Tarpon Springs Code Enforcement Board Tackles Life Safety Code Violation and Soaring Unpaid Fines

The Tarpon Springs Code Enforcement Board meeting centered on a high-stakes case involving a significant Life Safety Code violation at KDA Properties and the resolution of substantial fines for other properties. Discussions covered the urgency of compliance in safety matters and the challenges posed by outstanding financial penalties.

The most issue on the agenda was the case concerning KDA Properties on Grand Boulevard, where a significant Life Safety Code violation was identified. According to Mike Rison, a code enforcement officer, the issue involved the absence of a required 4-inch fire assembly in the property’s fire suppression system. The property’s owners were unable to attend the meeting, citing a family emergency, but had been in contact regarding the violation.

Utility Superintendent Ray Pagee explained that the installation of the fire assembly would involve hiring a contractor to connect it to the main waterline, potentially requiring excavation work on the street. This installation is critical for ensuring the safety of the multifamily rental property.

Board members expressed concern about the absence of an operational fire suppression system, especially given the potential safety risks. Fire Marshal Kevin Woodrich presented photographic evidence showing the absence of the necessary fire line, emphasizing the property owners’ acknowledgment of the issue and their willingness to address it.

A motion was proposed to find KDA Properties in violation of city ordinance and impose a fine of $250 per day starting March 14, 2025, until compliance is achieved. While the fine was substantial for a first violation, it was deemed necessary due to the fire department’s assessment of the situation’s seriousness. The motion carried after a roll call vote.

Another topic discussed during the meeting was the resolution of outstanding fines for properties that had reached compliance but still owed substantial amounts. The board addressed the case of the Cumar property on Hibiscus Street, which had undergone significant improvements. Despite the property achieving compliance, fines totaling $22,700 remained due for each of the three cases associated with it. A motion was made to accept the affidavits of compliance, acknowledging the property’s progress while addressing the unpaid fines.

Similarly, the case involving Katherine J. Amy and Gregory G. Pelo on Sunrise Drive highlighted the challenges of resolving unpaid fines. Although the violations had been corrected, a hefty fine of $250,737.50 remained unsettled. The board accepted the Affidavit of Compliance while noting the respondents’ failure to pay the outstanding amount.

Public comments provided additional insight into the challenges faced by the community. Resident Denise Ramirez shared her distress regarding a neighboring property that had accrued over $50,000 in fines without any action taken. The property, described as a dumping ground with junk, rotting appliances, and pests, presented safety concerns. Ramirez expressed her frustration, recounting a past incident where a child died inside a refrigerator, and conveyed her sense of helplessness.

Ramirez described the property owner as elderly and under the influence of her son, who was using the property improperly. The board empathized with Ramirez’s situation, recognizing the complex family dynamics involved. They assured her of their intent to pursue further action, including potential legal proceedings to expedite resolution.

The board also reviewed statistics from the past year, noting that 361 cases had been opened, with 263 closed before advancing to the next enforcement step. Efforts in community outreach were highlighted, with an estimated 300 to 400 informal contacts made to resolve issues without formal action.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Costa Vatikiotis
Code Enforcement Board Officials:

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording