OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Ocala Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing - March 25, 2026

City Council & Boards — Wednesday, March 25, 2026
BodyOcala, Florida
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateWednesday, March 25, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:26:40

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

I don't want people to stop being here.

0:12

Busy morning out there.

0:14

Yeah.

0:14

So I got a we're good when you're ready.

0:18

As soon as you start, they'll quiet down and start piling in, I'm sure.

0:21

Okay, good morning, everyone.

0:23

Um I'm gonna call today's hearings to order uh at 1030 March 25th uh 2026.

0:33

Okay, good morning.

0:34

My name is Ryan Fong.

0:35

I'm a Florida Bar licensed attorney, and I've been appointed by the City of Ocala as magistrate for today's code enforcement hearings.

0:42

While the formal rules of evidence do not apply, due process will be observed.

0:47

Only those that have a case on today's docket will have a chance to speak, or if you are a witness called to testify about that case.

0:54

The city will present its uh evidence first and you will then have an opportunity to respond.

0:59

I will then consider the evidence and testimony presented and render my ruling, and a copy of my ruling will be mailed to you.

1:10

Okay, so proof of publication number 032 520-261030 published uh March 13th, 2026 for today's hearings.

1:23

I've reviewed the minutes from last month's hearings, um, February 25th, and I will approve those minutes as presented.

1:32

Um right now we'll go ahead and swear in the officers and those testifying on behalf of the city, please.

1:42

Do you swear our current testimony and that's okay?

1:49

The city can proceed with its first case.

1:52

Thank you.

1:52

Good morning, Your Honor.

1:53

My name is Dale Hollingsworth.

1:54

I'm the duly appointed chief code official and the manager of our division.

1:57

We'll leave the presentation of our cases this morning.

2:00

We'll start uh with KCE 25-1101, CE25-1101.

2:07

It's the City of O'Cala versus the Priest Family Trust, Henry Camp Priest Trust, and Wayne's World of Paintball.

2:15

The violations include 54-5 burial or burning of municipal solid waste or recovered materials.

2:20

3412 abandoned or derelict vehicles, 3495, weeds, accumulations of trash, or other unsightly or unsanitary matter.

2:28

82-182 dangerous buildings declared nuisance, abatement required with time limits.

2:33

And 12251, a building permit required.

2:36

The location of Wayne's World of Paintball is 4841 South Pine Avenue.

2:41

At the conclusion of this, we'll request a prosecution cost in the amount of 356 and 91 cents.

3:37

During which we observed uh multiple violations uh falling within the violations listed.

3:43

Um, and I'll give a brief description of each of those to try to exp um get through this as quick as possible, but without eliminating any details.

3:51

The first is 3495 weeds accumulations of trash or other unsightly unsanitary matter.

3:56

They were given notice uh of these violations and were ordered uh with all obvious junk trash and unsightly material be removed from the property, such as old unusable materials.

4:06

There's an abundance of that.

4:07

Uh tires not actively being used as props and paintball courses, those were initially just thrown or stored haphazardly throughout the woods, wooded areas of the paintball course, but again, not active props for the paintball course.

4:21

This is unique in several of these.

4:22

I'll quickly divert in this conversation to say that a lot of this uh in and of itself may be a violation, but we will try to be reasonable with our request to comply, such as when I get down to the dairy lake vehicle section.

4:34

Some of this are old, old, old uh items and have been there for quite some time, many years, and many of it is used within the paintball courses.

4:45

So we try to be understanding of that and ask for the abatement of some of these things within reason.

4:49

So that was an example of one is just the old tires.

4:53

Um there's some old unused camping tents currently in one of the staging areas, just indicates some of the uh accumulation of stuff over the years that needed to be removed from the property.

5:04

Next one's 34122 abandoned or derelict vehicles.

5:06

Many vehicles throughout the site are in derelict abandoned condition.

5:10

Any vehicles actively placed as props for the active paintball course we advise could remain so long as those are cleared of any accumulated junk and debris and any perceived safety hazards.

5:20

So to that point, a lot of the vehicles were piled twice as high as the vehicle with old tires again, just junk, uh such as in the bed of old derelict vehicles.

5:30

We did indicate those vehicles could remain as active paintball props, but they need to be removed of the accumulated junk stored within the vehicles, almost like the vehicle is a dumpster.

5:40

Also, any safety hazards just to ensure the safety of the the uh participants within the uh the paintball.

5:47

We did specifically note boats and airplane fuselage, um, and then any others not actively involved in the paintball course must be removed from the property.

5:57

There were some campers and RVs also fall within this section sided.

6:00

They were in a derelict condition, uh, windows busted out, just not being used, not tagged and registered, not operational.

6:07

Also, some utility trailer trailers and cargo trailers.

6:11

Uh next one's 54-5 barrier or burning of municipal solid waste and recovered materials.

6:16

So several burn piles are on the site with burn trash and debris within that burn pile, uh, some of which already burned and charred, indicating that the trash had previously been burned.

6:27

It wasn't just piled up for a new burn that they could have removed, it had already been done.

