[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6243991,"mediaKeyId","3236107-fde2cc40a0c3923bdcd335ce52b3465f","parentId",3236107,"title","Police Undercover Operation Finds Two West Palm Beach Bars Sold Alcohol to Underage Testers; Magistrate Fines First‑Time and Repeat Offenders","audioSeconds",645,"startMs",12808000,"endMs",13453000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3236107-fde2cc40a0c3923bdcd335ce52b3465f&start=12808&end=13453","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3236107-fde2cc40a0c3923bdcd335ce52b3465f/thumbnail_12808000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6243991/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Police-Undercover-Operation-Finds-Two-West-Palm-Beach-Bars-Sold-Alcohol-to-Underage-Testers-Magistrate-Fines-FirstTime-and-Repeat-Offenders","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243991-87d434e606a1ba72e3bf1105db04c193/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170355&Signature=QATNN4jWZn0v1Fz98k0AexawC4Ixhuagh0mhgNaLlQyeg1AxwxiycNc7oltbo3nE~CWe-WIHWRwg7XZlaEMLW-rnxqeB6TxBY8zIEGY0pcujPMFXwoUbv9PUTYBPPoBiqSKskVI17ztJLqz9MxpH5zEITsF2pvmXqpBEwCCIw8GpdNOMuFOnuN9KvLkFM2cQ8-bClSUr~qH2sUloK~VAJXF05u-O3lMpj~kfS7C-oeyegc6GAuAvtk015a8AXNSVAtUETqATmO9bsvFXdHON5XkFlwPOdk9KlflPOpADCz~rx2M~xYYlAe5Z~f-9FuAVtFAqjSzk0Bnd3Y891JGnwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of West Palm Beach, FL","date","2025-05-08T18:07:02Z","article","A West Palm Beach Police undercover operation on Feb. 28 found two licensed establishments sold alcohol to confidential sources believed to be underage; the special magistrate assessed civil fines at a May 7 code enforcement hearing.

Sergeant Timothy Coleman testified that at Duffy Sports Grill (225 Clematis Street) confidential sources between ages 18 and 20 purchased a margarita and a beer at the bar without being asked for identification. The city requested a $250 one‑time fine for a first offense; the magistrate entered the city case file and fined the establishment $250.

At Myers Lounge (329 Clematis Street), an undercover operation again found alcohol sold to confidential sources without ID; the police record showed multiple prior enforcement operations at the business. The city sought a larger fine for repeat violations and the magistrate assessed a $500 one‑time fine. The transcript shows the magistrate entered evidence, acknowledged tenant turnover at the physical address and said the fine stands because the violation occurred under prior tenancy.

Why it matters: Selling alcohol to underage persons is both a public‑safety concern and a regulatory violation; fines escalate with repeat violations and magistrate rulings are intended to deter future noncompliance.

Evidence and testimony

- Sergeant Timothy Coleman (Duffy Sports Grill) and Sergeant [name in record] Collins (Myers Lounge) described using confidential sources who successfully purchased alcohol at the barbacks without being asked to provide ID.
- Photographs from confidential sources and officer observations were entered into the record. The Duffy case was characterized as a first offense; Myers Lounge was presented as a repeat offender with at least three prior failures in similar operations.

Magistrate rulings and guidance

For PD25030444 (Duffy Sports Grill), the magistrate accepted the city's evidentiary file, found the establishment violated city ordinance sections cited by the police (6‑12 and 6‑13), and imposed a $250 one‑time fine.

For PD25030443 (Myers Lounge), the magistrate entered the responding party’s exhibit showing the prior tenant was evicted and a new tenant has taken over the space, but still assessed a $500 fine because the violation occurred under the earlier tenancy and because the establishment had multiple prior failures.

