The case of Annie Creek Dial’s property on North 18th Avenue dominated the meeting, with city code enforcement officer Nikki Beavers Walker presenting an overview of the ongoing violations. The property had been cited for overgrowth, trash, debris, and the presence of vermin. Following a complaint, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department conducted a welfare check after detecting a foul odor, leading to the discovery of several live cats inside the vacant property. The inspection revealed that the property owner had not received previous violation notices due to her absence, as confirmed by her son, Brandon Dial, who was present during the inspection. He expressed surprise at the deteriorating condition of the property and acknowledged his lack of awareness until recently.

Brandon requested a 90-day period to rectify the violations and expressed his intention to sell the property once it was brought into compliance. The Special Magistrate agreed to the 90-day proposal, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the property’s condition, especially with warmer months approaching. This timeline was set to cover both exterior and interior work, with the hope that Brandon’s involvement would lead to improvements. The city’s approach to sending notices and the complexities of communication with absentee property owners were discussed in detail.

Neighbor Lauren Cologne raised concerns about the welfare of unspayed cats on the property. She expressed frustration with the limitations of animal control services, specifically regarding the availability of traps for neutering the cats. The Special Magistrate acknowledged her concerns and encouraged ongoing communication with city representatives to resolve the issue.

Another topic of discussion was the nonconforming sign at Dunkin Donuts located on Beach Boulevard. The property had not shown progress since a previous hearing, remaining in violation due to the absence of a submitted application for compliance. The Special Magistrate noted that the property owner had failed to meet the deadline for confirming construction completion, which was set for January 22. Without progress, the city was poised to impose fines, accumulating at a rate of $250 per day, until a complete application was submitted.

The city discussed the potential imposition of a lien if fines reached $5,000. The planning department’s lack of documentation for the original sign specifications added complexity to the situation. The Special Magistrate reiterated the need for compliance and the urgency of submitting an application to avoid further penalties.

The potential expiration of a city ordinance requiring the replacement of nonconforming signs by 2027 added an additional layer of urgency to the matter, with future enforcement actions contingent upon compliance with this timeline.