If you would everyone please turn off your phones. Court is now in session. Um officer Strong, this is not your motion, is it? Whoever's representing the ray estate if they'll come forward and bring their case. Uh good morning, Magistrate at ULE. Uh
my name is Doug Tidwell and I'm the courtappointed personal representative for the state of Brenda Ray. Uh thank everyone for having us in this morning uh on such a quick basis. We appreciate the the opportunity to be heard. Um as a matter of housekeeping, would you like
me to address all three properties and four cases in one or go individually? >> That would be fine. >> Okay. Okay. Uh, magistrate, to give you a little background, um, Brenda Ray died in May May 30th of 2024, owning several properties in Walton County, Florida.
And she was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Ray, and he died in December of 2022. Um, about the time Dennis passed away and uh, Brenda remained living, she went into an accelerated state of mental decline and became reclusive. that
resulted in all the properties becoming in a condition of uncleanliness, overgrowth, and things like that because she was not mentally or physically capable of handling all those properties. And to date, we have now had code leans acrew to the tune of $170,000
against three properties spanning over the four cases. >> Actually, it's against all properties under Florida statute. >> That's correct. These hearings go, >> that's correct. But the violations are specific to the three properties. >> Okay. Um, I was appointed the personal representative on April 15th of this
year and I immediately got to work uh within the allowance that the court provided me in that order. Unfortunately, I was only authorized an allowance of $2,500 per property. And it's important to emphasize that my role was not to renovate these properties, but do what I could to render them
marketable as soon as possible. Since that time, we have commenced work with respect to each property within the allowance set forth by the court and we have been communicating with code enforcement frequently. Uh we've been having issues with the property such as people breaking in. Uh we currently have
all the properties under contract. Um I do want to go through the three properties real briefly and tell you what the allegations for each one are as well as tell you what we have done with respect to our efforts to mitigate the damages. Uh the three properties that are subject
to the code leans uh and are specific to those properties uh start with 278 Circle Drive. Uh we had an allowance here that was sufficient to remove the abandoned vehicle uh have the tree removed, get the overgrowth cut away, and render the property back to a
suitable and aesthetically pleasing condition. >> And this is on the octagon house. >> Uh I believe 278 is the octagon. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Okay. And then we also had 1264 Circle Drive. Those were cases number 2022
uh 5 zeros I think ending in four and 2023 uh four zeros followed by 148. We also removed an abandoned vehicle for that property and cut down the overgrowth to render the property in a much better condition and and try to cure the
unsightliness if you will. Uh the last one uh that had code issues was 782 Baldwin Avenue, otherwise known as the big store. That property uh is unique as you may well know due to the commercial storefront and the mold that exists
within the property. Um, if you have not entered the property, been able to view inside of it, it is full of things from old golf carts to fair equipment, uh, old appliances, and it's just stacked floor to ceiling and those things. Um,
with all of these, uh, it is our hope and desire that as soon as we get these sold and hopefully some reasonable concession on these code leans, uh, given to us today that all the prospective purchasers for these properties will immediately get to work and given a reasonable amount of time, I
think they will cure all the code lean violations that are out there and render the property back in a condition that is beneficial to the community and looks well for for all the citizens to look at. Um given the amount of the leans, we
simply don't think that's reasonable considering the state of the owners and the amount of time and the allowance we've had to cure these issues. And again to emphasize my role cannot be to renovate these properties and and the state the estate simply doesn't have the
money. Uh I think it'd be malfeasants on my part to spend all the money renovating these properties in order to try to maybe cure some of these code leans. But I am confident that the new owners upon the purchase of the properties will get that done. Um, as indicated in our letter, uh, we're
willing to reach a concession with the city giving the city $40,000, uh, in order to have these code leans cleared and a reasonable amount of time set forth for these prospective purchasers to complete their work. >> Okay. What is your purchase price on each of the three properties under
contract? >> Uh, that is something I'm not willing to disclose at this time. then everything you've told me is irrelevant. Everything. I see no reason to u change the 170,000
because your your client is going to be making money off of these and they're not being sold for a penny. So, give me something else or give me the give me the numbers of the sales whether whether they sold for a dollar or or a million dollars. what what
interest is that of the cities how much the estate is making >> because the the city is the one who is the victim here and this has been going on long before Mrs. Ray or Mr. Ray passed. >> Um so these are long-term very long-term for at least 10 years these properties
have been out of compliance. So give me a reason as to why I should consider since the estate and the heirs had nothing to do with the raise. Why should the city suffer for the damages done to the city by by them both before they
died and then now their estates? So give me a reason as to why I should reduce anything. >> But but respectfully, how has the city been financially damaged? >> Because of the the code violations or damage in in themselves and they've been in violation for at least 10 years.