Speakers

- Sergeant Timothy Coleman — West Palm Beach Police (government)
- Sergeant Collins (first name not recorded in transcript) — West Palm Beach Police (government)
- James (manager/representative) — Duffy Sports Grill (respondent representative)
- Eric Sessions — Representative for building owners at 329 Clematis Street (owner representative)
- Amity Bernard — Special Magistrate (government)

Authorities

- ordinance: \"6‑12\" (sale of alcohol regs) (referenced_by: [\"Duffy Sports Grill case\",\"Myers Lounge case\"])
- ordinance: \"6‑13\" (licensing/penalties) (referenced_by: [\"Duffy Sports Grill case\",\"Myers Lounge case\"])
- statute: \"Florida Statute 562.111\" (sale to minors cited in police testimony) (referenced_by: [\"police undercover operation\"])

Actions

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{\"case_number\":\"PD25030444\"},\"motion\":\"Assess $250 one‑time fine for sale of alcohol to underage confidential source (first offense)\",\"mover\":\"Special Magistrate Amity Bernard\",\"second\":\"\",\"vote_record\":[],\"tally\":{\"yes\":1,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":true},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"City evidentiary file admitted\"}
- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{\"case_number\":\"PD25030443\"},\"motion\":\"Assess $500 one‑time fine for sale of alcohol to underage confidential source (repeat offender)\",\"mover\":\"Special Magistrate Amity Bernard\",\"second\":\"\",\"vote_record\":[],\"tally\":{\"yes\":1,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":true},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Respondent showed new tenant; violation occurred under prior tenancy\"}

Discussion vs. decision

- Discussion points: Undercover operation protocol and use of reliable confidential sources; whether current tenant differs from earlier offending party.
- Directions: Establishments should train staff and ensure ID checks at point of sale; magistrate warned that fines escalate with repeat violations.
- Decisions: Fines assessed: $250 (first offense), $500 (repeat offender).

Clarifying details

- Duffy Sports Grill fine: $250 (one‑time); described as first offense
- Myers Lounge fine: $500 (one‑time); multiple prior failures recorded by police
- Evidence: Confidential source photographs and officer exterior observation corroborated sales

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"Duffy Sports Grill\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"Myers Lounge\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"West Palm Beach Police\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Amity Bernard\",\"type\":\"person\"}]

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"West Palm Beach\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"bar patrons\",\"young adults\",\"hospitality staff\"]}

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":5,\"duration_minutes\":30,\"items_count\":2},\"implementation_risk\":\"low\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2025-02-28\",\"note\":\"Undercover operation conducted\"}]}

searchable_tags:[\"underage alcohol\",\"Duffy Sports Grill\",\"Myers Lounge\",\"police undercover\"]

provenance:[{\"block_id\":\"s=12808.95\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":160,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Sergeant Timothy Coleman ... used 2 confidential sources between the ages of 18 and 20 ... they were able to purchase a margarita and a Michelob beer without being asked to produce ID\",\"global_start\":12808,\"global_end\":12860,\"tc_start\":\"03:33:28\",\"tc_end\":\"03:34:20\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"s=13458.235\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I'll find based on the testimony of the officer as well as the documents in the file that the respondent's establishment was in violation of section 6‑13 and 6‑12 ... I'll assess a one‑time fine in the amount of $250/$500\",\"global_start\":13458,\"global_end\":13513,\"tc_start\":\"03:43:18\",\"tc_end\":\"03:44:13\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}],","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Code Compliance Special Magistrate Hearing | May 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City police undercover checks found two establishments sold alcohol to undercover volunteers believed to be under 21. The special magistrate assessed a first‑offense $250 fine at Duffy Sports Grill and a $500 fine at Myers Lounge for a repeated violation.","taxTitle","West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida","taxId",4250,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6243996,"Special Magistrate Widens Reductions on Historic Liens; Orders Multiple Payment Deadlines",3007,9693000,12700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3236107-fde2cc40a0c3923bdcd335ce52b3465f&start=9693&end=12700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3236107-fde2cc40a0c3923bdcd335ce52b3465f/thumbnail_9693000.jpg","/articles/6243996/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Special-Magistrate-Widens-Reductions-on-Historic-Liens-Orders-Multiple-Payment-Deadlines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243996-84137672e37a3fa9636aab27f96155c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170355&Signature=PJT7n~HRhTg4aL6ApGjaUGVWv0-RFfQGBrr9PoqkR9gDqAiaYhKBy-uYtPO15p498uV9H3sMHdaQvbj7RwdzZ2DAaxQn0197xHloqBq9mNmIZLWVUtk7tcR6urtJBakk1zl4SlD8jcvfFgJGlbJoCQ21UHManP1G6ouJKNJ~HgMBrZBFGX0Osh1cR8Mz6W-4fU-TDwiO2f1lLR~TwNXkYBOrRmgUVQAMvNdYyVFHQLiDAjqwrx118Hs5XIrVJOQOJd2~5iGWtYraf0ZOz8ibxRtoYncmyx7~10e2fRn05I5FKOoLD62tPbzt9d9BvaIjK3ba89~APHsedrO52xF7Qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Special Magistrate Amity Bernard granted reductions on several longstanding code‑enforcement liens at a May 7 hearing, lowering previously imposed fines on multiple properties after reviewing owners' remediation efforts, payment agreements and the history of each case.

