Madeira Beach magistrate orders removal of abandoned sailboat; several code enforcement deadlines set

A special magistrate in Madeira Beach ordered owners at 913 Bay Point Drive to remove an abandoned sailboat that washed into a rear yard during the Sept. 26, 2024 storms, giving the property owners 60 days to remove the vessel and setting a $25‑per‑day penalty if the boat remains after that deadline.

Building compliance supervisor Holden Pinkard said the city received a complaint and photographed the sailboat leaning against the rear of the property; staff issued a courtesy notice (Oct. 7, 2025), a notice of violation (Jan. 6, 2026) and later a statement of violation and notice of hearing. Deputy Fire Chief John Mortellite testified crews responded on Sept. 26, 2024, and secured the boat during hazardous conditions to prevent life‑safety risks and further property damage because removal was unsafe during the storm.

‘‘Our personnel conducted a thorough search of the vessel to check for occupants. No persons were located,’’ Mortellite testified, describing stabilization work done during storm conditions.

Owners Audie Glenn Lewis and Bridget Le Point said the boat is not theirs, presented photos they say show city/fire department activity and claimed they had submitted corrective plans to the city that were not acknowledged. Lewis told the magistrate the boat has damaged a yard palm and a concrete pillar and that private removal quotes exceeded $20,000. ‘‘It’s not our boat. We didn’t put it there,’’ Lewis said in testimony.

Magistrate Bart Valdez acknowledged the owners’ difficulties and the unusual facts that a first‑responder action delivered the boat to private property, but concluded the immediate enforcement question is whether an abandoned, inoperable boat is present on private property. The magistrate found a violation of the city code section prohibiting abandoned/inoperable vehicles or boats on private property and ordered removal within 60 days, with a $25 per‑day fine after that period. The magistrate said he would consider additional time if the owners demonstrate legitimate salvage or removal plans.

Public comment included neighbors who said they saw first responders tie the vessel during the storm and later watched it remain in the yard; a neighbor observed earlier sheriff’s marine tags on the vessel before it arrived on the property.

Roundup of other code‑enforcement outcomes from the same hearing:

- 13414 Gulf Boulevard (CE25‑157): The city found after‑the‑fact interior work (new flooring, trim and cabinetry) and ordered the owner to obtain an after‑the‑fact building permit within 30 days; $250‑per‑day fines will apply thereafter.

- 13313 Second Street East (CE26‑27): Zillow and site photos showed post‑storm remodeling; the magistrate ordered a 30‑day compliance deadline to apply for required permits and set $250‑per‑day fines after the deadline.

- 515 129th Avenue East (CE25‑167): Complaint‑driven inspection found cracked, unstable tile, exposed wiring and other habitability issues; the magistrate ordered 30 days for repairs and permit application and $250‑per‑day fines thereafter because the property is occupied by tenants.

- 575 Normandy Road (C25‑178, old business): The magistrate granted a requested 60‑day extension to a prior compliance deadline at the city’s recommendation; new deadline May 26, 2026.

What’s next: Orders will be prepared and mailed to the affected property owners; owners who believe the city or first responders caused damage were advised to consult counsel and may pursue other remedies outside the magistrate’s code‑enforcement determinations.

Speakers quoted: Holden Pinkard (building compliance supervisor); John Mortellite (Deputy Fire Chief); Audi(e) Glenn Lewis (property representative); Special Magistrate Bart Valdez.