The Fort Pierce Special Magistrate Hearing held on August 20, 2025, addressed several nuisance violations impacting community health and safety. The meeting focused on two primary cases concerning property maintenance issues.

The first case involved a property found to be in violation of the city’s code of ordinances due to a nuisance condition. The magistrate determined that this condition posed a threat to public health, safety, and welfare. The violator was ordered to address the issues within 14 days, which included cutting grass and weeds, trimming trees and shrubs, and removing all trash and debris. Failure to comply would result in a daily fine of $100 until the violations were resolved. The city will also take necessary steps to abate the nuisance, with costs assessed against the property, allowing 30 days for an appeal.

The second case discussed was related to a property at 1839 Sandridge Road, owned by Jason Merritt. A notice of violation was issued for nuisance landscape conditions. The property had been partially cleared, but two recliners remained on-site, requiring removal. The city’s representative confirmed that the property had been documented with photographs, which accurately depicted the violations. The magistrate again ruled that a nuisance condition existed, mirroring the previous case's directives, including a 14-day compliance period and potential fines for non-compliance.

Overall, the hearing underscored the city’s commitment to maintaining community standards and ensuring that property owners adhere to regulations designed to protect public welfare. The next steps involve monitoring compliance with the orders issued during the hearing.