for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. You may be seated. Um well,
this is the um phone. Uh >> okay. >> Excuse us ladies and gentlemen. Technical problems. >> If you have cell phones, uh please turn them down. >> Welcome to Zoom. Enter your meeting ID
followed by pound. Enter your participant ID followed by pound. Otherwise, just press pound to continue. Please enter the meeting passcode followed by pound. >> You are in the meeting now.
>> Okay. All right. There are three participants in the meeting. >> Good afternoon. >> You have been added to the >> am I? I've been wait added to the wait list. [laughter] >> Drop off again.
>> I don't know. I'm here. I can hear you talking. >> Can the Can the individuals in the uh waiting room hear me? Echo. >> Yeah, I'm trying to fix it. Give me a second. >> Okay, we've got some technical difficulties going on. So, give us just
a second, please. >> Sorry. Sorry, I couldn't hear you. I apologize. >> Give us just one moment. We have some technical difficulties. >> Okay. >> Okay. No problem. All right. All
right. Try talking. >> You want me to try it? >> Yeah. Okay. >> All right. Are are you uh able to hear me, Mr. Um >> Yes. >> Okay, very good. Can you say your last name for me so that I don't butcher it?
>> I I can. My My last name is Topuzus. You can call me Ted. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Petus. I'm still going to butcher it. All right. Uh this is the city of Defuniaak Springs special magistrate court for code enforcement. Code enforcement officer Chris Strong
represents the city and will be presenting the city's evidence of code violations on properties within the city. He will do this by testimony, photographs, videos, PowerPoint presentation, and other witness testimony. Once Officer Strong has completed this presentation of this case, you, the landowner, will present
your testimony and evidence as to why you're violation, and you may ask questions of Officer Strong, present witnesses and evidence on your own behalf. both sides. Once they have finished their cases, I will consider the evidence and render a ruling based upon the evidence presented
by both sides. An order will be issued to you immediately, and you'll need to stay until the clerk of court can present a copy of it to you. Uh the order, if a violation is found, will usually give a period of time to correct the violation. And if you do correct violation, it is your duty to contact
the code enforcement office to verify the correction in order to stop any fines from continuing to acrue against you. Everyone who is here to testify today, if you'll please stand to be sworn in. And um Mr. Cop, you don't have to. You're an officer of the court. If
Are you gonna testify? Okay. Raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear or affirm? Uh you don't have to, sir. You're a You're a member of the bar. Um do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give in the case on your behalf is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
>> I do. >> Okay. Thank you. Y'all, you may be se seated. let the record reflect that everyone has been uh sworn in. And we're going to go off of the agenda today and go to the last case arbitration
uh which is case number 2024000000184. The physical address is 210 Sydney Avenue Springs, Walton County, Florida. Parcel number 223 North 1 919140000321. property owner is Federal National Mortgage Association and um Mr. Theo,
you can start if you'd like, >> sir. >> Um you're welcome. >> Okay. Um so I I represent um the uh the forclosing mortgage. I I know it says uh um Federal National Mortgage
Association, but LacG, Community Investment Fund, um uh filed a foreclosure in this in this case um uh in this in this action to eliminate the the interest of the uh um the um
the former owner um who I believe was the uh the violator in this in this case. Um, uh, I have to let me just double check to see his I believe is their name was, uh, Gerene Kirkland, I
believe. I could be wrong. Um but uh the the lean um uh of the city and we're not disputing that there was a uh you know there's there's absolutely a code lean that was that was placed uh but the placing uh placement of the lean was
after the list pendants that was filed in the uh in the mortgage forclosure action um and about 6 months afterwards and uh the the uh our case proceeded to a judgment and certificate of title in the name of um LLACG
um which issued in December of 25 and uh and recorded on actually December 31st of 25. Um so you know it's it's our position that the the lean um having been placed after the Liz pendants um
has been extinguished by operation of law um we we we do understand our client has brought in compliance. Um but uh the the lean um as to the property and as to you know our client along with um any
successor uh um party in interest like a buyer for example uh would um should not um have an effect to to our seller and our and our buyer. um you know the uh
the the um any crude fines on the lean um would have a uh uh would be limited to the former owner um and uh and uh um and any properties that they may still uh own against uh uh in in the
in the county in in Walton County. >> What is the um what is the um um amount owed on the property now? $15,800. >> $15,800. And has the company committing the
foreclosure, have you gone to have you gone to auction yet >> or do you have a buyer? >> Yes, we have. >> Okay. And how well the the lean was not extinguished. It would have come in second to the mortgage foreclosure. But how much uh was the prop how much did the property sell for and how much was
your lean? Uh the the pro what you mean at the foreclosure sale? >> Yes. >> The judgment amount was 152205. Um but it hasn't sold yet. It went back to the plaintiff.
>> Okay. And they have a credit bid um on the uh at the foreclosure sale. So, um, they would take the title, um, uh, back from the foreclosure sale at at a nominal, you know, amount because they don't they don't fit in their, uh, um,
their judgment. Um, but, uh, it it and what is it being sold for? It's being sold for 147. So, the, uh, the judgment amount, I believe, let me just take a look. This is without interest. Um but
the the judgment once again is 152 uh 205. So we're actually selling it at a loss. >> Okay. If you would can you send uh to the code enforcement officer the judgment and the uh the clerk certificate of sale and how much the
sale was. >> Uh the the clerk certificate of sale. Yeah, I'd have to just look that up. I don't have uh that handy, but uh oh, maybe I do. Let me just take a look quick. I can absolutely send it to to Chris. >> Okay.
>> Let me just see if I have a hard copy of it. No, I don't. But I'll send in the uh the pleadings right now. >> Okay. >> You want me to do that right now? >> Uh you can. And what I'm going to do is I'm going to uh research this and make
sure that we're right in because if there are any other properties in Florida owned by uh the the defendant in the case, then we have access to those properties to satisfy our leans. Obviously, this one won't get it satisfied, but we're not going to uh
reduce or do anything with those until we see what other properties we can get uh to pay this to pay the amount that's owed on this one. So, [clears throat] I mean, that's that shouldn't present present if I'm going to see if I can find a way
to release that property without releasing the other properties within the state of Florida >> of the of the form of the former owner of the violator. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. [snorts] So, if you would, we'll take this. I'll take it under
advisement. And then once I find if they have other property or don't have other property, then I'll render a ruling. And of course, uh, if it sold for less than what the judgment was, you're first in line. So, we don't have anything to get with. We would still be able to go after
the original owner who did the violation as well. But, your current uh your current owner needs to make sure they keep the property in compliance if it's not in compliance already. Okay, because those will start. Um, Mr. Officer Strong, is the is the property in
compliance now? >> It is. >> Okay. All right. So, that shouldn't be a problem. Just tell your client to keep it in compliance and then we'll we'll uh research this and get it out and I'll try to get it out within the next week or so. >> That's great. So, so just to um Oh,
you're going to get the order out within the week or so. Yeah. So the uh um just just for the conclusion of the hearing just for my records um we're we're you want me to provide um copies of the foreclosure pleadings including the stiff sale to uh to to Chris?
>> Yes. And um and that will um uh um uh evidence the fact that the property would did go back to my client at the foreclosure uh sale um and an auction and um and then the uh the the the lean
itself would be deemed extinguished as to the property and and the fines as well to the property and and our >> client if if we have that correct guess and if they don't have any other property the reason why I don't want to issue an order today is if they don't have any other property in the state of
Florida, then there's no reason to continue to try to pursue them. Um, but I do need to find out if they are have any other properties within the state of Florida, which I got it. >> Yes, sir. >> Understood. >> Well, at the time when I >> I appreciate it very much.
>> Yes, sir. >> At the time I did the order and lean, it was actually not under a regular individual. It was under actually the mortgage company. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. All right. Thank you, sir. Uh, and we'll be back in touch. We please keep in touch with uh, Officer Strong and he'll get the order
to you as soon as we uh, determine, you know, what we've what other properties are there. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate your professionalism. Have a good day. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> So,
>> there should be a hang button on there. >> Okay. Uh, >> got it. Yeah, >> I think that's it. You don't mind? We're going to start with the non-compliance section number three. >> That's quite all right. If you'll call the halls.