The magistrate reduced a $173,700 lien on a property at 5400 East Avenue to $10,000 with a 30‑day payment timetable after finding the new owner had taken remedial steps and that continuing the full lien would be unduly punitive. Bernard said she would \"reduce the fine amount in this case from the 173,700 down to $10,000,\" and ordered a 30‑day payment period.

Why it matters: The reductions affect both property owners and municipal revenue streams and reflect the magistrate’s balancing of enforcement, remediation and fairness — particularly when violations predated current ownership.

Notable reductions and agreements

- 5400 East Avenue (CE20060189): Magistrate reduced a $173,700 cumulative lien (stemming from multiple cases, repeat violations and extended fine periods) to $10,000, payable in 30 days. The owner said remodeling and FEMA map issues delayed repairs; the city had proposed a 15% reduction.

- 1236 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd (CE22110181): A prior‑owner case totaling $98,750 was reduced to $6,000, payable in 60 days. The new owner testified to more than $350,000 invested to stabilize and retenant the property and said misdirected notices and prior criminal activity at the site complicated remediation.

- Several properties at 63430 Seventh Street (multiple case numbers): Three separate liens (totals $137,400; $165,400; $153,300) were each reduced to $7,000, payable in 30 days, after the new owners said they spent in excess of $100,000 refurbishing a single‑family home they purchased in disrepair.

- 447 Twentieth Street (three very old liens from mid‑2000s tied to a demolished structure): The purchaser said multiple title searches failed to reveal recorded historic liens; the magistrate reduced three liens from $1,800, $722,250 and $4,461,000 respectively to $300 each, payable in 30 days, and advised the purchaser to pursue claims against the title company.

- Multiple other properties: The magistrate approved negotiated reductions across a slate of properties — examples include a $63,200 lien reduced to $4,740 (CE23030334), $64,200 reduced to $6,420 (CE18050809), and $413,800 reduced to $20,690 (CE10040156) — typically with 60‑day payment schedules.

Magistrate rationale and guidance

Bernard repeatedly balanced the statutory purpose of code enforcement — to secure and preserve community safety and aesthetics — against the financial realities facing new owners who inherited violations. She noted enforcement must continue to incentivize timely compliance but that reductions are appropriate when new owners quickly remediate, invest in property repair, or when the original violator was a prior owner. In one lengthy exchange she told owners that reductions would be larger than the city requested in some cases but would not absolve serious violations.

Title‑search surprise at 447 Twentieth Street

A particularly notable exchange involved a purchaser of a 7,000‑square‑foot vacant lot at 447 Twentieth Street who said multiple title searches did not reveal large recorded liens and that a city officer first notified him about the liens only after purchase. Bernard reduced the three historic liens to $300 each to allow lien releases while advising the purchaser to pursue remedies against the title company.

Formal orders and payments

The magistrate entered agreed reductions into the record and directed city staff to prepare formal orders and lien releases once the reduced amounts are paid. Payment windows typically ranged from 30 to 60 days depending on the case. Where the magistrate approved smaller negotiated reductions, she reiterated that nonpayment would reactivate the original lien exposure.