Not to be argumentative, but why why wouldn't the city have done work to abate those leans and cure doing so? >> But you're you're criticizing the estate for >> for not having done anything, but at the same time, the city sat on it for 10
years as well. >> That's true. But I came on uh we actually started this about five what is it five years ago and they have worked with the raise and as their former caregiver to get these properties in compliance. I know the octagon house has
been out of compliance and empty and that the car that was there was there for a number of years before it was brought before me. >> So I can't do anything what was happened before but I can tell you the properties have not been cleaned up. They nothing has been done to them even before these
orders were issued. >> I understand. >> Tell me tell me why. Give me a good arguable reason as to reduce the fines. And one way you can do that is tell me how much the sales price are because if the sales prices do not reach the amount
of the um the amount of the fines, then I'll need to know that. >> Okay. At this time, I'm not willing to disclose the sales prices on them. So um I appreciate your time. I think the city has already made its decision. >> Uh the city hasn't made its decision. I mean, you're making it for me by not
revealing those those numbers. >> I I'm not willing to do that. I think I think the purchasers >> would would like the privacy of of >> Well, it's going to be public record in a few days after you after you sign. It becomes public record when you file the
deed and when you go and file the the records in the court. So, what does it difference does it make? If you don't want to reveal it, that's your choice. But I'm telling you that if you don't reveal it, I don't have much to work with. >> I'm not inclined to reveal it.
>> Okay, that's fine. Um, that's fine. That's your Is that the the finality of >> All the All the parties are here. Um, I will look to them to see if they are okay with it. >> And if anyone else wants to speak, they're welcome to. >> My name is Andrew. I represent Mr. Tib
in his capacity as personal representative. >> Okay. Are you an attorney? >> I am. >> Okay. Come forward, please. >> I would, you know, with >> state your name for the record on and what firm you're with. >> Yes. Magistrate Andrea Lions. I'm an attorney with Emanuel Shepard and Condan. I was recently retained by Mr.
Tidwell to represent him in his capacity. Um, just in an effort to put this, you know, sort of back on track, magistrate, while the Mr. Mr. Tidwells may speak with the potential purchasers. If we could at least represent to the court that the selling prices are indeed
enough to cover the leans without um submitting the exact amounts, I would think that that would be enough with with regards to what your magistrate actually needs, which is, you know, concerning the community and the remodeling or maintaining of these
properties. And so, while Mr. could well may not want to um on behalf of the potential buyers give you specific numbers if we were able to represent that they would be enough to uh cover the leans and that might be enough for a magistrate to consider um what we are
requesting. I've been talking to uh Chris here. Um we're hopeful that uh you know if you are inclined to deny our request today that we can come still come to some kind of um some sort of an agreement. But we would submit that by
the uh by the community, by the city not acting on the in these infractions for 10 years, you know, it's somewhat um as far as to come back and and blame the
estate now for not, you know, remedying these in 10 years when the community in fact didn't even put these orders in place. We're talking the last two years. And so we would just ask for um a little bit of um reasonleness with regards to
the fact of the raised conditions whenever I understand that you submitted that the uh you know you were trying to take or the community was working with the caretaker but the fact remains that the city did not do anything within the 10 years and that as soon as uh you know these actual fines that we're discussing
the 166,000 I believe is what um Chris said they did not start to acrue until after Mr. Ray was passed and Miss Ray was a recluse. And so I I think that those are are things that should be considered um in your um determination
with regards to lowering or waving the fees. Um I just wanted to throw that in. Mr. total may have some other things to add, but I did think it was important that while we are not um inclined to give you the exact specific amounts under contract that I do believe, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, that
the purchase prices uh do um exceed the amount of the leans. >> All right, let me uh ask one question. How many properties do you have under contract right now? >> I believe nine. >> Okay, that's basically all of them. >> I believe that's all of them. Okay, >> there there are some outliers.
>> Mhm. Uh >> the property in the north the 40 acres of in the north end of the county is that under contract as well >> I believe so. >> Yes sir. >> They are. >> Okay. And the commercial properties and their Alabama properties. >> I don't know that I'm familiar with an
any Alabama properties. I know of a Tennessee property, but we are still looking into any outstanding properties that they have. It's my understanding there's um a piece of property either right at the Alabama line and it may be referring to the 40 acres up north, but there may be a piece of property in
Alabama as well that you might want to check on. >> Certainly. >> Okay. That that was brought to my attention at one of the hearings. >> Okay. >> And u Major just to reiterate what I said. Um I've spoken to the prospect of purchasers and at this time they don't want the sales price disclosed.
