Edgewater magistrate finds multiple code violations; orders corrections, citations and abatement

Special Magistrate Ryan Knight on April 10, 2025, found several properties in the City of Edgewater in violation of municipal codes after hearing presentations from code-enforcement staff, ordering citations, correction deadlines and an abatement in one matter.

The hearing opened at 2 p.m. and Knight reviewed procedural rules and appeal rights under Florida Statute 162.07(3). Code supervisor Myron San Miguel and Officer Hazwood of the city’s code-enforcement office presented evidence in a series of cases covering animal-control, property maintenance, inoperable vehicles and alleged tampering with a water meter.

In Case 24-0001818 involving 1626 Orange Tree Drive, Myron San Miguel told the magistrate that code enforcement responded after reports of dogs fighting and running at large and that one injured animal was later surrendered and euthanized. San Miguel said the property owners are David and Suzanne Jakovich and that the tenant (identified in the record as Mr. Van Cleef) and the animals later provided updated vaccination and spay/neuter records. "This case originally opened up in November 2024," San Miguel said; he told the magistrate that an affidavit of compliance had been filed. Knight found a violation of City of Edgewater code section 5-37 but noted that the citation had been paid and the owner had brought the animals into compliance after the deadline, so no additional fine was imposed; the magistrate warned that future breaches could be treated as repeat offenses.

In Case 25-121813, Officer Hazwood said a property at 1525 South Ridgewood Avenue, owned by QOZB 2 LLC, had visible piles of tires in public view. Hazwood said a fence was installed but the rear yard remained unfenced and neighbors retained a view of stacked tires. "Staff recommends the special magistrate fine QOZB 2 LLC in violation of section 10.500," Hazwood said, adding the recommendation of a $75 citation and a $100 daily fine if the violation were not corrected by May 10, 2025. Knight ordered the property corrected by May 10 and noted the $75 citation and potential $100-per-day fine if the condition persists.

In Case 25-121951, Hazwood presented evidence that vehicles at 2904 Juniper Drive lacked current registration despite prior notices; the staff recommendation was a $75 citation and a $100 daily fine if not corrected by April 20, 2025. No respondent appeared. Knight found a violation of section 10-113 (inoperable vehicles) and ordered correction by April 20, 2025, with the $75 citation and $100-per-day fines applicable thereafter.

The magistrate then addressed a cluster of matters for 3404 India Palm Drive. Officer Hazwood reported weeds exceeding 12 inches and an alleged unauthorized reconnection of the water service; photos and an email from a city employee were presented. Staff said the city would abate the property and requested assessment of a $75 citation rather than daily fines. Knight found a violation of section 10-98 and ordered the $75 citation; the record reflects the city will pursue abatement rather than impose daily fines at this time.

Two related cases (25-122051A and 25-122051B) were presented as extensions of the India Palm Drive matter involving alleged unlawful connection (section 19-4) and tampering with meters (section 19-22). Hazwood said the water meter had been removed; staff recommended $300 per violation (totaling $600) with no daily fines. Knight ordered the two $300 citations as charged in the record.

The magistrate approved the February 13, 2025, code-enforcement minutes and adjourned the hearing.

Cases, deadlines and penalties ordered at the hearing include: Case 24-0001818 (1626 Orange Tree Drive) — finding of violation of section 5-37; citation paid and compliance acknowledged, no additional fine imposed but repeat-offender warning given; Case 25-121813 (1525 South Ridgewood Ave) — correct by 05/10/2025 or face $100/day after a $75 citation; Case 25-121951 (2904 Juniper Drive) — correct by 04/20/2025 or face $100/day after a $75 citation; Case 25-122008 (3404 India Palm Drive) — abatement to be performed by the city and a $75 citation assessed; Cases 25-122051A and 25-122051B — $300 citation each (total $600) for unlawful connection and meter tampering.

The hearing transcript includes repeated audio artifacts and some inconsistent name spellings for certain property owners in the record; where owner names are clear (for example, David and Suzanne Jakovich, Robert Andrew Ingram, and QOZB 2 LLC) they are used above. The magistrate’s written orders and the posted notices for each case remain the controlling record for compliance and appeal rights.