Speakers

- Amity Bernard — Special Magistrate (government)
- Sarah Thompson and Carl Mittermeier — counsel/representative for 5400 East Avenue (counsel/owner)
- Gustav Arnoldson — Managing Member, owner at 1236 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard (business owner)
- Robert and Scott Olinik — New owners, 63430 Seventh Street (property developers)
- Eleni Noble Zarbalas and client Mike Kogan — purchaser, 447 Twentieth Street (counsel/owner)

Authorities

- ordinance: \"City code fines and lien procedures\" (referenced_by: [\"multiple lien reduction cases\"])

Actions

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{\"agenda_item_id\":\"CE20060189\",\"case_number\":\"CE20060189\"},\"motion\":\"Reduce lien from $173,700 to $10,000; payment due in 30 days\",\"mover\":\"Special Magistrate Amity Bernard\",\"second\":\"\",\"vote_record\":[],\"tally\":{\"yes\":1,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":true},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Magistrate found remediation and extenuating circumstances warranted a steep reduction\"}
- Multiple similar actions reducing other liens to negotiated amounts with 30–60 day payment windows (see clarifying_details for specifics).

Discussion vs. decision

- Discussion points: Whether violations predated current ownership, costs already incurred by new owners to remediate, title‑search failures, and the gravity of violations.
- Directions: City to prepare release documents and mail orders after payment; owners advised to pursue title or other civil claims where appropriate.
- Decisions: Specific lien reductions and payment schedules across multiple properties.

Clarifying details

- 5400 East Avenue: Original lien $173,700 reduced to $10,000; payment due in 30 days (source: magistrate ruling).
- 1236 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd: Original $98,750 reduced to $6,000; payment due in 60 days.
- 63430 Seventh Street: Three liens ($137,400; $165,400; $153,300) each reduced to $7,000; payment due in 30 days.
- 447 Twentieth Street: Three historic liens reduced to $300 each to allow releases; buyer paid earlier abatement costs (~$30,000) and ongoing maintenance costs (~$5,000), and was advised to pursue title claims.

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"City of West Palm Beach\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Davis‑Townsend (example) not used\",\"type\":\"other\"},{\"name\":\"Amity Bernard\",\"type\":\"person\"},{\"name\":\"Gustav Arnoldson\",\"type\":\"person\"},{\"name\":\"Mike Kogan\",\"type\":\"person\"}]

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"West Palm Beach\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"property owners\",\"neighbors\",\"local businesses\"]}

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":10,\"duration_minutes\":220,\"items_count\":20},\"implementation_risk\":\"low\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2017-05-06\",\"note\":\"Some fines began accruing as early as 2017 in cases before current owners\"},{\"date\":\"2006-02-17\",\"note\":\"Historic liens at 447 Twentieth Street originate from mid‑2000s cases\"}]}

searchable_tags:[\"lien reduction\",\"special magistrate\",\"West Palm Beach\",\"title search\",\"historic liens\"]

provenance:[{\"block_id\":\"s=9693.155\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I'm gonna reduce the fine amount in this case from the hundred and 73,700 down to $10,000. How much time do you need to pay that?\",\"global_start\":9693,\"global_end\":10229,\"tc_start\":\"02:41:33\",\"tc_end\":\"02:50:29\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"s=12671.57\",\"local_start\":0,","At the May 7 West Palm Beach code enforcement hearing, Special Magistrate Amity Bernard granted substantial reductions on long‑running code enforcement liens across numerous properties, citing remediation activity, new ownership and other mitigating factors.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244001,"Special Magistrate Orders 60 Days for Blake SD Plaza to Obtain Permits; Assesses Tree, Sign Fines",795,564000,1359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3236107-fde2cc40a0c3923bdcd335ce52b3465f&start=564&end=1359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3236107-fde2cc40a0c3923bdcd335ce52b3465f/thumbnail_564000.jpg","/articles/6244001/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Special-Magistrate-Orders-60-Days-for-Blake-SD-Plaza-to-Obtain-Permits-Assesses-Tree-Sign-Fines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244001-d8eaca280b9b546efd2a93d73422148e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170355&Signature=Zi2FbFghVbwpsv8BQrQ9~mOVREbwyJhayg~eU6S32AnadD8729VzmApowR3cAllU024KtgwYlCvRQ7ZuVY1LPd2zGDgcdCZfZvszxPv4rxsqLM2Q5nSj9sbGfljMPVJxjr3vam-j1QWpKzHX8sTCy7daUo842Wbec0Gtxg9JcM8rDOh~jpmp4C0d5doE9kjwLc6ImbnrR5ZpsZYyz3tL52Ee5CjB14gH8YNfaAfgLCKBkW~OfomcTGfnH9NGRQsx6cqQdfJPhILIyBS6uHncXqCiN5CYvoxGG1FwLqZkR9hfadGCqeCTH2rHNebNkGtzv4kwV6TQDVmS8Qi4-XTgVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Special Magistrate Amity Bernard ordered the owner of Blake SD Plaza at 311140 Fifth Street to obtain required permits for a rolling fence, a tiki‑hut/gazebo structure and an aluminum patio covering within 60 days or face daily fines, and assessed a one‑time fine of $3,000 for hat‑racking on 15 live oak trees.