>> Yes, ma'am. Uh, you two ladies are and the lady in the back, are you going to be testifying today? Are you going to be speaking to me as a judge? Okay, I need you all to stand and and let me swear you in. Okay. Do you solemnly swear or affirm
the testimony you are about to give in the case in which you're here for will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Yes. Let the record reflect that they've been they have been sworn in. Okay. Officer Stone, you may start your you called the halls.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Families present for the individual. >> Okay. >> This will be compliance hearing case number 202500000080. Violation was chapter 14 section 14-3. Violation is enumerated. Address is 50 West Loss Avenue. Parcel numbers 253
November 1 1919 070 00007850 property owners um Jimmy Thomas Carol exhibit one shows the properties inside the city limits of Dang Springs and subject to the code of ordinances. Exhibit two was the inspection on the
last hearing date which was 9:18 of 2025 front and backyard. Exhibit 3, inspection on 71 of 2026, front and backyard. And exhibit four, inspection on today's date, 7:16 2026 is
now in compliance. >> Okay. And when did it come into compliance? >> Um yesterday when I drove by saw it had all been done. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. Case resides at the 918 20225
special match rate hearing where the property was found in violation of chapter 14 section 14-3 special mate required the property brought into compliance within 30 days which been 1020 2025 or a daily fine of $50 to be assessed until brought into compliance 71 2026 prop property was
inspected still not in compliance um notice of hearing was um prepared and sent certified mail is returned back to me notice of hearing is also posted on the property and at city hall 716 2026 property is is in compliance.
Exhibit six is originally was the affidavit of um non-compliance that was done. Exhibit seven's notice of hearing tracking showing it was returned.
Exhibit nine. The respondent complied with the um results of the final order after the required compliance date of the Monday, October 20th, 2025. Compliance was achieved on Thursday um July 16th, 2026. Administrative fines have accured of the amount of 13,400
through those dates. Pursuant to section 16 or 162.09 09 for a statute of the city of Jax ring authorized to record a certified copy of this order in the public records of Walton County upon recording of this order to consu lean against subject
property. Um the city of defense rings authorized pursue all remedies available under chapter 162 Florida statute. Um that's the end of my testimony. >> Thank you very much. I accept your testimony into the record as well as your PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Uh,
Carol, would you like to present >> and if you would state your name and address for the record um into the microphone, please. >> Uh, my name is Michael Carroll. My address is 133 Cara Lane, Defuniac Springs, Florida. >> Uh this is my father's address. Uh, he
was placed in a nursing home in October of 21 in the South End. And uh me and my wife have been in the south end so that we could be there with him. And uh my aunt was supposed to take care of this
property for me. >> Okay. >> And as you can see, my aunt did not. And I was told that code enforcement spoke to her. I don't know if it was you or somebody else, but somebody spoke to her in September of last year, but she did not tell me until I had to come. They
moved my father in the middle of June to here. So, we moved back to our property at Carlo Lane. >> Okay. >> And we went by the house and I was I was appalled. I had to clean the house and the yard. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Um, and I understand your father has passed and I I offer you
my deepest deepest sympathies and sorrow for that. Uh it's a difficult time and u I think you discussed with officer Strong earlier uh as to whether or not we could grant you a continuence on this until you you know are a little bit better situated and I'm still uh willing
to do that if you'd like to. The are I understand from your conversation with him are you uh going to be selling the property? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> The people next door are interested. >> Okay. So, I'm going to it's going to be quick and there's no real estate company
where I'm going to sell it quickly and get it over to them. I I'm going to make sure that it stays clean until it's sold because like I said, I had no clue that this property because we did not come to town. >> Yeah. >> Because he was down there and he's been in bad health. >> Well, quite frankly, if you're going to
sell it, the um the um once it's sold, the lean is paid out of the proceeds. >> Yeah. But there's no the house is trash. Yeah. Um, so there may or may not be and because he's passed any uh anything that is not paid out of the cell sale sell of
the property would be um basically null and void because he's passed unless he has other property somewhere in Florida. >> So um I mean I'm sure he doesn't since he's been in a nursing home um they pretty much get everything first. So um
Mr. Uh, city manager, do you have any input on this? >> No. If you're willing, we can extend it and then um Chris and I can can work with them on it and see what kind of solution we can come up with. >> All right, let's do that. Let's uh I've heard your testimony and you know,
because of the circumstances, uh, I would feel more comfortable letting the three of you discuss things first and then bringing bringing it back to me. I think you're going to come out in in better shape that way. And um again, I'm
so sorry and thank you for being here today. I mean, this is a very difficult time for you because he just passed. So um and again, my deepest sympathies. And what we'll do is I want you to keep in touch with Chris and um and then he'll he'll work with you on it
[sighs] and we can come. I am so sorry. I'm so so sorry. >> Thank you all very much. You're quite welcome. So, we'll we'll continue this one until uh until we get
until he's in a better better position. >> Okay. Who's our next case? >> I'm just seeing Miss Bonsai here. So, I'd like to go to the final fact case number two next. >> Okay. You'll call the halls
just in case there's somebody else here. The halls have been called. Miss Bond is president of the courtroom. >> Okay. Very good. You may present your case. Let the record reflect that the halls have been called. >> Go ahead. Finding in fact hearing case number 2026000000105 violations chapter 14 section 14-2
nuisance and hazardous or unsanitary conditions general requirements chapter 14 section 14-3 violations enumerated address is um 110 North 9th street partial numbers 253 November 1 1919 070
0000007961 property owner is Sandra J Bonsai exhibit shows the properties inside the city limits and substitute to the code of ordinances. Exhibit two, inspection on 327 of 2026. Exhibit three, inspection on 427 of
2026. Back up. Exhibit 4 in section 65 of 2026. Exhibit five, inspection on 71 of 2026. Exhibit 6, inspection on 716 of 2026. ZIC 7, [sighs] March 27th, 2026. While
conducting inspections related to code enforcement violations, observe potential violations at the property located at 110 North 9th Street. Photographs of the property were taken to document the conditions observed. A review of existing case files confirmed
there was not a active um associated with the property. Also reviewed the records of the Walton County Property Appraisers Office website which indicates the property is located within the city limits of the Phoenix Springs since owned by Senator J. Bonsai. The following conditions were observed. The structure shows the following. Roof
shows extensive deterioration including missing and failing shingles. um improvise um coverings, tarps and cloth material. Bizzle shagging shag sagging and potential structural um compromises.
Roof line sh sagging and visible um deformination. Exterior structures or surfaces deterioration, peeling paint, um weathered sighting, um general lack of maintenance of exterior finishes. Um front porch supports and trim
appeared weathered and potential compromise. Driveway walkway cracked and deteriorated path path movement accumulated described personal property construction materials on the property and overgrowth of weeds grass and wild vegetation a height of 12 inches or more
from the ground. A warning notice was um prepared and sent to the property owner. April 27, 2026, I conducted a follow-up inspection of of the property. The violations previously observed remained. May the 4th, 2026, a notice violations was sent to the property owner.
Certified mail with a turn receipt. Certified mail was 958907105270781 019960. On June the 5th, 2026, I conducted the follow-up inspection on the property. The violations previously observed remained. June the 8th, 2026, a notice
of violations was prepared and sent to the property owner. July the 1st, 2026, I conducted another inspection on the property. The violations remained unchanged. A notice of hearing was prepared and sent to the property owner. Certified mail, the return receipt. Um, the notice of hearing was also posted at
city hall and at the subject property. Certified mail was 9589-0710-52700781022656 July 16th 2026 expected the property on the date of this scheduled hearing property showed no improvement and the violation has remained unchanged. Exhibit 8's a letter of violation.
Exhibit 9 letter of violation on certified mail. Um exhibit 10 letter of violation is tracking showing it was delivered. 11. Exhibit 11, this is the letter of violation. Exhibit 12, a notice for hearing.
Uh, exhibit 13, notice for hearing tracking showing um it's still being attempted. Um, exhibit 14. Please find the property of 110 North 9th Street, Defel number 253, November 1919 070 00007961
is located within the municipality area of the Phoenix Springs of Walton County and is subject to the city of the Phoenix Springs Code of Ordinances. Please find the violations of the city of Phoenix Springs code of ordinances chapter 14 section 14-2 and chapter 14 section 14-3 on the property. Please find that the proper notice of the
hearing was given to the respondent. the respondent is to correct the violation within 60 days of the date of this order and that respondent is further ordered to conduct um or contact the city of strings code enforcement office to arrange for a reinspection of the subject property to verify compliance with this order. If the respondant fails
to comply with the above actions or fails to bring the property into compliance with the capable codes, ordinances, and regulations according to this order, the special man special master assesses a fine of $150 a day until the property is brought into compliance. That's the end of my testimony. I accept your testimony into
the record along with your PowerPoint presentation and your other evidence. Um, Miss Bonsai, would you like to come and and present anything to the court? >> You come forward. It just come forward to the to the microphone, please. Ma'am,
>> sure. >> If you could state your name for the record and your address. >> Sandra. >> There you go. Sandra Bonszi, 110 North 9th Street. >> Okay. Could you push the microphone down
for her a little bit because it it's I'm not able to hear her. Well, >> there you go. >> All the way down. >> Yes, sir. All right. Go ahead and tell me what's going on with your property. >> It's a mess.
