Edgewater magistrate upholds citations, sets deadlines after code enforcement hearing

Special Magistrate Ryan Knight ordered multiple property owners and managers to correct code violations at a City of Edgewater code enforcement hearing on June 12, 2025.

The hearing addressed residential and commercial citations, including an unpermitted shed and roofing at 31 Pine Brook Drive, a damaged dumpster enclosure and overgrown vegetation at the Dollar General at 2798 South Ridgewood Avenue, an overgrown yard at 1307 Victory Palm Drive, and fire-safety deficiencies at Edgewater Commons, 2970 South Ridgewood Avenue.

Officer Jacob McLaughlin, the city's code enforcement officer, presented evidence that 31 Pine Brook Drive had unpermitted structures and roofing work beyond an existing deck permit. He said a notice of violation was issued on May 19, 2025, and staff recommended a $75 citation and daily fines of $100 per violation if the work was not corrected after mid-July. Respondent Jasmine Partridge and Brian Wagner said they were working to obtain an engineer's stamp and that some work (the shed) had been in place for years. "I honestly did not think that those were something that had to be done, for what we did put up," said Brian Wagner, who said local engineers were backlogged and that they had reached out to an Orlando firm.

"I'm gonna give you until the end of July, to do that," Special Magistrate Ryan Knight said, granting an extension and ordering correction by July 31, 2025. Knight found the respondent in violation of City of Edgewater Code section 7-1, which incorporates Florida Building Code 105.1, and upheld a $75 citation; he warned that a $100-per-day fine would be imposed for each day the violation continued past the deadline.

In the Dollar General matter (case 25-122244), McLaughlin said staff had observed broken dumpster-enclosure gates and vegetation extending into the parking area; the property had a prior notice of violation from Jan. 15, 2025. No one appeared for the respondent. The magistrate found a violation and ordered correction by June 22, 2025, upholding the $75 citation and noting potential $100-per-day fines for ongoing noncompliance.

At 1307 Victory Palm Drive (case 25-122279), McLaughlin said grass and weeds exceeded 12 inches on inspection and that the property had a prior citation from Oct. 25, 2024. Staff reported the yard was mowed on reinspection June 12, 2025; the magistrate upheld a $150 repeat-offense citation and imposed no daily fines because the property was now in compliance.

A presentation on Edgewater Commons (case 25600001) reported deficiencies in fire sprinkler and alarm systems and that parts shortages had delayed repairs; staff said the citation had been paid and the property is currently in compliance, so the magistrate did not levy additional fines.

The city requested case 25-122167 (items A–E) be removed from the agenda and it was administratively closed. Magistrate Knight tabled case 25-122114 to a rehearing set for July 10, 2025. The hearing was then adjourned.

Votes at a glance: - Case 25-122267 (31 Pine Brook Drive): respondent found in violation; corrective action ordered by 07/31/2025; $75 citation upheld; $100/day fines if noncompliant. - Case 25-122244 (2798 S Ridgewood Ave, Dollar General): found in violation; corrective action ordered by 06/22/2025; $75 citation upheld; $100/day fines if noncompliant. - Case 25-122279 (1307 Victory Palm Drive): citation $150 (repeat offense) upheld; property in compliance; no daily fines. - Case 25-600001 / 25600001 (Edgewater Commons, 2970 S Ridgewood Ave): citation paid; property in compliance; no further fines.

The magistrate reminded respondents to retain engineer correspondence if they are seeking amended permits and to contact code enforcement if additional time is needed before the deadlines.