The ruling follows testimony from city building inspector Saul Yarmish that he observed a rolling chain‑link fence and gate and exterior structures installed without permits, and that permits applied for had been rejected or not submitted. Yarmish recommended 60 days to comply and a $50 per day fine after that; Bernard said, \"60 days should be more than enough time,\" and ordered compliance within that window.

Why it matters: The case ties together multiple safety and permitting issues at one property — unauthorized construction, public‑safety access concerns and severe pruning of canopy trees — and the magistrate required both permits and remediation while spelling out penalties for continued noncompliance.

Inspector testimony and respondent statements

Saul Yarmish, building inspector for the city of West Palm Beach, testified that he issued notices and stop‑work orders after observing a rolling fence gate that closed off required access around the building and exterior structures installed on pilings and an aluminum patio cover without permits. He said the tiki‑hut (later characterized as a gazebo) had a permit application that was rejected and needed resubmission; the aluminum structure had no permit application on file. Yarmish told the magistrate that permits and inspections are required and that progress had been made on some applications but inspections had not been performed.

Attorney Ola McLean and owner Sharnette (Shawnette) Thompson appeared for the respondent. Thompson said contractors had told her the tiki hut was exempt, then later that it was not, that multiple contractors had been used and that remediation and permit resubmission were underway. Thompson said the tiki/gazebo required structural changes and that separate permit applications were needed for the tiki/gazebo and the aluminum patio cover. \"The aluminum structure is completely different from the Tiki structure,\" she told the magistrate.

Tree pruning, signage and fines

Code enforcement officer Paul McFarland presented a separate set of violations at the same address: prohibited portable signage and severe cutting of 15 live oak trees (hat‑racking). McFarland said the city accepted an arborist report provided by the respondent that confirmed hat‑racking but concluded the trees did not require removal; the city recommended 15 days to remove a portable feather sign or a $100 daily fine and asked for a one‑time fine of $200 per tree totaling $3,000 for hat‑racking.

Respondent counsel pushed back that the arborist was engaged to show the trees could be preserved and that some cutting near power lines had been performed by the utility (FPL). The magistrate noted the difference between pruning that preserves canopy and the severe cutting shown in photos, and said the arborist's findings lowered the city's concern that trees must be replaced.

Magistrate ruling and next steps

Bernard admitted the city's case file into evidence and, based on the inspector testimony and photographs, found violations of the cited code sections for unpermitted fence/gate and structures. The magistrate ordered the respondents to obtain required permits for the rolling fence, tiki/gazebo and aluminum patio covering within 60 days and imposed a $50 per day fine continuing after that period if violations persist. For the tree hat‑racking, Bernard assessed a one‑time $200 per tree fine for 15 oak trees (total $3,000) and gave 15 days for removal of the prohibited portable sign or a $100 per day fine thereafter.

Bernard emphasized communication with city staff if permit processing stalls: \"If something happens in the permit process that you're unable to get to the next step, make sure you communicate with the city staff so that you're moving toward that compliance goal.\" The city will mail formal orders that reflect the ruling.