>> That it is. I really have no defense to offer. Um, I've been very unwell for some time and
haven't really been able to cope with much of anything. >> Yes, ma'am. Uh, I had hope that things would get better, that my husband
was going to help me with things that needed to be done. He was going to help fix my roof. >> Does he live with you? >> Not anymore. He passed away.
>> Oh, I'm so sorry. several months ago. >> Okay. >> And uh wow that I just completely fell apart and lost all hope. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> All hope. And uh honestly, it's a miracle that I'm still here cuz I thought for sure that I'd be gone by now. >> Well, I'm glad you're here to speak to
me. Um does the uh does the community redevelopment still offer the the um >> dumpster >> dumpster and that sort of thing? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. There is some good news. We have some help for you. Uh the community real development organization will offers
free um dumpsters that you can be putting your um the trash and stuff in and get that taken care of. Now what we do today is and you admit it's not in compliance. It's from the photographs that I saw you I'm surprised you're able
to live there. So it's now the main thing is Miss Bonsai is I will probably go with the recommendation of $150 a day in s after 60 days. However, I also will give um officer
Strong the authority to extend that 60 days. Okay? So if he sees you working on it and sees that you are doing your best to comply, then he has the authority to extend the 60 days so that the fines don't start. But the first thing you
need to do is probably get with community redevelopment and get a get a dumpster out there to get started. And so basically, is that something you can do? >> I could I can Okay. I'm not
um I'm just working with the one trash can right now, but I've been filling it. >> I've been I've gotten most of the weeds under control. I've been working really hard on that. >> Okay. Well,
>> I I've I'm in much, believe it or not, I'm in much better shape >> right now than I have been. I I wasn't eating. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Ever since my husband passed away, I I
stopped eating. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. And I became very weak. >> Yes, ma'am. But, uh, the good people at the Council on Aging have been helping. >> They're another avenue for you to help
as well. So, >> they've been helping. I'm eating every day now. >> Oh, very good. I hope they're sending you meals on wheels. >> No, I'm going to the senior center. I find that uh that's been very beneficial in many ways
because >> I had lost my family, pretty much all my family and my husband and I was so isolated and I stopped caring about my health and my life and my
property obviously, but Uh, I seem to have found a new family >> good >> at the through the Council on Aging. These people are wonderful. Good
>> and they're feeding me every day. And I feel >> I feel a major change. I feel like I'm finally on the road to recovery. Just eating has
made such a huge difference. >> Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. >> And uh for a long time I couldn't I couldn't deal with with any of that. And
like just the process of bending and lifting and hauling was too much. >> Yes, ma'am. And I'm getting my strength back now. I've been out there. I'm surprised he didn't see any improvement
cuz I've been knocking myself out, pulling up weeds and dealing with the uh overgrowth. And um I've got most of that I don't know most of it
under control except that it keeps raining and every time it rains the weeds pop back up and I'm back out there clearing the same areas. Well, what I'm going to tell you to do is I'm going to have you contact officer Strong in the
next few days and get a get a um um >> one of the trash >> dump >> dumpsters out there so that you can be throwing away a lot of the trash and stuff that's there and get started. He will have the ability to extend that if he sees that you're working and he's a
he's a very uh good public servant. He's going to listen to you and he will help you in any way that we can. We're not here to punish you, but we need do need to get the property in a state that's not dangerous to you and dangerous to others because property like that is
attractive to young kids to go and and explore. So, you don't want that happening either. So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to issue an order and again, you're going to work with him. I would strongly encourage you to work with him to um get a dumpster out there,
start, you know, just a little bit at a time, but so long as you're working on it, he can grant you an extension. And what we need to see is some work done on it. Okay. Right. So, if you'll give if Mr. Manager you may >> Yes.
>> Um so, uh just a couple things from the city's perspective. Um I think the dumpster will help. Uh we think there's opportunities after that to help. Uh, one concern I can tell you is going to be is, you know, the ability to upkeep it after the fact, right? We, you know, once we put in an investment from the city, whether that's to the trailer or
we go to CRA and we look for an opportunity that's already there. Um, we got to upkeep it. Um, I'll tell you, I drove by the and seen you doing weeds. I'll tell you, we're not we're not asking you to remove weeds individually. Just cut the grass. You'll be fine. That's in your hand pulling weeds. So, that's taking a lot of time and effort and you don't need to do that at all.
>> Taking we're not asking you to do that at all. Usually, cut the grass. So, save you a lot of time and effort. So I'm saying we're here to help and we'll get you resources, >> but from an investment from let's say the CRA, we got have to find a way for you to maintain it over time and not go
back to where it is now. So I think I think Mr. Tron is going to help you out there. Um, but we're going to have to find a way to keep it going. But I would tell you don't don't waste your time pulling weeds individually. We don't we're not concerned about that. We're just concerned about >> my only option at this point. I had a lawnmower when I first got the house,
but somebody walked off with it. So, at this point, all I can do is pull them up by hand. Um, maybe if I could find someone who could
mow at a reasonable rate that would help, but I haven't been able to do that. people, the people I've talked to, um,
charge an awful lot of money, but not as much as $150 a day. That's for sure. >> All right. Is there anything else any of the parties wish to add? >> Yes, sir.
>> You'd like to testify? Yes. Are you finished, Miss Miss Bonsi? Yes, I think so. >> Okay. Thank you so much for coming. If you'll come forward, sir, and uh state your name and address for the record, please.
>> My name is Robert Raymond and my address is 111 North 8th Street and I have not been sworn. If I need to be sworn. >> Yes. If you don't mind, please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the absolute truth, nothing but the truth, say God?
>> Yes, I do. >> Okay. Let the record reflect he's been sworn. Go ahead. >> Are you able to hear me? Okay. Like >> Yeah, I am. >> First, I'd like to say, Miss Fony, I'm sorry for the loss of your husband. And I I am truly sorry for that. And and
what I'd like to do is add a few things that this has been going on a very, very long time >> and is still going on. and uh the city attorney of record at the time,
Clayton um Atinson filed a lawsuit that prevented a judgment that had already been awarded that I have a copy of that I can leave. This has been there's a another code complaint um that was never finished
from and I actually brought it. Give me just two seconds. Case number 2020 dash 0 0 07 that was never completed.
And that case was uh what year? I don't know when that was initiated, but that case as well as a lawsuit that was issued a judgment to me
>> for um something unrelated to that part of her property building is on my property. But then the city attorney stepped in at the very last minute after the judgment had been issued the appeal
process. It was past the 30 days and he waited till right before it was going to be a sheriff sale. >> Now I will say on the record now >> at that time the best case scenario for Miss Bonsai would have been we would
have just fixed everything and just called it even and she'd be done. That is not what has happened. It has been ignored and dra and I'm not pointing that at you or Mr. Stum. He's been the the staff has been very good. But this
is a very big mess >> and I think that that mess should be looked at from the first code complaint, the lawsuit. There's a lot more here that is damaging. I own property around her property. Well, please understand we
can only I can only rule on what is presented to me and um the the code compliance until we have a a order of violation. The fines do not start until that. So, we're going to give her an
opportunity. And did you say that? Are you telling me that you now own the property? Well, I'm telling you I do not own it, but I I do feel I have more than a legal interest in it at this point because of actions that have been taken against me
from not anyone here but Clayton Atinson and the city. Mhm. >> The city stepped into a private legal matter and so >> I don't have any I don't have any knowledge of that, but what will happen today and if you are um the neighbor um
maybe y'all can work together and help help her help her find somebody. >> I I would I would say this. she has multiple properties and I'm sorry again for the passing but there's a your your residence back in Illinois is actually
would be an option as well but trying to fix this house up with CRA dollars it's it's just not going to it's not possible it's needs to be looked at before a dime is spent other than demolishing it and I
I don't think it's fair that the case from 2020 was never done. The lawsuit was stopped >> and all of that damage happened to me
>> and and this whole time we've just kind of limped it along and now we're starting over and I have very legitimate concerns that whatever happens today, she may or may not do the best she can. It will still look exactly like it looks
and then the city will rack up fines and foreclose and deal with it in a a year or whatever that is. >> And that's the process that we have to do. Things that occurred the case from 2020 was before my time and um and it [clears throat] was never brought
brought brought to me. I don't believe it was ma'am. >> Did we have did we have you had a conflict of interest? >> Oh, I had a conflict at that time with with something on it. That's right. Um, what we're going to do is we got to start somewhere and today is the day that we start. Uh, and I
>> can I can I offer a suggestion? >> Sure. >> Because the and I believe Mr. Strong will uh cooperate this because I ask him I asked him repeatedly if Clay had us, you know, looked into the matter
>> and no response. I'm absolutely trying to come together here. I'm not trying to be the bad guy, but starting this over now is just everything that's happened in the past, putting it away. That's completely unfair to me.
