Good. Good afternoon. It's working. Is it working? Okay, great. Uh, good afternoon. I'm Brena Deran. I'm the special magistrate for Jacksonville Beach. Uh, today is May 27th, uh, 2026
and, uh, we're going to be initiate our hearings at this time. Um, and Madame Clerk, will you read the announcements, please? >> Yes. The purpose and function of the Jacksonville Beach special magistrate hearing in accordance with Florida
statutes chapter 162 and the city of Jacksonville Beach code of ordinances is to reach an equitable expedition to enforce the codes. The city presents the violation and evidence to the special magistrate. Next, the property owner is sworn in in response to the violation
and evidence. Both the city and the property owner may call witnesses to provide sworn testimony relevant to the case. This is a quasi judicial hearing, not a public forum. Individuals not called as sw for sworn witnesses will not be heard. Okay. Users, do you want to begin with
uh item number one on the agenda? >> Yes. >> All right. We're start with business. Um, item A, case number 25407, property owner Amina Pilovic Living
Trust, violation address 314. Oh, I'm sorry. >> Please raise your right hand. State your name and position. >> Nikki Beavers Walker, City of Jacksonville Beach Code Enforcement Officer. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth? So, I hope you got it. >> I do. >> Okay. Sorry. Go ahead. Okay. Um, again, this is case number 25407, property owner, Amina Pilico Bay Living Trust. Violation address 314 Melro
Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach. Um the violation was no building permit was obtained um in regards to a pergola that was placed in the rear yard. As you can see exhibit A. This is the property.
Um I have circled. The only thing that you can really see is the very top of that um structure. Um our last hearing um on March 25th, there was an order for $250 daily fine. The property remains in
violation and it is still there. Um my >> my recommendation would be to start the lean process. The fines have exceeded $5,000 at this time.
>> Okay. Um, let me ask you one question. Um, how did this come to the attention of the code enforcement? >> It was a code complaint from the neighbor. >> Okay. And and uh this is still the as close as you can get to see what the
structure is. >> Yeah, it's a it's a pergola like a covered um cover like area. um no building permit was obtained for it and it does not meet the setback requirements. >> I was going to ask um you believe that
it's also in violation of the setback. So no building permit and probably in violation of the set >> correct requirements. >> Okay. Uh is there anyone else here to speak in regards to uh
uh this Amina Pilovic Living Trust uh case number 25-47? >> No, I have not had any um contact either with the property owner. >> Okay. And just for the record, could you
please um advise how um what notice was given for today's hearing? Um, as you can see in the photos, a it was the notice of hearing was sent certified mail which has come back returned and
also the property was posted. >> Um, did the could you tell looking at the certified mail return was any reason given that it was returned? >> This property is a short-term vacation rental. Um, but each time that I have
posted the notice of hearings, they have been picked up by someone. >> Oh, they've been removed, you believe? >> Yes. And, um, one other thing, um, do you know whether it's being actively rented?
>> Yes. And what makes you say that? >> Um, there are, I believe, postings I will have to get with our short-term vacation rental, but there is a active um, what is it, David, that they
complete when they >> start when they start a >> I'm sorry, there's a what? There is something that the property owner completes in our office >> to register the short-term vacation rental. So, it is registered.
>> Has there been any attempt to reach them through that uh online portal? Um, >> no, because they the listings are probably on Airbnb and VBO. >> Like I said, when each time I post it at the property, they the postings have
been removed and um each time I go the lawn um landscaping, they're there maintaining the property and stuff. Um, and so the when was the last time uh the staff report says that you were there on
May 25th, 2026. >> That was my final um inspection. This posting was posted on May 14th. >> Okay. Thank you. >> When you went on the 25th, was it gone? >> Yes.
Okay. And um then u I'll go I agree with the uh recommendation uh that you made in regards to uh filing the lean. I will get with the um uh city attorney and uh
we'll prepare the lean and have it recorded. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> And that is all I have for this property. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Moving on to item B. This is case
number 25345. Property owner owner Linda Huffman. Violation address 5016th Avenue South Jacksonville Beach. Violation was a nuisance violation for accumulation of
trash, litter, and debris. Um, this is a continued case. Um, you issued a daily fine that has been occurring. Um I want to say since October of $100 per day um
me or David has had access um till this day to verify compliance. Um Miss Huffman had until May 6, I believe during our last hearing
or I think it's yeah May 6 to allow us to verify compliance. I did speak with her grandson last Thursday and he told me that they were still working on it and that he would contact me once everything had been complied.
