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Magistrate trims $28,000 tally for Latitude 26; owner cites miscommunications with city
Summary
At a March 26 Lake Worth Beach special-magistrate hearing, Semaglia Holdings and tenant Latitude 26 testified that the gallery corrected violations quickly and disputed notice; the magistrate reduced a repeat-violation lien and set a 60‑day payment deadline.
The special magistrate reduced a repeat-violation lien against 802 Lake Avenue — home to Latitude 26 Art Gallery & Wine — after testimony from the property owner and the gallery operators that described miscommunication about permits and notices.
Sandra Semaglia of Semaglia Holdings told the magistrate the company has been invested in Lake Worth for more than 30 years and said certified notice had not been received: "Saying that we got a certified letter is incorrect because if we had gotten one, we would have responded," she said. Tenant and co-owner Kelly Absher described quick remedial work: she said the gallery removed window letters when directed, repaired broken tile and followed city instructions to obtain permits and inspections.
City code officer Leticia Dell described the inspection history: a December 17 use-and-occupancy inspection failed because the gallery lacked an approved business license for drink sales, had live entertainment that required an occupational permit, and showed other physical defects. Dell told the magistrate reinspection found the business again in violation when signage returned to the window after an earlier removal.
The city previously assessed fines that the record shows totaled $28,000 while the property was out of compliance. The magistrate reviewed the files and controller receipts presented by the respondents and reduced the lien to $6,500, giving the owner 60 days to pay; the magistrate warned that failure to pay would allow the city to reinstate the full lien and pursue foreclosure if necessary.
Why it matters: small businesses such as galleries and restaurants often operate on thin margins; lien reductions and timelines for payment can determine whether a tenant or owner keeps the business open or faces escalating enforcement action. The magistrate encouraged owners to work closely with city staff and to file appeals to circuit court if they believe due process was compromised.
The magistrate ordered city staff to prepare and mail the signed order and confirmed the owner may appeal.
