Bay County magistrate orders repairs, demolitions and fines for multiple properties

At a Bay County code enforcement hearing, the magistrate issued a series of compliance orders requiring owners and occupants of multiple properties to repair or remove unsafe structures, clear debris and obtain permits or face fines and liens.

The magistrate opened by noting that notice had been given and witnesses sworn. Investigator Tony Bruning of Bay County Code Enforcement testified that a May 28, 2025 complaint and a June 2 inspection found an “unfit, unsafe upper deck” and overgrowth at the property identified in the hearing. Bruning told the magistrate, “I submitted my notices, photographs, and investigative report for the record.”

The magistrate found a violation of Bay County Code chapter 17 (section 17‑2) for the affected unit and ordered the respondent to either obtain a demolition permit and remove the unfit porch and upper deck or submit a complete building permit application that includes a structural report and repair drawings from a licensed, registered design professional, plus a detailed action plan, within 30 days. The order warned that “the respondent shall have a period of 30 days to bring the property into compliance” and that failure to comply would start an initial fine of $200 and a daily fine of $25 that may become a lien on the property.

Several other cases were consolidated for hearing. Investigator Robert Clarkson presented evidence that three lots at 1131 Siemens Lane (lots C and F and the parcel) showed hurricane damage, derelict vehicles, trash and a blighted pump house. The magistrate called the owner a repeat violator and ordered removal of trash, junk and overgrowth and required either demolition of the unfit mobile home on Lot F or submission of engineering plans; because the property had prior orders, the magistrate imposed a larger penalty for continued noncompliance, stating a $2,000 fine would be imposed if the respondent failed to cure the violations within the 30‑day period.

In a separate matter at 5015 Orange Avenue in Youngstown, Investigator Chris Hubbard introduced photographs showing junk and trailers obstructing the right of way. Resident Daniel R. Ott, who said he had been hospitalized, told the magistrate he would work to clear the property. The magistrate ordered full compliance within 10 days or an initial $200 fine and $25 per day thereafter; a compliance hearing was set for July 16.

At 12432 Highway 2301 in Youngstown, Hubbard testified the site contained overgrowth, derelict vehicles, boats and an unsafe accessory structure (a shed). Owner Brandon Stewart said he had arranged removal of the shed and is working to haul debris. The magistrate ordered 30 days to comply and reduced a proposed $1,000 fine to $200 in the order entered at the hearing.

Investigator Joe Tripp presented three additional matters. For 537 Coronado Place (a vacant lot in Panama City Beach) he reported remaining trash, an RV and a derelict vehicle despite earlier removals; the magistrate ordered 10 days to comply or face the established fines. For 6305 Highway 79 (West Bay), Tripp reported after‑the‑fact land clearing without required permits; the magistrate directed the respondent to obtain required land‑disturbance and clearing permits within 10 days or face fines and liens until permits are obtained.

Owners and representatives repeatedly said they were making progress but cited obstacles including limited funds and incarcerated occupants. Realtor Theresa Dyer, speaking for owner Susan Barnes, said the owner “has been out of town for most of the year” and that an engineer from Southeastern Consulting Engineers would visit to prepare plans. Daniel Ott acknowledged health issues and said, “I have bipolar and I’m gonna work on it,” and pledged to clear his property.

The magistrate closed the morning session and said written orders would be mailed. Compliance hearings for unresolved cases were scheduled for July 16 at 1 p.m.

Orders at a glance: • 8211 (Unit B) — unsafe porch/deck and overgrowth: 30 days to obtain demolition permit or submit structural repair plans and detailed action plan; initial fine $200 then $25/day; fines may become a lien. (case evidence: investigators Bruning and Thorpe) • 1131 Siemens Lane (Lots C, F and parcel) — blighted structures, derelict vehicles, debris: 30 days to cure; Lot F (unfit mobile home) demolition or engineering plans required; repeat violator fine if noncompliant: $2,000. (Clarkson, Thorpe) • 5015 Orange Avenue — junk and trailers in right of way: 10 days to comply; initial fine $200 and $25/day; compliance hearing July 16. (Hubbard) • 12432 Highway 2301 — unfit accessory structure, derelict vehicles, boats: 30 days; demolition or permit/repair; fine reduced to $200 in order. (Hubbard) • 537 Coronado Place — vacant lot storage, RV and derelict vehicle: 10 days to comply or fines and liens. (Tripp) • 6305 Highway 79 — unpermitted land clearing: 10 days to obtain required permits or fines and liens will accrue. (Tripp)

What happens next: Each respondent must contact code enforcement to document progress and schedule inspections; failure to secure required permits or otherwise comply within the ordered timeframes will trigger fines and potential liens as specified in the magistrate’s orders.