Martin County magistrate orders cleanup and sets compliance dates in multiple code cases

A Martin County Code Enforcement Magistrate on April 15, 2026, found code violations in multiple property cases and set deadlines for cleanup and repairs, mostly requiring compliance by May 29, 2026.

Senior code compliance investigators presented photographic evidence and inspection histories in a string of cases involving trash and debris, overgrown vegetation, inoperable vehicles, and unpermitted structures. In each contested matter the county asked the magistrate to order compliance by May 29 and to award $575 in investigation costs; the magistrate entered orders reflecting those requests in most cases.

"I inspected the property and observed trash on the side of the property and under the carport," Senior Code Compliance Investigator Maria Espiata said while presenting photographs in the Coral Wind Cove case. After admitting county exhibits, the magistrate found the Coral Wind Cove Respondent in violation and ordered compliance on or before May 29, 2026, warning that a $100-per-day fine would begin thereafter and awarding $575 in costs to the county.

Respondents frequently told the magistrate they had started cleanup or were arranging repairs. In the Sherbaum matter, John Sherbaum said he had "taken care of the mowing the lawn and putting air in the trailer tires," but the magistrate emphasized that formal clearance requires a county reinspection. The magistrate repeatedly advised respondents to contact code enforcement after completing work so an inspector can confirm compliance.

Magistrate: notice language could be clearer

During the Sherbaum hearing, the magistrate said the notice-of-violation language could better explain that respondents should contact the county to obtain an inspection and clearance. "I'd love that paragraph to be a little clearer," the magistrate said, and asked staff to review the notice wording.

Lopez properties in Port Salerno

The hearing included two adjacent cases involving Francisco Lopez. The county's evidence showed vacant residential lots in the Port Salerno redevelopment area being used for parking and storage, sometimes with plumbing hooked to an RV. The magistrate found both lots in violation, ordered removal of vehicles and stored items by May 29, 2026, and awarded $575 in costs for each case. County staff clarified that the prohibition on vacant residential lots covers both vehicles and stored materials (tools, tires, boxes).

Extension granted in long-running Huff case

The magistrate extended the compliance deadline in a long-standing matter involving Mary and Robert Huff. Investigator testimony documented inspections dating to September 2025 showing high grass, roof and exterior damage and an inoperable boat. Mary Huff said she had been working to secure a contractor. Because county staff did not object, the magistrate set a new compliance deadline of June 30, 2026, instead of the standard May 29 date and assessed the $575 cost for the county's investigation.

Stipulations and fine reductions

The magistrate accepted multiple stipulations and settlements. For Mullings Proctor, the court accepted an electronically signed stipulation (DocuSign) and entered an order requiring compliance by July 15, 2026, with fines of $100 per violation per day thereafter. In other matters the magistrate approved a lien/fine reduction and payment agreement from Foley Investments LLC (accepting $940 plus $575 costs, $1,515 total) and noted an earlier fine reduction for the Kritoff case that reduced accrued fines to $2,110 after payment.

Absent respondents

In the Sean Ranger matter, the respondent did not appear. Investigator testimony and photographs were admitted; the magistrate found violations, ordered compliance by May 29 and awarded $575 in costs, warning of fines of $100 per violation per day if the work was not completed.

What happens next

Each order requires the respondent to contact Martin County code enforcement for reinspection after completing corrective work. Where respondents did not appear or compliance could not be confirmed, the magistrate warned that fines of $100 per day per violation would accrue after the stated deadlines. The magistrate scheduled the next hearing for May 20, 2026, at 9 a.m. and adjourned the session.

Quotes in context

"If you call them to have them come out and take a look and say, 'yep, you're good,' then that'll take care of it," the magistrate said repeatedly, instructing respondents to seek formal reinspection. "I inspected the property and observed trash on the side of the property and under the carport," Investigator Maria Espiata testified in one case.