>> Okay. All righty. Anyone else wish to testify? Mr. Naylor, if you will raise your come to the podium and raise your right hand. I don't have to swear in. The attorneys are already sworn. >> Okay. >> Okay. Do you solemnly swear or anyone else who wishes to testify, would you
raise your right hand, please? Okay. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you um will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth during this hearing on this matter? >> I do. >> Thank you. All right. You may begin, Mr. Naylor. State your name, please. >> My name is Bruce Naylor. Excuse me.
owner of Naylor Realy here in Defuniac and uh I thought uh would like to bring to your attention the uh the just value according to the Walton County property
appraiser of the six properties I believe that are located in the city of Defunia Springs >> and I have the documentation if that would help you >> you can just read it into the >> but uh it's interesting the This is the just value.
>> Uh and as we know many times, most of the time the just value is lower than the real market value. >> And what do they have as >> the just value for the total six properties in Walton County is $1,474,987. >> Repeat that number for me.
>> Pardon me. >> Repeat that number for me. 1,474,987. >> Thank you. >> Almost a million5 and I I understand the lean the tax lean is $170,000.
I believe uh that the estate which is for sale and did they say all properties are now under contract? >> I believe so. Is that correct? >> I am I am more than confident uh that
the sale and closing of those estates will cover that lean which is owed. >> So just wanted to bring that to your attention. Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Nagler. Anyone else? Come forward, sir. Please, if you'll state your name for the record.
>> My name is Reynolds Henderson. I'm a property owner in Defin Springs. And >> Yes, sir. Mr. Henderson. >> I just wanted to uh to thank >> Yeah, you speak. >> Okay. Sorry. Um Reynolds Henderson, uh property owner in Defini Springs. Um I just wanted to to say thank you for your
position. I think it's important that people follow the rules and the rules have been broken for many years. And those of us that have put a lot of money into renovating buildings in DeFi Springs and a lot of time and effort and energy, I think it's real important that
the city um stands pat with what they owe. They have plenty of money to pay this once the property sells. So that I just wanted to state my position on the record. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Henderson. I appreciate it. Anyone else who wishes to testify? There was a third hand somewhere.
No one else. Oh, yes, ma'am. Miss Henderson. Dr. Henderson, you do you wish to speak? No, ma'am. Anyone else who wishes to speak on this matter? Mr. Strong, if you would, please just for your knowledge, the um before
2020, it was actually a um complaint driven system. Since I came in position is when the city council actually changed it to where I can actually go out and force the policies. That is why the um cases were brought forth because I actually brought them forth and we
changed the rules. So yes, they've been non-compliant for years, but we couldn't do anything until city council actually changed the ordinance for us. Just for your knowledge, >> this opportunity hearing for case number 2022, 0000003
4 178 and case number 2023, 00000148. The violations for all these properties are chapter 14 section 14-2 nuisances and hazardous untending conditions general requirements chapter 14 section 14-3 violations numerated chapter 14 section
14-5 fence and wall maintenance and chapter 18 section 1858.1 wreck junk abandoned vehicles and other properties and the property owners is the estate of Brenda Cray is it one showing that all the properties are inside city limits
first property for the case number three was 278 circle or drive. This is when it was originally brought in front of you on September 9 or September 15, 2022.
This is when the lean was placed on it, January 18th, 2024. Um on 9:22, 2025 when I received the um lean reduction applications from Mr. Tidwell. Um the conditions were the same since
then and then on today's date, November the 14th, 2025. They've just gotten worse on the structure of this house. Um for this next case, 1264 Circle
Drive, the um this was when it was brought forth originally on 9:15 in 2022. It was for the vehicle and the um overgrowth growing in the eaves. The um lean for 118 of 2024. They were
still there. Now the vehicle had been removed on the date of the application but the overgrowth is still there in the eaves which was one of the parts of that violation. And then today's date the overgrowth is
still there. um 782 Baldwin Avenue when it was brought to you the first time in 518 to 2023. Date of the lean on 118 to 2024. The inspection on 922 2025 when it was um the application was turned in. This
has gotten worse up there in the entryway. And then today's date, more wood cracking starting to take place in different areas. The um entryway
and surrounding areas on the wood and back to the octagon house. This was when I brought to you originally in 516 2024. This was for the This time it was for the dead log or tree that was laying there. And then you also added for the
um the fence being in out of repair since that time frame. Yes, the tree has been removed. >> Mhm.