Atlantic Beach magistrate gives owners 60 days to correct violations, closes two cases after compliance

At a May 7 special magistrate hearing in Atlantic Beach, Magistrate Suzanne Green reviewed a slate of property‑code cases, amending one prior order, closing two cases after documented compliance, and setting deadlines — in most contested matters 60 days — for property owners to correct violations or face daily fines of $250.

The hearing opened with Green outlining procedures and penalties, including a 30‑day appeal window and daily fines up to $250 (higher repeat penalties and larger maximums apply for irreparable harm). Code compliance officer Jose Lasen Gonzalez presented photos, inspection histories and proof of service for each case on the agenda.

In an old‑business matter involving Case No. 25‑176, Gonzalez said a prior special magistrate order named only Brent Parish despite the property appraiser listing both Brent and Patricia Parish. Green accepted the city's recommendation and ordered the written record amended to add Patricia as a named property owner.

In Case No. 26‑0006, the city presented photographs and multiple inspections showing trash, outdoor furniture, free‑roaming chickens and other yard debris at 86 Forestall Circle. Gonzalez told the magistrate that, "as of this morning, the property is in full compliance," and the city closed the case with no fines. Owner Heather Markey told the magistrate she was performing a seasonal cleanout and described some items as laundry or furniture drying after cleaning: "Those bags that he was addressing that were trash bags, they're actually horse blankets, horse pads," she said, explaining vehicle breakdowns and care of animals delayed removal. Green accepted the city's recommendation to close the matter.

Case No. 25‑259, involving property at 410 Sargo Road owned by Willie Hobbs, centered on multiple sheds, overgrowth and outside storage. Gonzalez said one shed had been removed but two remained; he recommended removal of the second unpermitted shed within 30 days or a daily fine of $250. Charlotte Turner, who identified herself as the owner’s daughter, described household and caregiving constraints and said the family would either reapply for a variance or remove the structure. Green extended the city's recommended compliance period to 60 days and warned that fines would apply thereafter: "Sixty days to remove it or apply," she said.

At the hearing on Case No. 26‑0002, code staff described a vacant lot at 0 Mealy Road where a recently constructed fence, storage containers, pallets and trailers appeared to be used for storage. A representative, Kerrigan Cannon, said tenants use the site for storage. Amanda Askew, director of the neighborhoods department, explained zoning constraints and remedies: accessory outdoor storage generally requires a primary structure on site, and fence permits are available (front‑yard fences are limited to 4 feet; rear/side yards up to 6 feet). The city gave the owner 60 days to remove unpermitted outdoor storage or obtain the necessary approvals.

In Case No. 26‑015, code staff reported that a temporary storage permit had been issued and that subsequent inspections found the container removed and overgrowth corrected. Gonzalez reported the property in full compliance and the magistrate closed the case with no additional costs.

Magistrate Green closed the hearing after announcing the next scheduled session for July 9. The city repeatedly emphasized that staff remain available to assist owners with variance or permit applications, and that daily fines of $250 would resume if ordered corrections are not completed by the specified deadlines.