>> There was a judgment that was I have a notorized copy of that was squashed away and then Clayton's passed away. So, I personally would be willing to spend the next 30 days trying to truly figure this
out without the unrealistic expectation that we're going to fix this house up with CRA dollars. >> It's just not going to be possible there. >> Are are you asking us to continue the case for 30 days? I would say that the smartest thing to
do would give a 30-day continuance because this is going to involve legal matters that are still active >> against her as well and and well, yeah, her as well as the unresolved code
complaint that I filed in 2020. >> Okay. >> So, we're basically starting over and that's not fair to me. >> Okay. But >> I do want to make this work out. I I'm not trying to be a horrible person, but I'm the person that has worked very hard
to try to fix, you know, fix this up and resolve this. >> And nothing has been done until this point and this point could dramatically do what everything else that has been done so far, which is just a delay
tactic. Well, we well the court really doesn't have much uh wiggle room on this. It's a violation. So I need to do so your 30 days if >> I really don't see continuing this. I want to go ahead and issue an order on
it so that we're not starting over. And what I can do is increase it from 60 days to 90 days and maybe to give you that extra 30 days that you wanted. Um and I understand this has been unfair to you as a neighbor. I'm I'm sure it has not been pleasant. Um, however, this is
where we can go from here. If I continue this for 30 days, all that's going to do is push it further down the road. I'd rather go ahead and let's get an order in so Miss Miss uh uh Bonsai knows what she has to do and she has a time period in which she has to do it otherwise
there are consequences. So, that's what that's how we can do this and get this straight. So, is there anything else you'd like to add? I I would um the the first uh lawsuit plus the first code complaint which was never
dealt with >> should be on the record as you know we're not starting this today if >> it's not it's not oluding that it started today. Today starts her time period in which she would need to make
her to uh get the property in compliance. So she will have 60 90 days to get the process started and to show significant improvement on the property or we go forward with a putting the lean on the property and go forward from that
prospect. But we still have to give her an ability to comply because this is a case I have in front of me. I can't look at the 2020 case. I can't look at your civil case. I have to go with what's in front of me that I can issue a ruling on. Uh, and I'm assuming your civil case
was with Walton County and the circuit court. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. Yeah. I can't I can't deal with those. I can only deal with this case. >> Will this new action eliminate the prior actions that were never dealt with or is
it going to be something this will ultimately likely we have to finish the litigation which at this point involves the city. we should um do our best to work it out and I'm willing to do that. >> If what if what you're saying is this
action today will not erase everything that was previously done. >> No. No. All this does is go is a go to the the her need to comply with the roof, the shingles, the uh property itself, the trash in the property and
basically bring the peeling paint. All of that is what this order will address because that was what was presented to me as a violation. Uh anything that you have with her with your civil suit is outside of my jurisdiction. So I can't
even address it at all. However, we will be giving her time to get started and we will Mr. Strong, Officer Strong will keep on top of it because it's it is a um it is a really bad situation, Miss
Bonsy. We need to get get the property to where it's not putting you in danger as well as your neighbors. >> Regarding the CRA, the dump trailer is free of charge for anyone inside the city limits. So, there is no money being spent on that. >> Yeah.
>> Now, the exterior where the funds could go in effect for the CRA program for the exterior. Yes, we would probably look at the overall picture of that before a grant is issued by the CRA. whether or not truly it's something that needs to
be done or not based off the totality of the circumstances. >> Do you have an inspection process prior to um the CRA? >> There's there's I can you come by later. I can give you the guidelines and everything and the process of what how that's handled.
>> Okay. Well, I I just I wanted to make sure that I got on the record that we have a previous code case that was not done. We are on another code case and we have a lawsuit which quite frankly the city is now responsible for because
Clayton did it as the city attorney of record >> with another code case against me and it at the time. [clears throat] So, this is a very big mess and I want to fix it >> and I will give a 30-day thing to try to
help make it work out, >> but it feels like it could be just another extenduation of something that's been going on since 2018. >> I appreciate your patience and you're quite welcome. Appreciate you coming today, Miss Buns. I appreciate you
coming today and I'm going to Mr. City managers, anything you'd like to add, >> Mr. Sham? Okay, I'm going to render my ruling. I'm going to find that. Just one second. This is case number 2026 0000105.
Petitioner is the city of Defin Springs versus Sandra J. Bonsai, BZ Zi. This case came came before me today uh as special magistrate on Thursday, July 16th, 2026 after due notice to the respondent and the special magistrate
having heard testimony under oath received evidence and heard arguments by both sides. I'll issue this finding of fact conclusion of law and orders as follows. The respondent, Sandra J. Bonsai, whose mailing address is 110 North 9inth Street, Defuniaak Springs,
Florida, 32433 Walton County, is the owner of the real property described and also known as 110 North 9inth Street, Defuniac Springs, Walton County, Florida. Partial ID number 253 November 1 191970007961. The real property listed is located
within and exists within the city of Definiac Springs, Walton County, Florida. respondent as the owner of the property is responsible for maintaining the same in accordance with the code of ordinances of the city of Phoenix Springs. All required notices have been made in accordance with chap Florida
chap Florida statutes chapter 162.12 and city code conditions presently exist on the property in violation of city code se uh chapter 14 section 14-2 nuisance and various hazardous insanitary conditions general
requirements and chapter 1414-3 violations enumerated such conditions constitute a nuisance and a serious threat to public safety Health and welfare within the meaning of Florida statutes 162.06 subchapter 4 conclusion of law. This has
been a lawfully constituted code enforcement proceeded convenient convene pursuant to chapter 162 part one of Florida statutes and chapter 18 of the city of defunct springs land development code. The special magistrate has jurisdiction over the subject matter and over the respondent. I find that the
respondent is in violation and she is to correct the violations. own or before 60 days or a fine of $150 per day shall be imposed and the respondent is further ordered to contact the city of Defunia Springs code enforcement office to arrange for a reinspection of the
subject property to verify compliance. Um, and so what that means, Miss Bonsai, is that you need to stay in contact with Mr. Strong and when you get it in when you get these things fixed, you need to call him so he can inspect it to stop any fines from acrewing. Okay? And I
also grant the code enforcement office the authority to extend the compliance date on behalf of the special magistrate upon a showing of good faith effort by the respondent. So ordered um this day 16th day of July 2026.
>> Oops. Here we go. Thank you, sir. Okay. One second. I would like to go back to the non-compliance. Miss Tina Scoffield's here. So, >> very good. >> Number one on that one. >> All right. Thank you. You may call the
halls if you don't mind. Yes, ma'am. The hall's been called. Miss Scoffield is present. >> Okay. >> This is a non-compliance case. Case number zero 2022000000177. Violation chapter 14 section 14-2. New hazardous unsan conditions. General
requirements chapter 14 section 14-3. Violations enumerated. Address is 261 West Avenue. Partial number is 253 November 1 1919 0700017110. Property owner is Tina Scoffield. Exhibit one shows that the properties inside the city limits and subject to
the code of ordinances. Exhibit two was an inspection on 216 of 2023 when was originally brought forth. Special on 718 to 2024, especially on 716 of 2026. Case was presented at the February 16th,
2023 special master hearing where the property was found in violation of chapter 14 section 14-2 and 14-3. Special master require the property brought into compliance within 120 days. 616 of 2023 or daily fin would be assessed until brought to compliance.
616 of 2023 compliance deadline expired. Property remained in violation and fines began to occurring of $100 per day. 718 of 2024 the case returned before the special master rate for non-compliance. Special master rate reduced and eliminated the accured fines totaling
300 or $39,800 to allow the respondent the opportunity to obtain financial assistance through the CRA. U respondent was granted an additional 60 days to achieve compliance. 916 to 2024 additional compliance period expired. Property remained in violation and daily
fines zoomed at $100 per day. 71 2026 property inspected and still not in compliance. Notice of hearing present um prepared and sent to the um property owner still being attempted. Notice of hearing is also posted on the property
and at city hall 716 to 2026 the property remains out of compliance. Exhibit seven's affidavit non-compliance. Exhibit eight's a notice of hearing certified mail. Exhibit 9's notice of hearing tracking showing still being attempted being delivered.
