street (case 25-108): The magistrate found the property in violation and ordered daily fines of $25 per day to commence as of Jan. 27, 2026, until compliance. - 2010 Cypress Street (case 25-93): Staff reported a deficient permit application; the magistrate ordered daily fines of $25 per day to begin Jan. 27, 2026, until the deficiencies are corrected and a permit issued. - 1009 West DeSoto Street (case 23-89): The magistrate found an unsafe, fire-damaged structure and ordered $200 in court costs and a compliance date of Feb. 23, 2026; if not abated, daily fines of $25 per day will begin Feb. 24, 2026.

What happens next: For properties found in violation, owners must obtain required permits or complete required abatement by Feb. 23, 2026, to avoid daily fines that (where ordered) would begin Feb. 24. The magistrate encouraged respondents to communicate promptly with city inspectors if there are scheduling or funding delays; staff indicated willingness to work with owners on timing if tangible progress is shown prior to the Feb. 23/24 dates.

Reporting notes: The summary above draws directly from testimony and orders entered on the record at the Jan. 27, 2026, hearing. Where the transcript contained inconsistent spellings or numeric typos, the article uses the names and amounts as clarified on the record (for example, daily fines described at $25 per day for residential matters and $100 per day for commercial matters as stated by the magistrate). The magistrate’s orders, deadlines and amounts are described as they were announced in open hearing.