>> Just a moment only one I'll call I'll call you as soon as I'm done with Miss Beavers. So my recommendation today would be to begin the lean process >> to
pursue the recording of a lean. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um I have some questions for you. >> Okay. >> Um you said you've had no access to the property. Did you request access? >> Yes. Um >> what days did you request? He came last
the grandson came on I want to say last Thursday or Friday and um he spoke to me and advised me that they had a U-Haul and at the same time that he was he had
attempted to have Miss Huffman Baker acted um so that they could finish cleaning up the um process. Um, but there was no luck with that and that he would con he would contact me once they got everything completed. He was working
on trying to have it completed by today. >> Okay. Um, so it's it um on the no access it sounds like um Miss Huffman,
>> Miss Huffman, please let me speak. I'll call you in just a few minutes. >> Um, did is Mr. Martin, do you want to speak? >> No. >> No. So during your last order, you ordered that on May 6 that they allow
access for us to verify compliance. >> And and did you try attempt to reach the grandson? >> Like I said, the grandson came to our office >> last Thursday. That was after May the 6. I'm asking about May 6, right? That day.
>> Yes. So they it was order for them to contact code enforcement, not for us to reach out to them to make sure. So I did go by the property. Um, Miss Huffman was not there at the time when I did go by to inspect the property. Um, and nobody
has contacted code enforcement to schedule a time for us to come and verify >> until Thursday. Miss Huffman, this is the third time I'm asking you to not speak out.
Um, did he give any indication of his timeline? Again, I know that he had said that he hoped to have it cleaned up no later than May the 6th. When you spoke to him last Thursday, did he have any indication?
>> Yes, he said that he had gotten with his stepfather and was working on, you know, getting him to help him again. Um there was an incident at the UHO um rental
where um there was an assault that occurred and at that time he attempted to get Miss Huffman Baker acted so that they could go in and have the property cleaned up by today's date.
>> Did he say whether or not he had the U-Haul yet on when you talked to him on Thursday? at that time he said they were working on and getting about three trucks >> trying to get Okay. And >> and then the last thing I want to
>> the last thing that I want to ask you is um since Thursday, have have you or Mr. Martin had a chance to drive by? >> No. >> Okay. And again, it was Miss Huffman's responsibility to contact us.
>> I know. I know. Um, so >> trying to read my own notes. >> Okay. And the grandson's name, just for uh my recollection, is is Alren. >> Okay. Okay. Um, I see that Miss Huffman is
here and would like to Would you like to speak now, Miss Huffman? >> Yes. >> Please raise your right hand. State your name and address. >> Linda C. Huffman, 501
16th Avenue South Jacksonville Beach. Florida 32250. I have lived there since 1989 in that house in August August 30th of 1989. >> Do you swear to affirm that the
testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So I hope you >> Miss Huffman, um I understand that your grandson, Mr. Prince has been helping you or is trying
to help you Yes. with the removal. What? Why hasn't that been able to uh be completed? >> Because he works in Middberg. Okay. He has one day off a week. That's it. He works for a bottle factory in Middberg.
That's a long drive for him. But let me make something clear. He is not the owner of the property. We we we're fully advised of who owns the property. >> So, >> all communication should be with me.
>> Well, Mr. Prince came to the hearing last time and said that he would be >> uh he would >> I did not say that he would be taking over the responsibility. >> Are you telling me that you're not going to allow him on the property? >> No, I of course I allow him. He's my
grandson. >> Well, then I don't understand why it's not done. because he works. That's why. Okay. He has one day off and he's just come back to Jacksonville. He has a lot
to do, you know, and he works a a 12-hour day. He works from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. That's a long day. And then he's got to turn right around and go back to work. He barely gets enough sleep.
Okay. Now, he has been helping it in a lot of ways. Okay. But you know, I I take umbrage that he's the one she's communicating with when I own the property.