Recommendation respondent has failed to comply with the findings of fact conclusion law order entered on Thursday February 16th 2023 is supposedly modified by the order of the special master on Thursday July the 18th of 2024. Administrative fines have occurred
um in the amount of um $66,800 through July the 16th of 2026. Administrative fines shall continue cure at a rate of $100 per day until the violations are corrected or until otherwise ordered by the special magistrate. Pursuant to section 162.09
Florida statute, the city of Phoenix Springs authorized to record a certified copy of this order in the public records of Walton County, Florida. upon recording the order constitute a lean against the property um or subject property against any other
real property or personal property owned by the respondent enforceable in the same manner provided by 162 Florida statutes. City of strings is authorized to pursue all remedies available under 162 Florida statutes and any other applicant law to collect administrative fines imposed herein. That's the end of
my testimony. >> Thank you for your testimony. accepted into the record along with your PowerPoint presentation. Miss Scoffield, would you like to present any information? >> My son started helping me. >> If you would please. Um, yeah. Wait till you get up there. State your name and
your address, please. >> Tina Scoffield, 261 to West Toledo Avenue. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Um, my son started helping me to clean it up. um like about two weeks ago and um
so it's it's being worked on now. Thank God. I I just I don't know. I haven't been able to. >> Okay. The house has been removed. Is that correct? >> Yes, ma'am. The house has been removed.
Um at the time frame, she was advised to just go ahead and get rid of everything. She was wanting to keep a lot of items. so that she can rebuild her house. Um, but it just it just keeps accumulating. So,
>> okay. >> Wasn't the house the house was gone by the time CRA went out and helped. >> CRA has actually helped actually had for her. >> Yes. >> And but the problem was it's she wanted to keep the slab. I recommended to get rid of everything. Just leave the cement slab there.
>> I should have just >> um she wanted to keep that. I had Mr. beard and go out there and look at it. There was a possibility that it could be preserved, but she would have to do certain things to replace it, but unfortunately circumstances for some reason or another,
nothing was able to occur for her to help do that. >> So, the stuff that's remaining on the property, is that what was existing then or has more been brought in? >> Some has brought in. Actually, I have a a couple of um loads of scrap to take
and I've been talking to a few people and um two people said that they will drop a trailer off. Um I don't know, one of them probably will so that I could take two my two loads there and then that would be make it a
little bit easier to clean up what um little bit that I but it's not that's way in the back. You can't even see that stuff really. It's I I need to get the cans and stuff off the slab cuz my aluminum cans and stuff are on there. I need to get them bagged up.
[clears throat] But we've been working on the yard um stuff. My son brought his him he owns his own business and he brought um two of his workers to start helping. Okay.
>> All right. Um, as as you heard with the city manager, with the previous um previous land owner, uh, the weeds and stuff, you don't need to be pulling, you know, by yourself, but we do need to get the trash and stuff off of the slab as soon
as possible. >> Um, and basically, I don't see anything uh this what'll happen with this is the lean will go on the property. They're not going to foreclose just yet, but you do need to keep trying to get it in compliance as quickly as possible. Yes. >> Um or either that or, you know, put it
up for sale because you the house has been demolished. It's just a lot now. Correct. >> I I talked to a few realtors and one of them um said that it would probably be best if the sele the foundation wasn't there. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So,
>> so yeah, with the foundation there that does create some issues. I can so I can sell it. >> Okay. All right. So, basically what's going to happen is um do you have any other property in Florida? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. And where are you living now?
>> There. >> Where now? >> I'm in my shed. >> And you're on the property living there? >> Yes. >> Okay. Is the shed habitable? >> Yes. I have a generator and um I have that and I have a tent and all my li you
know stuff. [snorts] >> Both of those by Florida or by city ordinances >> is a violation. Yeah. Uh it is a violation to be living in the shed. Um >> and we have a >> Well, I'm between I'm between there and and the neighbor's house, too, you know.
>> All right. All right. So, thank you for your testimony. Is there anything else you'd like me to know? Um, yes. >> Okay. What's going to happen is a lean will be placed with the clerk of court on the property just like it was the last time. Um, and you need to be
cleaning getting that cleaned up so you can sell it and you can get yourself a, you know, a nicer place to live. But please be careful. [snorts] >> We we are very concerned for your safety. >> Yes, ma'am. I I I can too. >> Okay. Could you move in with your son?
Um, he's probably going to be moving with me. >> Oh my goodness. Okay. >> And know he has his own place and he's always bugging me to go that way, but [snorts] >> that may be something you might want to consider because um >> it's all the way in Bonafay and my work is here. >> And what do you do?
>> I work landscaping and and really I do everything. >> Okay. >> I've done just about everything, >> but [snorts] I work outside mostly. >> Okay. There are a lot of yards in Bonaf too. Not to run you out of city of fiac, but there are >> I I've worked with people here 20
something years. >> Okay. Goodness. All right. Well, thank you very much. And please continue to get the property into compliance because once that's done, we have a little bit more wiggle room right now. I don't have a lot of uh there's not a lot I can do
to help you other than to go ahead and put this lean in place. And uh but you do need to still be working with Mr. Strong and Mr. [snorts] Townsen. Okay. >> How much is it? is going to be uh 66,800. Let me see what it was. $66,800
is what's acred so far. So, and that'll continue to acrue and get larger as long as all that trash and everything is on there. So, you need to get that done and taken care of. >> I just have to get the foundation down and then it's okay. No, >> at this point [snorts] the foundation you have there, I'm not worried about
all the metal that you saved to build up the new house that you never built. >> You need to clear everything off. >> No, that's scrap metal that's in my yard. Scrap metal. Yeah, that's what the trailer must be for. But >> okay, we'll get all that cleaned off because that's an attractive nuisance to children. If somebody gets hurt there,
>> um it's on you. It's on us. >> Yes. >> So, please please get that taken care of. All right. If there's any nothing else and I'll render my render my decision. Okay. >> Uh you can have a seat and or you can stand there either one but you can have a seat. >> All right. I find that in case number 22
2022000000177 parcel number 253 November 1 1919700 0171 0. Um, the city of Defunia versus Tina Scoffield, S C H O F I E L D. This cause
came before me uh and for a public hearing and the owner of the property was here. So, all notices were taken care of. A subsequent uh hearing was held on today's date which additional sworn testimony was presented. I've reviewed the record, evidence, and prior
orders entered in this matter and otherwise being fully advised in the premises hereby make the following fact. finding a fact conclusion law and order. I find that pursuant to um my previous order issued on February 16, 2023, the
respondent was required to complete the specified corrective actions on or before Friday, June 16th of 2023. The order further provided that an administrative fine of $100 per day would occur for each day the violation remained uncorrected beyond the compliance date. The respondent has
failed to achieve compliance by the required compliance date. And on Thursday, July 18th of 2024, I entered an order reducing and eliminating the acred administrative fines totaling 39,800 uh dollars to allow the respondent the
opportunity to obtain financial assistance through the community redevelopment agency. Respondent was granted an additional 60 days to achieve compliance. She has complied the respondent has failed to achieve compliance within the additional 60-day period provided by the special magistr.
An affidavit of non-compliance by the code enforcement officer certifies under oath that [snorts] as of June 1st of 2026 the property remained in violation of the applicable uh provisions of the city of Definiac Springs code of ordinances. As a result of the continued
non-compliance from Monday, September 16th, 2024 through July 16th of 2026, administrative fines have accured in the amount of $66,800. This has been a lawfully constituted code enforcement proceed procedure
procedure convene pursuant to chapter 162 part one, Florida statutes and the code of ordinances of Definiac Springs. The special magistrate has jurisdiction over the subject matter and over the respondent based upon the foregoing um finding of fact conclusion of law is
hereby ordered in a judge that the respondent has failed to comply with the findings of fact conclusion of law and order entered on February 163 a Thursday as subsequently modified by order of the special magistrate on Thursday July 18th
of 2024. Administrative fines have accured in the amount of $66,800 as of July 16th of 2026. Administrative fines shall continue to acrue at the rate of $100 per day until the violation is fully corrected or otherwise ordered
by the special magistrate. Pursuant to section 162.09 Florida statute, the city of Funiaak Springs is authorized to record a certified copy of this ordered in the public records of Walton County, Florida. Upon recording, this order shall constitute a lean against the
subject property and against any other real or personal property owned by the respondent, enforceable in the manner provided by 162 Florida statutes. The city of Defunia Springs is authorized to pursue all remedies available under chapter 162 Florida statutes and any
other applicable law could collect the administrative fines imposed herein, done in order on this the 16th day of July, 2026. [snorts] Where's the second map? Here it is.
Thank you very much. And thank you for Thank you for attending today. Baby, I like your new glasses. >> Thank you. >> They look nice. You call the house for your next case, please. Lord miracle.
