DeFuniak Springs Special Magistrate Orders Repairs on Hazardous Gas Station Canopy.
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Meeting Type:
Special Magistrate
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Meeting Date:
10/17/2024
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Recording Published:
10/17/2024
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Duration:
40 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Walton County
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Towns:
Defuniak Springs
- Meeting Overview:
The DeFuniak Springs Special Magistrate hearing addressed property violations, with the most urgent case involving a deteriorating gas station canopy on Coy Burgess Loop, owned by Big Boss 5 LLC. The magistrate mandated immediate repairs within 15 days, citing significant public safety concerns due to the rusted pylons supporting the structure. Failure to comply would incur daily fines until the violations are rectified.
During the proceedings, the code enforcement officer presented compelling evidence highlighting the canopy’s precarious condition, including photographs and inspection reports. The officer relayed findings from a building official who confirmed the pylons were severely compromised and posed an imminent threat, particularly in inclement weather. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the potential for a catastrophic accident if the canopy were to collapse onto the gas pumps. Despite being duly notified, no representatives from the property owner attended the hearing to challenge the allegations or offer a plan for remediation. The magistrate’s ruling emphasized the necessity for immediate action, allowing for an extension only if a good faith effort to remedy the situation is demonstrated.
Another agenda item concerned multiple violations on College Avenue, owned by Tristan G. Drinkwater. The property was cited for overgrown vegetation and the accumulation of discarded items. The code enforcement officer documented these issues over several months, with the backyard remaining problematic despite some maintenance efforts on the front yard. Drinkwater explained the delay in addressing the backyard was due to a broken lawn mower, although plans were in place to resolve this with the help of his girlfriend’s father. The magistrate stressed the city’s preference for compliance over punishment, granting 30 days to correct the violations with the possibility of extending the deadline given a genuine effort to comply.
In a related matter, the magistrate reviewed compliance on Arrow Drive. The owners had previously accrued a substantial fine of $7,450 due to violations but had since settled the amount and brought the property into compliance. The magistrate confirmed all corrective actions were completed and approved the release of any liens against the property.
The meeting also touched on the status of the Pageant Pro property, which had recently come under city possession. A considerable fine was linked to this property, and the city was coordinating efforts to ensure compliance, including the demolition of existing structures and preparation for new residential development. The magistrate emphasized the importance of adhering to all legal requirements and avoiding any violations of city ordinances.
Bob Campbell
Special Magistrate Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Special Magistrate
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Meeting Date:
10/17/2024
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Recording Published:
10/17/2024
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Duration:
40 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Walton County
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Towns:
Defuniak Springs
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