Port St. Lucie magistrate authorizes city to abate if pool remains unsecured, delays fine certification

Special Magistrate Keith Davis on Jan. 28 found that an in-ground pool at 2152 Southeast Stonecrop Street posed a life-safety risk and authorized city staff to enter and abate the violation if the pool is not secured.

The city’s case file shows an inspection on June 6, 2025 that identified an expired permit for an in-ground pool and outstanding inspections. Jennifer Venator’s presentation summarized the inspection record and prior orders that required compliance by Sept. 24, 2025; city records showed compliance had not been achieved.

Respondent Stefan Prasad testified that contractors abandoned the project and that he would install a child-safety barrier himself. “My only request is that with the city’s permission, I respectfully ask for the maximum amount of time because I’m doing this myself, and I am recovering from a spinal injury,” Prasad said.

Beth Barnes, the city’s permitting manager, told the magistrate that while a perimeter fence exists around the property, the pool may not meet code-specific pool-barrier standards and that the permit would need amendment if a 360-degree barrier around the pool is installed. Barnes said staff would be willing to meet with the owner and help work through plan amendments and inspections.

Magistrate Davis said he has “zero tolerance” for unsecured pools and, based on the record and testimony, made a life-safety finding. He authorized the city to enter the property, abate the violation and assess costs if necessary, but he did not certify fines today. Instead, Davis continued the certification-of-fine portion for administrative follow-up and inspection, giving the parties a further opportunity to secure the pool and address permit corrections.

The magistrate set a follow-up schedule to revisit compliance; the city asked for 30 days to confirm progress. The order leaves the abatement authority in place if staff determines the pool remains unsecured.