I was trying to catch myself. >> Just remind me to um uh swear Miss You didn't stand when we swore everybody in. >> Yes, I was. I was here. >> I know, but you didn't. You didn't swear in. I got to swear you in before you testify. >> I did. >> Okay, we'll do it again because you
weren't standing. That's okay. Go ahead. Non-compliance hearing case number 20250000000071 violation chapter 14 section 14-2 nuisances in hazardous or unsanitary conditions general requirements address is 104 South Park Street partial number
is three or 20 partial number is 253 November 1 1919450000000240 property is Dorothy and Mirill exhibit one shows the properties of the city limits and substitute the code code of ordinances. Exhibit two is inspection 821 of 2025.
Exhibit 3, section 71 of 2026. Four, in section 716 of 2026. The case was presented at the 821 2025 special mastery hearing where the property was found in violation of chapter 14 section 14-2. Special manage required the property brought into compliance within 60 days which been
1020 2025 or a daily $500 be assessed to brought into compliance 71 2026 property um inspected and still not in compliance. Notice of hearing prepared and sent certified mail is delivered on those hearing also posted on the
property and at city hall 7:16 2026 property remains out of compliance. Exhibit six is the affidavit of non-compliance. Exhibit 7's notice hearing certified mail. Exhibit eight's not hearing
tracking showing it's delivered. Um, the respondent has failed to comply with the findings of fact conclusions of law and order entered on Thursday, August 21st of 2025. Misery fines have accured in the amount of $26,900
through July 16th of 2026. Misary fines shall continue to occur at the rate of $100 per day until the violations are fully corrected or otherwise ordered by the special magistrate. Pursuant to section 162.09 09 Florida statutes. The city of J Springs is authorized to
record a certified copy of this order in the public records of Walton County, Florida. Upon record recording of this order shall constitute a lean against the subject property and all against all other real property or personal property owned by the respondent enforceable in the manner provided by the chapter 162
Florida statutes. The city of Ch Springs is authorized pursue all remedies available under 162 Florida for the statutes and any other capable laws to collect administrative fines imposed within. That's the end of my testimony. >> Okay. Uh what is a notice that the yard
look clean? What is in the paint is peeling. What else does she >> The original complaint um received from um individual. It was for the wood rot there at the bottom. The chipping peeling paint and all the um little um areas like that on the residence.
>> Okay. I notice the tin roof is lifting on one corner there. Okay. I just want to make sure she understands what needs to be done >> in order to be in compliance. >> Miss Merryill, do you wish to speak? [clears throat] If you would come forward and and state your name for the
record and your address, please. >> I'm Dorothy. I'm Merryill. I live in Cresue, Florida, but my property is here in 104. >> And it uh to me >> Oh, I need to swear you in real quick. Thank you. If you do you solemnly swear
or affirm that the testimony you're about to give is truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, the help of God. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Go ahead. But to me, I've been uh trying trying to sell it because my parents left it for me and um then I
when I people don't want to give me what I think it's worth and then I don't sell it. >> Yes. >> But I didn't think it was that bad as far as I know the paint is peeling, but the person that was complaining about it just I wouldn't sell it to him. That's why he come running his mouth. So I knew
who [laughter] it was. >> Yes, ma'am. as public record. >> And if you [clears throat] could speak into the um because you got a soft voice, >> if you could speak into the microphone so the record can catch your testimony. >> All right. So, do you have um do you have the ability or plans to get the
property into compliance of >> Well, now that I do, now that uh you know, I see that all this is going on with, you know, this fines. >> Yeah. >> I will get it done as soon as possible. >> Okay. I could have already have done it, but I was just waiting around and uh because it didn't seem to look that bad to me.
>> Yes, [laughter] ma'am. Well, the u the Does anybody live in the property? >> No. >> Okay. >> My my aunt was she was in nursing home for about 10 15 years with this. >> Oh, goodness. One of the issues we have when you have a property that's not lived in is it's an attractive nuisance
to children and you know, teenagers and such and vag [clears throat] was on my ch my porch. That's all. >> Okay. that. >> All right. So, >> uh, I can get it taken care of. I might want to tear it down. I don't know. >> Okay. >> So, if I tear it down, would I still
have to fix it up or what? >> Well, if you tear it down, no, ma'am. You just have to make sure it's cleared. The propertyy's cleared. And I would uh encourage if it's on a It looks like that's on a not on a um um a concrete barrier. It's probably a house that's on
blocks. Is that right? >> Oh. Oh, yeah. It's underneath. Right. It's up off the ground. It's just off the ground. So, yeah, you shouldn't >> you shouldn't have to remove any concrete under there. But, yeah, if you'll get that would probably be your best bet if the house is not habitable. >> I know cuz um you know, people want to
buy it, but they just want to, you know, don't want to give me what I think it's worth. So, >> well, that's that's where the negotiation comes in. >> I can take care of it, you know. Yes, ma'am. >> And and whenever I got the other letter, I thought uh you know, I didn't know you would put all the fines against me.
>> [laughter] >> I'm sorry. I could have done fixed it up, but >> Yes, ma'am. Well, what we'll do is um I'll issue an order and um that because it has not been in compliance and then once you get it in compliance, contact
him immediately to stop the fines from >> acrewing in your car. >> I can actually um while she does the order, I'll get you one my business card. >> Yes, please. I can call. >> Thank you. If you'll have a seat, if you finish with your testimony, have a seat. I'll um go ahead and be rendering the
order and that way you'll have a copy of it and he can get you his card at the same time. Thank you, Miss Mel. >> Okay, this case is case number 2025000071, parcel number 25, no uh 3 November 1 19194500 024.
Uh the city of Definiac Springs versus Dorothy M. Merryill M R I L. This cause came before me in Walton County and Definiac Springs uh after due notice to the parties and the uh let the record reflect that Miss Merrill is present and
has testified. An initial hearing was conducted on Thursday, August 21st of 2025 during which testimony was taken under oath. Evidence was presented and the respondent was ordered to undertake certain specified corrective actions. A subsequent compliance hearing was held
on today's date of July 16th of 2026, a Thursday at which additional sworn testimony and evidence was presented. Special magistrate having reviewed the record, evidence, and uh prior orders entered in this matter and otherwise being fully advised in the premises here
does make the following findings of fact uh conclusions of law and order. Pursuant to the finding of fact conclusion of law entered on August 21st of 2025, the respondent was required to complete specific specified corrective actions on or before Monday, October
20th of 2025. The order further provided that an administrative fine of $100 per day would begin to acrue for each day the violation remain uncorrected beyond the compliance date. An affidavit of non-compliance has been filed by the code enforcement officer certifying
under oath that as of Monday, June 21st of 2026, the property remained in violation of the applicable provisions of the city of Defunia Springs uh code of ordinances and continues to be in not in compliance as of today's date. Respondent has not complied on or before
the corrective action date in the findings of fact conclusion of law and order heard on August 21st, 2025. As a result of the continued non-compliance from Monday, October 20th, 2025 through Thursday, July 16th of 2026,
administrative fines have accured in the total amount of $26,900. This has been a lawfully constituted code enforcement proceeding convened pursuant to chapter 162, part one of Florida statutes, and the code of ordinances of the city of Defuniac Springs and the special magistrate has
jurisdiction over the subject matter and the respondent. It based upon the finding of facts and conclusion of law is hereby ordered and adjudged that the respondent has failed to comply with the findings of fact conclusion of law and order issued on August 21st of 2025.
Administrative fines have accured in the amount of $26,900 uh through Thursday July 16th of 2026. Administrative fine shall be and continue to acrue at the rate of $100 per day until the violations are fully
corrected or until otherwise ordered by the magistrate pursuant to section 162.09 Florida statutes in the city of Defuniac Springs is authorized to record a certified copy of this order in the public records of Walton County, Florida. Upon recording, the order shall
constitute a lean against the subject property and against any other real or personal property owned by the respondent enforceable in the manner provided in chapter 162 Florida statutes. The city of Defunia Springs is authorized to pursue all remedies available under chapter 162 Florida
statutes and any other applicable law or administrative fines imposed herein done in order this June uh 16th day of June of July 2026. and Miss Merrill, uh, you may want to talk to them about the CRA
as we in and the anything that they can help you with. So, that's something that Mr. Stron and the city manager can help direct you to to get the property into compliance. >> Okay. >> Do what now? I'm sorry.
>> Oh, okay. Very good. >> Okay. Well, they they do have available also um um dumpsters if you need a dumpster as well. Okay. >> All right. So, it's going to be up to you now to to get in touch with them to
get this stuff. Okay. All right. Thank you, Miss Mayor. We appreciate you coming. If you'll wait just a second, we'll have a copy of the order for you. Thank you. The halls have been called. No one's present. Okay. >> You may begin your case.
>> Finding in fact hearing case number 2025 000000174 violations chapter 14 section 14-2 nuisances in hazardous or unsetting conditions. General requirements chapter 14 section 14-3 violations enumerated.