Okay. And I worked on it all day today. And you know, it's a there's some stuff that heavy that has to be moved. My guy that does the mowing is coming back today. He already did the front part. We're working on the backyard this
afternoon. So, Miss Huffman, are you saying that you do not want >> Miss Beavers to speak to Mr. Prince again? >> I'm because I will make it a part of the order and then she will not speak to him.
>> Yeah. I need to be spoken to. I pay the taxes. I pay the mortgage. My second mortgage is paid for and I pay the utility bill and everything else, the insurance. Does that go true for Mr. Martin also?
>> Yes. >> So, you don't want Mr. Martin to speak to your grandson either? >> No. >> Okay. >> No, I am the owner. >> And and um >> and I I appreciate that Alan's trying to help out, but >> And it's my understanding that uh today
it's not cleaned up. Is that correct? >> It's almost cleaned up because I've got I've had to go out and buy four more barrels. >> Right. I'm gonna rule um that we are going to uh proceed with filing the lean. The um the fines will continue to
acrue at $100 per day and we will proceed with filing a lean. Um and because u I I think that that's the only quite frankly that's the only option available
at this point in time. So, I don't know. Thank you for being here today. >> Skin cancer is developing on my legs because of this. Okay. >> I have a urinary problem, too. Okay. I'm
doing the best I can, but I can't tell him, "No, you can't go into work until we do this." >> Well, we're not going to even be speaking to him anymore based upon your testimony to you. >> Yeah. As of now, uh, this matter is concluded.
We are we're going to now proceed to the next item. I've ruled that we're going to, uh, I'm going to rule as has been recommended by the code enforcement and we will be filing a lean on your property. The $100 a day fine will
continue to acrue and interest will be added. >> And how much per day? I just said $100 per day. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> I should have it done very soon. >> That's And when it is done, >> I'll call you. Okay.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. I'm sorry. But I love my grandson. He's a wonderful kind person, but he just moved back here. >> We need to move on to the next item. Thank you very much. >> All right. Thank you. Moving on to new
business. Next item. Item A, case number 26446. Property owner 4th Avenue trust and care of Linda McMillan. Violation address 327 331. >> Just just a moment.
Miss Beavers. Um they're trying to get the equipment. >> Oh, okay. >> And somebody had to run out. I don't even know if that person has anything to do with this. >> He's code enforcement for Atlanta Beach. >> He's just visiting.
>> Okay. >> All right. Okay. Case number 26446, property owner 4th Avenue Trust Care of Linda McMillan. Violation address 327 and 331 4th Avenue South Jacksonville Beach. Um, this was
in regards to a dilapitated fence. As you can see in exhibit B, the left photo shows the fence in disrepair. The photo on the right shows that it's been complied. So, this case um can be closed.
>> Great. I will um I will um note that the violation existed. It's been corrected and that um the case can be closed and that uh he that the owner must keep the property in compliance.
>> Yes. Thank you. >> All right. Moving on to our final case. This is item B. Case number 26453. Excuse me. For the record, um, on that
last item, um, for case number 26-446. >> Yes. >> Just to for the record, there's no one here to speak in regards to that. >> No, thank you. >> But I have been in phone contact with Miss McMillan. >> Okay. Thank you. >> She lives in Atlanta. >> Yeah. I just wanted to, for the record,
>> Gotcha. >> to reflect that there wasn't anyone here. >> Okay. All right. Um case number 26453. Um this was in regards to a building permit not obtained for a structure um
which is also like a pergola structure. You can barely see the roof of it on these photos, but I circled it. Um the complainant did allow me access in her rear yard. So I was able to get a closer photo of the
structure as you can see um during my April um 21st inspection um I have not had any contact with the property owner. Um same with this one. I have posted the notice of hearings and sent certified
mail. I have not gotten any um had any communication with the property owner. Um my recommendation for the for the structure um is 250 per day
until it's brought into compliance. This one also um does not meet the setback requirements. Just a moment. >> Okay. >> Did Oh, just for uh the record, please tell me what you did in regards to notice. It was posted at the property
and sent certified mail. >> And what happened with the certified mail? >> I have not received anything back in regards to um none the return receipts
have been received. >> When was the certified mail sent? >> Um that I I have it in the timeline. I don't have a copy of the timeline in front of me, but it's on the timeline should be
>> well um it says March 30th the notice was issued. >> Um it would have been the same date this week >> according to the staff report. >> This was um
the notice of hearing was dated May 7. So, it would have been sent around that same date or the day after. >> And what is the item that's dated May the 20th that's in the staff report? >> Is something dated?