6:32

Uh, we informed them to clear all existing burn piles from the property and discontinue burning of municipal solid waste immediately as that violates 54-5.

6:42

For the dangerous structures, 82-181 provides the definitions, but 82182 provides the specifics of what needed to occur at the property and what was located.

6:51

We broke this up into two separate sections.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Code Enforcement█████████████████████████████████████████████92%
Environmental Protection█3%
Procedural█2%
Public Works█2%
Public Engagement█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Ocala Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing - March 25, 2026

On March 25, 2026, at 10:30 AM, Special Magistrate Ryan Fong presided over a Code Enforcement hearing at Ocala City Hall. The hearing addressed 18 new business cases and 15 old business (Massey) non-compliance hearings. Key themes included dangerous structures, junk accumulation, abandoned vehicles, burn piles, and repeat violators. The Magistrate ruled on each case, adopting staff recommendations with adjustments for extensions and fines.

Consent Calendar

  • Proof of Publication: #032520261030, published March 13, 2026.
  • Minutes Approval: Minutes from February 25, 2026, were approved as presented.
  • Swearing of Officers: City inspectors and witnesses were sworn in.

Discussion Items & Key Cases

Case CE25-1101 – City vs. Priest Family Trust / Wayne’s World of Paintball

  • Violations: Burning of solid waste, abandoned vehicles, weeds, dangerous buildings, unpermitted work (6 code sections).
  • The city detailed extensive violations at the paintball course (4841 S Pine Ave), including dozens of derelict vehicles, burn piles, unsafe structures, and an illegal living space in a shed. A rolling compliance timeline had been set but largely missed. Only one demolition permit was applied for; no electrical/plumbing permits.
  • Representative (attorney Richard Mutarelli Jr.) acknowledged progress (5 dumpsters removed, electrician hired) but requested more time, citing budget limits and volunteer labor.
  • Ruling: Violations found. Adopted staff recommendation with hard deadlines: junk/debris removal and abandoned vehicle removal by April 30, 2026; permits applied by May 1, 2026; 90 days after permit issuance to complete work. Fine of $50/day per violation if not met. Prosecution costs: $356.91.

Case CE26-0157 – City vs. Michael J. Voss Estate

  • Violations: Dangerous building, abandoned vehicle, unpermitted work.
  • Property split into two units; owner died. Tenant Jeffrey Stack (caretaker) testified that the son (Michael Voss Jr.) is handling probate. No permits for split; power/water off. Vehicle tag missing but temporary tag placed.
  • Ruling: Violations found. Adopted staff recommendation; compliance deadline and fines as recommended. Prosecution costs: $205.97.

Case CE25-0582 – City vs. Weatherly Wigelsworth

  • Violation: Dead tree (weeds/trash). Respondent cited high cost ($5,000 quote) and federal migratory bird act concerns (woodpecker nests). Requested extension to July.
  • City recommended modification to only tree removal and no opposition to extension.
  • Ruling: Violation found. Deadline extended to May 10, 2026 (from April 30). If not removed, city may enter after another hearing. Prosecution costs: $266.21.

Case ENV26-0072 – City vs. College Park Plaza LLC (Repeat Violator)

  • Violations: Weeds, trash accumulation (repeat – prior case Dec 2025). Inspector Rob Moore showed ongoing trash behind plaza; property representative blamed homeless and apartment dwellers, claimed crew cleans 5 days per 14-day period. City requested $250/day fine from Feb 19, 2026, and another $250/day if not compliant by April 30 (total $500/day).
  • Ruling: Violations found. Adopted city recommendation, including repeat violator fine of $250/day from Feb 19, 2026, plus additional $250/day after April 30 if non-compliant. Prosecution costs already paid.

Case CE25-0492 – City vs. Carlton McDonald (Old Business – Massey Hearing)

  • Respondent claimed property now compliant; city requested extension to April 30 to confirm.
  • Ruling: Extension granted to April 30, 2026, for reinspection.

Case 2024_10804 – City vs. Annie L. Snow Estate (Massey Hearing)

  • Property brought into compliance 204 days late. Original fine $20,400; city recommended reduction to $2,040 ($10/day for 204 days) plus $359.36 prosecution costs ($2,399.36 total). Respondent requested payment plan due to fixed income.
  • Ruling: Adopted reduction. Fine of $2,040 plus $359.36 = $2,399.36 to be filed as lien. No formal payment plan but city accepts partial payments.

Other New Business Cases (No appearance, ruled by default)

  • CE25-0897 (Wooden Estate): Abandoned vehicle – adopted staff recommendation.
  • CE25-1310 (Green Ocala Place LLC): Housing code – adopted recommendation.
  • CE26-0022 (Back to Basic Holdings LLC): Building permit – adopted.
  • CE26-0082 (Perry/White): Weeds – adopted.
  • CE26-0094 (CVS): Barbed wire fence – adopted.
  • CE26-0146 (Purcell): Dangerous building/barbed wire – adopted.
  • CE26-0180 (Land Trust No 217S): Weeds (repeat) – adopted with fines.
  • CE26-0221 (Hale Trust): Dangerous building/abandoned vehicle – adopted.
  • ENV25-0331 (Springwood Village Condo Assoc): Tree removal/barbed wire (repeat) – adopted.
  • ENV26-0086 (Silver River Real Estate Group): Illicit discharge – city and attorney reached agreement; $250 fine plus cleanup ($214.26) and prosecution costs ($224.63) – ruled accordingly.