Address is 382 south or state highway 83 north. Partial number is 253 November 1 1919070 00001-6286. Property owner is John F and Jonathan M. Procum.
Exhibit one shows the properties inside the city limits and subjected code of ordinances. >> Exhibit two, inspection 87 of 2025. Exhibit 3, inspection 930 of 2025. Four, inspection 113 of 2025.
Five, section 128 of 2025. Exhibit 6, inspection 116 of 2026. Exhibit 7, section 219 of 2026. Exhibit 8, section 324, 2026.
Exhibit um 8429 2026 should be exhibit 9 section 65 to 2026 section 71 to 2026 716 to 2026
on August 725 while inspecting code enforcement violations observe violation at the property on 382 state highway 83 north I photographed the property I reviewed the Case files confirmed. There was not an ongoing case file. I checked the Walton County Property Appraisers Office website and indicated the
property is in city limits of Phoenix Springs is owned by John F. and Jonathan M. Parc. Following the following observe, a structure has visible chipping peeling paint along with areas of wood rot in the eaves of the roof. Um overgrowth of grass, weeds, and wild
vegetation of the height of 12 inches or more from the ground. August 25th, 2025, apparent a warning notice to the property owners. September the 18th to 30 September the 30th 2025 the property viol still observed November the 3rd 2025 the property the violence are still
observed December the 8th 2025 the property violations are still observed during that time frame um Paula the um wife had been contacted me and she was out there trying to work on doing this the property herself >> her husband is um
medically um ill and basically cannot do anything regarding that. >> Okay. >> Now, which one is her husband? John or Jonathan? >> Jonathan, I believe. >> Okay. >> Um, January 16th of 2026, expected the property vital still observed. February
19th, 2026, expected property. The vitals are still observed. March 24th, 2026, restricted property, the vital still observed. March the 25th, 2026, parent notice of violation to the property owner. April 29th, 2026, restricted the property. for the
violation observed May the 4th, 2026. appearance. Send a notice of violation. Certify mail attorney return receipt to the property owner. 958907105270 0781 019953. June the 5th 2026 expected property the
viol is still observed. June the 1st 2025 expected the property v still observed. July the 1st 2026 the property is still observed. Parents sent a notice of hearing certified mail to return seat to the property owner. The notice hearing was um posted at city hall and
on owner's property. Certified mail was 9589-07105270 0781022649. July 16th, 2026, I took the property the day of the hearing. The property shows no improvement and no change condition. Um the wife talked to me. She has reached
out to Kim and Company. The house has been put up for sale. >> Okay. Exhibit the 10th or exhibit 10 prop letter of violation. Exhibit 11 letter of violation. Exhibit 12 letter of
violation certified. Exhibit 13 letter of violation tracking showing is delivered. Exhibit 14, notice of hearing certified mail. 15, no hearing tracking um delivered.
Um, please find that the property of 382 state highway 83 north Phoenix Springs, Florida, partial number 253 November 1 1919070016286 is located within this tally area of the Phoenix Springs of Walton County and is subject to the city of Phoenix code of ordinances. Please find that the
violations of the city of Springs code of ordinances chapter 14 section 14-2 and chapter 14 section 14-3 on the property. Please find that the properness of the hearing was given to the respondent. The respondent is to correct the violation within 120 days the date of this order and the respondent is further ordered to contract the city. The city of the
Phoenix Springs code enforcement officer arrange for a reinspection of the subject property to verify compliance with this order. If the respondent fails to um comply with the um above actions or fails to bring the property into compliance with the capable codes, ordinances, regulations scored in this order, the special assesses a fund of
$75 a day until the property is brought to compliance. End of my testimony. I uh accept your testimony into the record. I do have one question. It looked like they had done some cleaning up. Is that the reason why you're asking for 120 days versus >> Yes. That also to give them some time to
sell the residence due to the fact that um the son wants nothing to do with the with the property. The husband actually is a quadriplegic. >> Quadroplegic. I see that. >> And um basically they don't have the funds to fix the house. Um, now they do understand that they have to let Kim and
company know that there is violations on the property. >> Hopefully it gives them a chance to um sell the house for the asking price that they want. If they can't, there is a possibility another alternative that can happen. Um, I do know that Be generous is also interested in the property next
door to them. >> Okay. So, good. >> All right. I accept your testimony into the record and your PowerPoint presentation. Is there anyone here to speak on behalf of John John F or Jonathan Peruchi or this property? Seeing none and hearing none, um any
comments, Mr. Mayor? Okay. I'll find that the case number 2025 0000174 um city of Definiac Springs versus Jonathan and John F. and Jonathan M. Peruchi. P E R R U CCI uh property is at
18 382 State Highway 83 North Defunia Springs and I find that uh this case has come before me at a public hearing uh on today's date and after due notice to the respondent special magistrate having heard testimony under oath received evidence
and heard argument hereby issues the following finding of fact conclusion of law and orders as follows. The respondent um Jonathan M. and John F. Peruchi whose mailing address is 1754 Juniper Lake Road, Defunia Springs,
Florida, Walton County 32433, is the owner of the real property described as and also known as 382 State Highway 83 North Definiac Springs, Walton County, Florida. Partial ID number 253 November 1 191970
000016286. The real property listed above is located and existing within the city of Definiac Springs, Walton County, Florida. Respondent as the owner of the real property is responsible for maintaining the same in accordance with the code of ordinances of the city of
Definiac Springs. All required notices have been made in accordance with Florida statutes chapter 162.12 and county code. Conditions presently exist on the subject property in violation of the city code. Chapter 14, section 14-2,
nuisances and hazardous or unsanitary conditions. General requirements in chapter 14 section 14-3 violations enumerated such conditions constituting a nuisance and serious threat to public health, safety, and welfare within the meaning of chapter 162.06
sub paragraph 4 statutes. This has been a lawfully constituted code enforcement proceeding convened pursuant to chapter 162 part one Florida statutes and chapter 18 of the city of Definiac Springs Land Development Code, special magistrate has jurisdiction over the
subject matter and over the respondent. Uh I find that uh based upon the foregoing findings of fact conclusion law pursuant to the authority granted in chapter 162 Florida statutes by the special mandist I find that respondent is to correct the apher said um aphro
said violations on or before I'm going to go 90 days and you can ex and I'm going to give you an extension um or a fine of $100 per day shall be imposed and that is to encourage them to get
this done. um and shall be imposed after that date. Respondent is further ordered to contact the city of Definiac Springs code enforcement office to arrange for a reinspection of the subject property to verify compliance with this order. I also find that the code enforcement
office has the authority to extend the compliance date on behalf of the special magistrate upon a showing of good faith effort by the respondent. So ordered. Make sure I put days on there. very much. You may call your next case.
>> Thank you, sir. What time is the city council meeting? The >> four o'clock. The next next case is all nothing but compliance cases. >> Okay, we'll hurry. [laughter] You may begin your case. Let the record reflect the that the halls have been called. No one has responded.