Speakers

- Amity Bernard — Special Magistrate (government)
- Saul Yarmish — Building Inspector, City of West Palm Beach (government)
- Ola McLean — Attorney for respondent (counsel)
- Sharnette (Shawnette) Thompson — Owner, Blake SD Plaza (owner/citizen)
- Paul McFarland — Code Enforcement Officer, City of West Palm Beach (government)

Authorities

- ordinance: \"Sections 105.1 and 110.3\" (referenced_by: [\"311140 Fifth Street fence/structures case\"])
- ordinance: \"94‑446‑2‑B‑3 (hat racking)\" (referenced_by: [\"311140 Fifth Street tree case\"])
- ordinance: \"94‑442‑C‑1 (landscape/grass)\" (referenced_by: [\"311140 Fifth Street landscape references\"])

Actions

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Respondent must obtain all required permits for fence/gate and exterior structures within 60 days; $50/day after 60 days if not complied\",\"mover\":\"Special Magistrate Amity Bernard\",\"second\":\"\",\"vote_record\":[],\"tally\":{\"yes\":1,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":true,\"notes\":\"Magistrate order based on testimony and photographic evidence\"},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"City evidentiary file admitted; permit progress noted\"}
- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Assess one‑time fine $200 per tree for 15 hat‑racked live oaks (total $3,000); require sign removal within 15 days or $100/day thereafter\",\"mover\":\"Special Magistrate Amity Bernard\",\"second\":\"\",\"vote_record\":[],\"tally\":{\"yes\":1,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":true,\"notes\":\"Based on arborist and city photos\"},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Arborist report acknowledged; fines imposed\"}

Discussion vs. decision

- Discussion points: Permit application history (partial approvals, utility consents), contractor changes and timeline, arborist findings on tree recovery, proximity to utility easements, hurricane‑season safety concerns.
- Directions: Respondent to pursue separate permit applications for tiki/gazebo and aluminum cover; maintain contact with city permitting staff; remove sign within 15 days.
- Decisions: 60‑day compliance deadline for permits; $50/day after 60 days; $3,000 one‑time tree fine; $100/day for sign noncompliance after 15 days.

Clarifying details

- fence/structures: permit(s) applied for but either rejected or not submitted; FPU (FPL) consent was last utility pending and was received prior to hearing (source: respondent counsel)
- tree fine: $200 per tree × 15 trees = $3,000 (one‑time)
- sign: 15 days to remove portable feather sign or $100/day thereafter
- permit compliance deadline: 60 days from May 7, 2025 (magistrate order)

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"Blake SD Plaza\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"West Palm Beach\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"Florida Power & Light\",\"type\":\"business\"}]

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"West Palm Beach\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"property owners\",\"tenants\",\"pedestrians\"]}

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":5,\"duration_minutes\":75,\"items_count\":3},\"implementation_risk\":\"medium\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2024-11-08\",\"note\":\"Initial violation posted (fence)\"},{\"date\":\"2024-06-21\",\"note\":\"Stop‑work order posted for tiki/structures\"}]}

searchable_tags:[\"311140 Fifth Street\",\"Blake SD Plaza\",\"permits\",\"hat‑racking\",\"tree fine\",\"West Palm Beach\"]

provenance:[{\"block_id\":\"s=564.78\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"My name is Saul Yarmish, and I'm I'm the building inspector for the city of West Palm... The violation I observed is a fence gate installed... Permits and inspections are required for the work I observed...\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"s=2154.08\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":300,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I'll find based on the photographs in the case file and the testimony of the building inspector that the respondents in violation of sections 105.1 and 110.3 for the tiki hut like structure and also the aluminum, patio covering structure that were installed without required permits... I'll require respondent to comply ... within 60 days or a $50 a day fine...\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}],","At a May 7 West Palm Beach code enforcement hearing, Special Magistrate Amity Bernard found Blake SD Plaza in violation for a rolling fence, an unpermitted tiki/gazebo and aluminum patio cover, and severe tree hat‑racking, and set compliance deadlines, fines and mitigation steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Police Undercover Operation Finds Two West Palm Beach Bars Sold Alcohol to Underage Testers; Magistrate Fines First‑Time and Repeat Offenders

Special Magistrate Widens Reductions on Historic Liens; Orders Multiple Payment Deadlines

Special Magistrate Orders 60 Days for Blake SD Plaza to Obtain Permits; Assesses Tree, Sign Fines