One notable issue at the meeting was the case concerning the First Presbyterian Church on South 2nd Street. Christy Lowe, the code compliance coordinator, detailed the violations under section 94-149 of the city’s code, which governs permitted uses in the intensive commercial district. The church had been cited for operating a temporary homeless shelter without appropriate zoning clearance. Despite efforts to notify the church through certified mail and property postings, the church’s representative, Mr. Lida, acknowledged the shelter operations but argued that they were a necessary community response to protect individuals during extreme cold weather. The church had not received prior warnings from the city that its actions were in violation of any codes.

Mr. Lida explained that the church’s activities were not intended as a permanent shelter but as a “temporary overnight safe space” to comply with Florida’s law prohibiting sleeping in public places. He mentioned that a nonprofit organization, the Putnam County Caring Coalition (PC3), was formed to manage the sheltering efforts, with ongoing negotiations to relocate these services to a compliant location. Despite the church’s intentions, the magistrate emphasized the need for compliance with city zoning codes and set a 90-day deadline for the church to rectify the violations. Non-compliance would result in fines of $250 per day beginning November 18, 2025.

Another topic involved the property on Kirby Street, owned by Carla O. Nolles. The property faced multiple violations, including unsecured structures, sagging components, an empty electrical box, and rotting wood. The magistrate verified that due process was followed in notifying the property owner, despite challenges with undeliverable certified mail. Photographic evidence was presented, illustrating the structural concerns, such as unsecured second-story doors and sagging wood beneath the front porch. The city representative confirmed communication with the property owner’s husband, acknowledging the situation and confirming the property’s address. The magistrate ordered the property owner to address the violations by September 18, 2025, with fines of $25 per day per violation starting after the compliance deadline.

The meeting further addressed a property on North 9th Street, owned by the heirs of Mini Lee Jones. The property was cited for missing or broken windows, abandonment, a missing screen, and excessive trash accumulation. Despite efforts to contact the heirs through certified mail, no representatives were present. The city emphasized the importance of boarding up or replacing windows, securing doors, and removing trash to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure safety. As with other cases, the magistrate found substantial evidence of violations and required compliance by September 18, 2025, with similar fines for non-compliance.

In another case, the property on South 2nd Street, owned by Sherry A. Cook, was cited for mold and mildew violations, a torn porch screen, and debris accumulation. The city’s representative testified on the property’s condition, backed by photographic evidence. The magistrate reiterated the focus on factual evidence, emphasizing the importance of personal knowledge in the presented evidence. The property was deemed unsafe, with a compliance order issued for rectification within 30 days, subject to fines for non-compliance.