Compliance hearing case number 20240000000016 violation was chapter 14 section 14-2 newses in hazardous and standard conditions requirements addresses US highway 90 east parcel numbers 253 November 1 1919 0700440
property owners Robert Johnson painting incorporated exhibit one shows the properties inside the city limits sub code of ordinances exhibit two the case were presented before the special master date on September the 19th, 2024 in which time the property was found in violation of
chapter 14 section 14-2 of the city code. Special master was ordered to order the property brought into compliance within 90 days of the hearing establishing a compliance deadline of December 18th, 2024. Failure to comply with the compliance by the stated deadline would result in an assessment
of a civil fine in the amount of $75 per day um until the violation was corrected. January 14th, 2026, the property was reinspected and found in to be um not in compliant or excuse me, January 14, 2026, property was
reinspected and founded in compliance with the civil code. February 27th, 2026, no hearings prepared and sent to certified mailer with the notice of hearing um posted subject property. On March the 9th, 19th, 2026, property owner requested continuence in order to
complete the lean reduction process. The request was granted by the special magistrate on May the 1st, 2026. Additional notice of the hearing was prepared and sent certified mail with a notice of hearing which was also posted and subject property at city hall. On May the 21st, 2026, the property remains
in compliance with the city code. May the 19th, 2026, property owner requested continuence in order to complete the the lean reduction process. The request was granted by the special magistrate. on May the 1st, 2026. Additional notice of hearing
um yeah um was prepared and sent served by mail returning seat on May 21st. Special master continued to order to complete the lean reduction process request was granted by special magistrate. Following compliance, the respondent applied for
the lean reduction pursuant to the city's lean reduction policy. After reviewing the documentation um demonstrating the cost, accured and bring the property into compliance, the city of approved introduction to the accured to accured administrative fund of $2,500
on July the 1st, 2026. Additional notice of hearings prepared and sent to the certified mail notice of hearing and also posted at the subject property in city hall. Uh the the reduced administrative fine of 2,500 was paid in full on July the 14th of 2026. Um as of
July 16th 2026 the property remains in compliance with the um city of Phoenix range code of ordinances. Exhibit 3 is the affidavit of compliance. Exhibit four is notice of hearing. Exhibit five is not of hearing tracking showing was delivered. Um recommendation the respondent
remained in viol remained in violation in the city code of this beyond the required compliance date of December 18th of 2024. compliance achieved on January the 14th of 2026 as a um certified affidavit of compliance filed by the code enforcement officer. The um reduced administrative
fine in the amount of $2,500 has been paid in full out um outstanding balance is $0. and order shall operate as a full release and satisfaction of any code enforcement lean against the um Soviet property and any other real or personal
property owned by the respondent um arising from this code enforcement action. That's the end of my testimony. >> Thank you for your testimony. I accept it into the record along with your PowerPoint presentation. And um good to see that we have one that's being released. Good job. Okay, this is CA
case number 2024 uh 16 parcel ID number 253 November 1 19190700001 0440. Uh the respondent is Robert Johnson painting. This calls came before me um
for a hearing on uh September 19th, 2024 at which testimony was taken and an order was issued. Subsequent compliance hearing occurred on May 21st of 2026, which additional sworn testimony was presented and having reviewed the
evidence uh and ordered entered um orders entered in this matter and being fully fully advised in the premises hereby make the following. Finding a fact, conclusion, law and order. I find that pursuant to the finding of fact, conclusion of law, and order entered
into on Janu September 19th, 2024, respondent was required to complete corrective action on or before December 18th, 2024. Said order further provided that the fine amount of $75 a day would begin to acrue for each day that the violation remained uncorrected beyond
the compliance date. An affidavit of compliance has been filed by the code enforcement officer which affidavit certifies under oath that as of January uh 14th of 2026 the required corrective action had been taken as ordered. respondent failed to comply uh with the
order in the subsequent um own or before the due date from the September 19th, 2024 order. As a result of the non-compliance period extending from Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 through January 14th of 2026, a total uh fine of
$29,400 has accured. The respondent has submitted a request for lean reduction in accordance with the city's lean reduction policy. After viewing documentation demonstrating the expenditures incurred to bring the property into compliance, the city has
approved a reduction uh of the acred fine to $2,500. And as of Monday, July 13th, 2026, a reduced administrative fine of $2,500 has been paid in full, leaving a balance of zero upon and upon a recording, a certified copy of this
order shall constitute a release of any lean against the property as well as any other real and personal properties owned by the respondent pursuant to chapter 162 Florida statutes. So ordered. Okay, you bring your next case.
Thank you. Thank you, sir. name is present. >> Thank you. Let the record reflect you've called the call the halls and you may begin your case. Compliance hearing case number 2024 000000144
violation chapter 14 section 14-3 violations enumerated address is 449 Lincoln Avenue partial numbers 253 November 1 191907001 849 Oscar property owner is Rose Nixon
and Steven Mark Everett exhibit one shows the properties inside the city limits and subject to the code of ordinances exhibit two case represented before the special master rate on February 20, 2025 at which time the property was found in violation of the city of Springs code of
ordinances. Special master order responded to comply with the required correct actions on before March 24th to 25. The order further provided that the failure to achieve with the compliance would res um would establish a deadline would result
in assessment of administrative fund of $50 per day until the violation was corrected on September 30, 2025. The property was reinspected and determined to remain in violation and the city code enforcement affidavit non-compliance was executed by the code enforcement officer
certifying that the required correction had not been completed on September the 18th or September the 30 2025 hearings was paired and sent to the respondent certified mail. Um the notice of hearing was also posted at city hall. October
the 16 2025 special master conducted a non-compliance hearing and determined that the respondent had failed to comply with the prior order. The special master rate imposed administrative lean in um amount of 14 or amount of $10,400 for accured fines and ordered that the
administrative fine continue to occur at the rate of $50 per day until each day until it remains um uncorrected. Falling compliance following compliance respondent applied for a lean um pursuant to the city of
cod and policy. After reviewing the documentation demonstrating the cost secured and bring the property into compliance, the city provided a reduction in the amount of $2,500 or two $2,500. the um reduction administrative fine of 2,500 was paid in
full on June the 4th, 2026. As July the 16th, 2026, the property remains in compliance with the city of Phoenix code of ordinances. End of my testimony. >> Thank you. [laughter] I accept your testimony into the record as well as your PowerPoint presentation and your uh oath. This is case number 2020. And
there's no one here to speak on behalf of Rose Nixon. Hearing none and seeing none, I'll issue my order. 2024 is the case number parcel number 253 November 1 19190700018490. Um legal the subject is a um is Nick
Rose Nixon the previous owner and the current owner is Steven Mark Everett. Um, this cause came before me on a hearing of the special magistrate on uh in Walton County in Defuniac Springs, Florida on February 20th, 2025 at which
I issued a um issued an order finding the property in violation and a fine of $50 per day to begin to acrue. Um the last hearing was on October 16th of 2025
and at at the time of the settlement the fines acred were $10,400. The city through its compliance um matrix has settled for $2,500 that has been paid and so we are now lifting the lifting the lane.
>> Okay. So, so lifted and if this will be filed with the clerk of court as soon as possible for this property and I appreciate them getting it into compliance and you, Mr. Manager, for working with them.
>> Thank you. >> Program seems to be working very well. >> It does. >> Great idea by Chris. >> Yep. >> He's a jewel. We need to keep him. >> Okay, you can call your next case, please. >> [snorts] >> That's right.
The halls have been called. No one's present. I talked to the translator just a couple days ago and he knows that basically this is coming forth and he's letting the gentleman know about this. >> Okay, very good. Compliance hearing case number 20250000204
violations of chapter 14 section 14- S3 violations enumerated chapter 14 section 14-5 fence and wall maintenance chapter 18 section 18-58.1 wreck junk abandoned vehicles and other property address is 30 West Chaffen Avenue partial numbers 253 November 1
19190700007930 property owner is Blanco Esponzo Zerat Exhibit one shows that the properties inside the um city of um jurisdiction subject to the goal ordinances. Exhibit two, the case was presented before the special mast trade on March
the 19th, 2026 um at which which time the property was found in violation of chapter or the city streets code of ordinances. The special master order that responded to comply with the corrective actions on before May the 19th, 2026. The order
further provided that failure to achieve compliance by the established Dline result in assessment of administrative fine of $50 $75 per day until the violations was corrected. May 18th May the 18th, 2026, the property owner was
um reinspected and determined to be in compliance. An affidavit of compliance was executed by the city um code enforcement officer certifying that the required corrective action has been completed on July the 1st, 2025. 2026. A notice of hearing was prepared and sent
to the respondent certified mail. Those hearing was also posted on the subject property and at city hall. As of July 16th, 2026, the property um remains in compliance with the city of Phoenix code of ordinances ordinances.
Exhibit 3 is affidavated compliance. Exhibit four, notice of hearing. Exhibit five, not hearing tracking showing still being attempted to be delivered. Exhibit six recommendation respondent is is not in violation of the city of F Springs code of ordinances achieve compliance on
May the 18th of 2026 is certified by the affidavit of compliance filed by the city code enforcement officer. An order shall um operate as a full release and satisfaction of any code enforcement lean against the subject property and any other real personal property owned
by the respondent arising from the code enforcement action. End of my testimony. >> Thank you for your testimony. accepted into the record along with your affidavit and your PowerPoint presentation. Is anyone here to speak on behalf of Miss Sarat? Uh hearing none. And seeing none, I'll issue my order of
compliance. >> We're in court right now. Sorry. [gasps] >> Okay. This cause came before uh me on se March 19th of 2026 during which testimony was taken under oath. Evidence was presented and the respondent was ordered to undertake cert specified
corrective actions. Subsequent uh compliance hearing was held on July 16th of 2026. Additional testimony and evidence was presented and having reviewed the record, I find the following effect. Pursuant to the finding of fact conclusion law ordered entered on J Thursday, March 19th of
2026, the respondent was required to complete specified corrective actions on or before Tuesday, March 19th of 2026. Said order further provided that a fine in the amount of $75 per day would begin to acrue for each day the violation remained uncorrected beyond compliance.
An affidavit of compliance has been filed by the city code enforcement officer which affidavit certifies under oath as of Monday May 18th of 2026 the required corrective action has been ordered. The respondent has complied and after the required corrective action
date and thus there's been no fines acrewed and no fines. The order then results in that the any leans shall be released on this property. So ordered. Is that our last case? >> All right, we can exit property and let
the city council in. Okay, and that concludes our hearings today. Thank you everyone.