Temple Terrace board fines multiple properties for phase-3 watering violations

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board of the City of Temple Terrace on May 13 found multiple properties in violation of city ordinance 22-161(c) after the city entered a phase-3 water-shortage order and began issuing citations without further warning.

City staff told the board the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) directed local jurisdictions to move from warnings to citations after a 14‑day notice period. “We were directed to do this without warnings after these 14 days,” Director Shanks told the board, adding that the district’s schedule and FAQ are posted on the SWFWMD website. He urged firmness: “It still needs to be impactful,” he said of fines intended to deter watering during the restricted windows.

Code officers presented photographic evidence and service affidavits for several cases. Code Officer Danielle Batt introduced case 261461 (City v. Steven B. Smith Jr. and Gretchen D. Smith, 11013 Saginaw Drive) and said the photos showed unauthorized daytime irrigation on April 28, 2026; she asked the board to assess a one‑time fine. “I posted a notice of violation, notice of hearing and I’d like to submit photographic evidence … taken on 04/28/2026 at 09:57AM,” Batt said.

Respondents described mitigating circumstances. Steven Smith told the board a sprinkler contractor had been on site “to reset our clock” the morning of the photograph and that the system cycled while being tested; he asked for clemency. The board’s motion found the city had proven the violation and, after discussion, imposed a reduced one‑time fine of $100 (the city official had said $250 is the listed fine for first offenses but recommended reduction). The motion carried with one recorded nay.

At the same meeting the board heard and ruled on several other water‑restriction cases at different addresses. Doug Allen, another compliance officer, presented evidence in two cases tied to the same commercial property at 8800 North 56th Street (cases 261323 and 261389). The board found violations in both cases; it imposed a $100 fine for the first and revised the second to a $50 fine after discussion about timing and mitigation. Similar one‑time fines of $100 were imposed in other Phase‑3 cases presented that evening.

Board members repeatedly emphasized that these reductions reflect initial, first‑time findings under an emergency phase‑3 order and warned residents and businesses that repeat violations would carry substantially higher penalties. “If it happens again, it’s considered a repeat violation and the fines go way up from there,” the chair told respondents.

Several respondents asked how the public will be notified when restrictions lift. Staff said updates will be posted on the city website, on social media and in news channels, and noted the SWFWMD website includes a map and FAQ that explain watering days (assigned by last digit of address) and permitted windows (one watering event per week within specified overnight or evening hours).

The board’s findings were limited to the evidence presented and the city’s ordinance; in each case the board recorded whether the violation was irreparable/irreversible and entered photographic and affidavit exhibits into the record. Board members encouraged outreach and public education while noting they must follow SWFWMD direction to enforce restrictions.

The board moved on to additional agenda items after completing the water‑restriction docket. No legislative changes were adopted at this meeting; staff said the phase‑3 restrictions currently run through July 1 unless extended by SWFWMD.