Old Business – Consent Agenda (Massey Non-Compliance Hearings)

  • Remaining 14 cases (including Rock Hospitality Partners LLC, Alexander, Bailey, Smith, Vimalgiri Investment, Owen, Lee) with no respondent appearance. The Magistrate found violations continued and adopted staff recommendations for fines and liens.

Key Outcomes

  • Decisions: All 18 new business cases were ruled in favor of the city; violations found, compliance deadlines set, fines imposed where applicable.
  • Fines: Notable fines – College Park Plaza $250/day retroactive (repeat violator); Snow Estate lien of $2,399.36 (reduced from $20,400).
  • Extensions: Granted for Wigelsworth (dead tree) to May 10; McDonald to April 30 for reinspection; Wayne’s World deadlines largely upheld but with phased permit timeline.
  • Liens: Snow Estate lien authorized; other non-compliant cases may result in liens after Massey hearings.
  • Next Meeting: April 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM.
  • Adjournment: Hearing adjourned at 11:56 AM.

Meeting Transcript

I don't want people to stop being here. Busy morning out there. Yeah. So I got a we're good when you're ready. As soon as you start, they'll quiet down and start piling in, I'm sure. Okay, good morning, everyone. Um I'm gonna call today's hearings to order uh at 1030 March 25th uh 2026. Okay, good morning. My name is Ryan Fong. I'm a Florida Bar licensed attorney, and I've been appointed by the City of Ocala as magistrate for today's code enforcement hearings. While the formal rules of evidence do not apply, due process will be observed. Only those that have a case on today's docket will have a chance to speak, or if you are a witness called to testify about that case. The city will present its uh evidence first and you will then have an opportunity to respond. I will then consider the evidence and testimony presented and render my ruling, and a copy of my ruling will be mailed to you. Okay, so proof of publication number 032 520-261030 published uh March 13th, 2026 for today's hearings. I've reviewed the minutes from last month's hearings, um, February 25th, and I will approve those minutes as presented. Um right now we'll go ahead and swear in the officers and those testifying on behalf of the city, please. Do you swear our current testimony and that's okay? The city can proceed with its first case. Thank you. Good morning, Your Honor. My name is Dale Hollingsworth. I'm the duly appointed chief code official and the manager of our division. We'll leave the presentation of our cases this morning. We'll start uh with KCE 25-1101, CE25-1101. It's the City of O'Cala versus the Priest Family Trust, Henry Camp Priest Trust, and Wayne's World of Paintball. The violations include 54-5 burial or burning of municipal solid waste or recovered materials. 3412 abandoned or derelict vehicles, 3495, weeds, accumulations of trash, or other unsightly or unsanitary matter. 82-182 dangerous buildings declared nuisance, abatement required with time limits. And 12251, a building permit required. The location of Wayne's World of Paintball is 4841 South Pine Avenue. At the conclusion of this, we'll request a prosecution cost in the amount of 356 and 91 cents. During which we observed uh multiple violations uh falling within the violations listed. Um, and I'll give a brief description of each of those to try to exp um get through this as quick as possible, but without eliminating any details. The first is 3495 weeds accumulations of trash or other unsightly unsanitary matter. They were given notice uh of these violations and were ordered uh with all obvious junk trash and unsightly material be removed from the property, such as old unusable materials. There's an abundance of that. Uh tires not actively being used as props and paintball courses, those were initially just thrown or stored haphazardly throughout the woods, wooded areas of the paintball course, but again, not active props for the paintball course. This is unique in several of these. I'll quickly divert in this conversation to say that a lot of this uh in and of itself may be a violation, but we will try to be reasonable with our request to comply, such as when I get down to the dairy lake vehicle section. Some of this are old, old, old uh items and have been there for quite some time, many years, and many of it is used within the paintball courses. So we try to be understanding of that and ask for the abatement of some of these things within reason. So that was an example of one is just the old tires. Um there's some old unused camping tents currently in one of the staging areas, just indicates some of the uh accumulation of stuff over the years that needed to be removed from the property. Next one's 34122 abandoned or derelict vehicles. Many vehicles throughout the site are in derelict abandoned condition. Any vehicles actively placed as props for the active paintball course we advise could remain so long as those are cleared of any accumulated junk and debris and any perceived safety hazards. So to that point, a lot of the vehicles were piled twice as high as the vehicle with old tires again, just junk, uh such as in the bed of old derelict vehicles. We did indicate those vehicles could remain as active paintball props, but they need to be removed of the accumulated junk stored within the vehicles, almost like the vehicle is a dumpster. Also, any safety hazards just to ensure the safety of the the uh participants within the uh the paintball.

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