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Magistrate orders Ocean Riviera to fix exterior lighting during sea‑turtle season or face fines
Summary
The magistrate ordered Ocean Riviera Condominium to shield north‑side parking lights within 10 days to comply with sea‑turtle‑season lighting rules, warning the city may remove noncompliant fixtures and recover costs.
At the July 7 special magistrate hearing the city presented that exterior parking‑lot lighting at Ocean Riviera Condominium (3550 Galt Ocean Drive) was illuminating the beach during sea‑turtle nesting season and did not meet required shielding and color restrictions. Inspector Alex Eugene told the hearing the matter falls under sections that permit city abatement and cost recovery if violations persist.
The magistrate ordered the respondent to come into compliance within 10 days or face a $250‑per‑day fine, saying, "The respondent will be given 10 days to come into compliance, which is July 17, or a fine of $250 a day." Supervisor Cloyan noted the city does not typically abate lights but that the statute allows removal and cost recovery. The magistrate recorded the deadline and warned the owner the city may act if lighting is not corrected before the end of the nesting season on Oct. 31.
The order emphasizes city responsibilities under local code to protect sea turtles during March 1–Oct. 31 by limiting beach‑facing illumination and gives the association a short compliance window.