>> I'm I don't It says it's a code violation. Was that the first time >> for May 20th? >> It says May 20th. >> May have been Can I take a look at that, >> please? I I don't know that would be timely. >> Well, okay. Step back. So, um I I I want
to make that clear that the notice as required by the code. So, the notice of hearing um was sent on May May 7th or either May 8th. It was mailed out either one of those days
>> and that was uh by certified mail. >> Yes. And posted at the property. It was posted um that was posted on May 14th. >> Is that Oh, that's your photograph. And That's the day you posted it.
>> Yes. >> And then um that was the notice of the hearing, >> correct? >> But you said that the original notice of the violation. >> So I think what happens with the notice of violation, the way our system is set up, anytime I go back in to print a copy
of the violation notice, it automatically changes the date. And I believe that's what happened with that with that violation. That's a copy of the violation notice, but anytime I go in, the system will automatically change it to the current date. >> Okay, we need to correct that because
that's the only evidence we have of when it was mailed. So, >> no, no, no. That's just the notice of that's the violation notice, not the >> That's what I'm talking about. The notice of violation needs to have a date on it. Oh, the correct date. So,
>> I I understand what you're saying, but it's on the it's listed on the timeline of when the original um notice of violation was sent out. >> I understand. >> I I understand. >> But you're saying the actual violation notice that you get had needs to have
their original >> It needs to have the correct date. >> Okay. Um, so it's your testimony that a notice of violation was in fact sent out on March the 30th >> when the case originally was started.
Yes. >> Okay. Um, and there's been absolutely no contact with the with the owners. >> I noticed that you said that's not Homestead. >> That's also a short-term vacation rental.
>> And that's because you believe that based on the reg it's registered with the city, >> it's registered and um based off the complaintants testimony as well. Okay. So the two let me ask you this. Um in your staff
report you state that um you observed that the um structure was placed against the fence line. >> Yes. And David. Okay. As you can see right here, >> is it the So, is it is that the sideyard
fence or is that kind of like towards the >> This is this neighbor's sideyard fence. >> Okay. >> And the one the first one on the left, that is the rear fence. So, partial of
the roof is almost hanging over the complainant um property. David has to view that if he can speak on what he >> Okay, we'll have to swear him in. Please raise your right hand. State your name and position.
>> David Martin, uh, building inspector. >> Do you swear affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So, you go. I do. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Martin. Do you want to add something? >> Yeah. So, um, the complaintant actually
had a pool built and I went there to do a pool inspection. >> The complaintant actually had a pool built and I went there to do a pool inspection and I noticed this structure was really close to their property line hanging over. So, I looked um in between the boards and there is a there's a concrete slab that's been poured. So,
not only has this been erected, there's a concrete slab that's been poured there and it is way too close to the property line. So, it doesn't meet SE back requirements. Also, in that same backyard, there's another shed that's been erected, like a storage shed that's over in the corner that's not pictured
here, uh, that also does not meet setback requirements. So, there's multiple things in there. I went around to the front of the house twice on two different occasions to try to make contact. No one would answer because it is a short-term vacation rental. So that's when um right after that the
person came in and complained and then Nikki got involved. But before that um I have witnessed that uh it's definitely an um setback violation both of them there. So there's multiple issues in my yard. >> Okay. Thank you. Um
okay. Uh and you're um so it's more than one structure >> correct from what David has observed >> as well as concrete. So, it's your testimony that both of those are out of compliance with the
setbacks and both would have required a building permit. >> They wouldn't have got um in their current location. >> Correct. >> And also the concrete slab would require a building. >> Absolutely.
>> Building permit. Okay. >> Okay. And uh the recommendation again is to um find that the property is in violation and to uh issue an order um with imposing daily fine of $250 until
um uh the property brought into compliance. >> Correct. Okay. And um Right. Okay. Um, is it for the record, uh, is there anyone here to speak, uh, in regards to case number 26-453,
Ryan and Nicole Whidam? Okay, I don't see anyone. So, we'll we'll close that matter. Um and >> that concludes all that concludes all the cases that we have to present today.
>> Okay. Thank you very much.