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Residents press Largo City for tougher enforcement at long‑problem property on 649 16th Street NW
Summary
Residents told the commission a property at 649 16th Street NW has repeatedly come into compliance only when inspectors arrive and then returned to violating conditions; neighbors asked staff to leave cases open, conduct unscheduled follow-ups and pursue repeat-offender enforcement. City staff said a current open case exists and pledged additional enforcement attention.
Several residents used the April 21 public‑comment period to urge the commission to step up enforcement at a property at 649 16th Street NW that neighbors say has repeatedly violated city codes.
Jean Field, who gave her address during public comment, said the property has been in a “cat-and-mouse game” with code enforcement since at least 2018: the owner removes equipment and appears compliant for the inspection, then returns equipment days later. “Don't close a case,” Field said, urging staff to leave cases open and conduct unscheduled, late‑day follow‑ups so enforcement can catch repeated violations.
Reva Smith Velez, a neighboring property owner, asked the commission for continued support and said neighbors are willing to help with cleanup and maintenance to restore property values in the area.
City staff responded. Cheryl Reed, director of the Community Development Department, acknowledged the residents’ experience and said the city treats repeat offenders differently under its nuisance definition and chapter on code enforcement. Reed said the city has an open code case for the property, noting, “We do have a current open code case on this property. The last one was from 2025.” She said staff would “double down” on efforts and follow up with residents.
Commissioners asked staff to report back: the clerk recorded two follow-up action items from the meeting — a request from Commissioner DeBriese for an update on the property at 649 16th Street NW, and a request by Commissioner Smith that staff review the traffic/safety and related proposals raised during public comment.
No formal policy changes or enforcement orders were adopted at the meeting; staff committed to additional monitoring and to provide an update to the commission.
