Palatka Faces Code Enforcement Challenges: $11,800 Fine Highlights City’s Crackdown
- Meeting Overview:
The recent Palatka Special Magistrate meeting, presided over by Special Magistrate Ron Brown, centered on multiple cases of code violations, emphasizing the city’s ongoing effort to enforce compliance with local ordinances. The most notable case involved a property on North 18th Street, where accumulated fines have reached $11,800 due to unresolved violations including excessive trash, overgrown grass, and mold growth.
At the heart of the discussion was the situation on North 18th Street, owned by Mary Ward and Calvin Stling, who were absent from the hearing. This case, a second hearing due to ongoing non-compliance since April 24, 2024, highlighted severe property deterioration. The city’s code enforcement coordinator presented photographic evidence depicting a worsening state, including an overgrown yard with grass exceeding 36 inches and the presence of household items like a couch and washing machine improperly stored outdoors. The mold covering the structure was increasingly visible.
The magistrate confirmed that due process requirements were met, with notifications sent to the owners and the property properly posted. Given the substantial evidence of continued violations, the magistrate ordered an official lien on the property, opening the possibility for foreclosure should compliance not be achieved. The ongoing accrual of fines at $25 per day per violation underscores the city’s stance on maintaining property standards.
Another notable case involved the property on Cleveland Avenue, owned by the Aldic Sadettin Life Estate. The city’s code enforcement officer, Melissa Drier, reported violations under section 30-32A, specifically addressing issues of trash and debris as well as untagged, inoperable vehicles. Despite receiving an unsigned green card from a certified letter, communication with the owner was lacking. The officer described the accumulation of debris and the deteriorated state of vehicles, supported by photographic evidence. A cherry picker vehicle located in the right-of-way was also included in the violation notice. The magistrate gave the owner 90 days to comply, threatening fines of $25 per day per violation if not adhered to by October 15, 2025.
The meeting also addressed property on Country Club Terrace, owned by Kathleen Suzanne Lahi. City officer Melissa Drier presented evidence of four inoperable vehicles, with photographic documentation supporting the claims. Despite no representation from Lahi, due process was confirmed through certified notifications and property postings. Neighbor Taylor Matthews corroborated the claim by noting the vehicles’ long-standing presence. The magistrate provided a 30-day compliance window before fines would commence on August 15, 2025.
The proceedings further involved a property on North 12th Street, where multiple violations were observed, including deteriorating building conditions and public nuisances. Code violations under section 30-169 were cited, involving rotten wood, mold, and overgrown grass. Photographic evidence substantiated these issues, with the magistrate allowing 90 days for compliance before imposing fines.
Additionally, a property on North Fourth Street faced scrutiny for violations related to paint issues and rotten wood, situated within a historic district. The magistrate found substantial evidence and granted a 90-day compliance period, after which fines would be levied.
Robbi Correa
Special Magistrate Officials:
-
Meeting Type:
Special Magistrate
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
07/15/2025
-
Recording Published:
07/15/2025
-
Duration:
94 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
Florida
-
County:
Putnam County
-
Towns:
Palatka
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 12/15/2025
- 12/15/2025
- 11 Minutes
- 12/15/2025
- 12/15/2025
- 134 Minutes
- 12/12/2025
- 12/12/2025
- 187 Minutes