Temple Terrace Code Enforcement Board Tackles Fire Safety and Property Violations in Year-End Meeting
- Meeting Overview:
The Temple Terrace Code Enforcement Board convened on December 10, 2025, to address issues, including significant fire safety violations at local apartment complexes and various property maintenance concerns. The board engaged in discussions, resolving numerous cases while granting extensions for compliance on several critical matters.
The meeting’s most focus was on the ongoing fire safety issues at the Park at Valenza Apartments, managed by RPM Living. John Jones, a representative for the management team, provided an update on the progress since the last meeting. He reported that six out of eight major violations had been resolved, including those related to fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting. However, the fire suppression and alarm systems remained outstanding. The board was informed that these systems were under contract with Py Barker, a fire protection contractor, and efforts were underway to replace approximately 600 painted or corroded sprinkler heads. The completion of these tasks was estimated to take 120 workdays.
Jones detailed the steps taken towards compliance, such as replacing underground valves and addressing deficiencies in sprinkler systems across three buildings. New breaker panels and surge protection devices were also being installed for the fire alarm system. Inspector Cletus Squires had been monitoring the progress and confirmed ongoing advancements during on-site inspections. After deliberation, the board agreed to extend the compliance deadline to January 14, 2026, requiring monthly status updates to ensure timely resolution of the remaining issues.
Another notable case involved Blue Rock Premiere Properties on Aruba Avenue, where fire safety violations were also a concern. Inspector Cletus Squires reported that while progress had been made, including updating emergency backup lighting and inspecting fire hydrants, the fire alarm system remained inoperable. Fines of $2,000 per day were scheduled to begin accruing on December 11, 2025, if compliance was not achieved by midnight of the meeting date.
The board also addressed property maintenance violations on Corral Dawn Court, owned by John D. Cronin. Code compliance officer Doug Allen presented evidence of a tarped roof. Cronin explained that he had applied for assistance through a county program for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation. The board set a compliance deadline for January 14, 2026, with a $25 per day fine for non-compliance post-deadline.
In another case, Abel Mino Lopez faced violations for a property on Rainbow Drive, where issues included peeling paint and a tarped roof. Code compliance officer Danielle Bat confirmed ongoing non-compliance despite initial warnings, and the board imposed a $50 per day fine for each continued violation past the January 14, 2026, deadline. The board debated the fines, ultimately deciding on the combined amount to emphasize the seriousness of the violations.
Further discussions included a property at 12112 North 56th Street, where a damaged marquee business sign had not been adequately repaired. Code compliance officer Lorie Smith highlighted ongoing challenges with material availability post-hurricane. The board’s decision resulted in a $50 per day fine for continued non-compliance after January 14, 2026.
The board also reviewed a case involving a chain link fence on East 122nd Avenue, where the owner expressed willingness to repair or replace the deteriorating structure. The board affirmed the violation based on presented evidence and set a compliance deadline, aligning with the approach taken for other property maintenance issues.
Towards the meeting’s conclusion, members expressed gratitude for the year’s accomplishments and anticipated the introduction of a forthcoming short-term rental ordinance. This ordinance, effective July 1, 2026, would require collaboration between code compliance and fire departments. The board recognized the need for training sessions to prepare for the ordinance’s implementation.
Andy Ross
Code Enforcement Board Officials:
David Redding, Bryan Hubert, David Pogorilich (Chairperson), Bill Snelling, Juan Gomez, Raed Khawaja, Gina d’Angelo
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Meeting Type:
Code Enforcement Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
12/10/2025
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Recording Published:
12/11/2025
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Duration:
67 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Hillsborough County
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Towns:
Temple Terrace
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