Daytona Beach code board reduces multiple liens, continues high‑profile permit dispute

The City of Daytona Beach Code Enforcement Board on May 14 approved reductions and continuances across a packed agenda of property cases, cutting at least three enforcement liens and postponing a contested complaint that the city described as involving multiple, unresolved complaints.

In the first case heard, the board reduced a lien for Eclipse Asset Management Inc. (case CEB0924153, 234 Reaver Street) to $1,500, payable within 30 days or the lien will revert to its prior amount. Elizabeth Knights, who identified herself as the owner of Eclipse Asset Management Inc., told the board the properties were flooded and damaged during Hurricane Ian and subsequent storms and said insurance claims and court proceedings delayed repairs; staff inspector Sarah Kirk recommended the reduction on the basis the properties are now back in compliance. The motion to reduce the lien passed without objection.

A second lien for Eclipse SS Management Inc. at 613 Willie Drive (case CB1123138) received a comparable outcome after staff told the board it had met with the owner and recommended reducing the lien to $1,500 under the same 30‑day payment condition.

The board cut a third lien involving a title dispute to $1,000 (case CEB0620119). Mark Aswislam, who identified himself as a registered agent for the trust that holds the parcel at 224 San Juan Avenue, explained a tax‑deed purchase history and disputed earlier title searches; staff and the board agreed to the $1,000 reduction subject to the same 30‑day payment condition.

Separately, the board imposed a continuing daily fine in a long-running noncompliance matter at 422 Gulf Boulevard (case CEB042664). Inspector John Stinson reported no progress since the prior hearing; the board ordered a fine of $200 per day to commence May 14 and continue until the fine reaches the local maximum of $10,000 or the property is brought into compliance.

The meeting’s most contested exchange involved a complaint-driven file that began with an allegation of unpermitted work and later generated multiple related complaints (case CEB052693). City inspectors said they had at least three complaints tied to the original violation and asked the board for authority to inspect the entire property. The respondent’s attorney, Arthur Huggins, told the board the work underlying the original allegation was permitted: he said a permit was applied for within seven days and later finalized, and he argued the city had not produced evidence of other unpermitted work. Counsel for the city said additional complaints exist and offered to supply those complaint reports to the record; the board debated the standard and sufficiency of evidence for an initial compliance hearing and whether subpoenas or additional procedural steps were appropriate. After motion and counter‑motions on timing, the board first agreed to a short continuance and then, after further discussion, rescheduled the hearing (the board ultimately set a later cutoff and then a full continuance to an August hearing so both sides can file materials in advance).

Across the docket the board repeatedly emphasized process: when a permit had been applied for and finalized, members and the respondent’s counsel argued that should weigh heavily in a compliance decision; staff and other members cautioned that additional complaints tied to the same address may require fuller inspection and evidence. Board members asked staff to circulate complaint materials and other supporting documents in advance of the continued hearing so both sides and the board can review them.

The board set compliance cutoffs and return dates for many other properties (commonly the June 3 cutoff with a June 11 return hearing) and instructed staff about evidence filing and distribution ahead of continued matters. The hearing adjourned after the board completed the scheduled agenda.

Votes at a glance - CEB0924153 (234 Reaver St., Eclipse Asset Management Inc.): lien reduced to $1,500, payable within 30 days, or revert to prior amount — outcome: approved. - CB1123138 (613 Willie Dr., Eclipse SS Management Inc.): lien reduced to $1,500, payable within 30 days — outcome: approved. - CEB0620119 (224 San Juan Ave., Chesler Rivera estate): lien reduced to $1,000, payable within 30 days — outcome: approved. - CEB042664 (422 Gulf Blvd., Burring W Strawn Estate): ordered fine of $200 per day commencing May 14 until fine reaches $10,000 or compliance — outcome: approved. - CEB052693 (815 North Grandview Ave. and related complaints): continued for additional evidence and rescheduled to a later hearing (board directed staff and city counsel to file complaint materials in advance) — outcome: continued.

What happens next The matters continued to the board’s next cutoff dates or to the August hearing where noted. Staff was asked to supply complaint reports and permit documentation in advance for the continued, contested case so the board and the respondent’s counsel can review materials before the next hearing.

Speakers quoted in this report are named as they identified themselves to the board or are described by role if no name was given.