Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Board Meeting - April 9, 2026

The Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Board met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The board addressed multiple code violation cases, including new business, old business, and consent agenda items. Key actions included tabling a case against CSX Transportation, imposing fines and liens, granting compliance extensions, and electing new officers.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 12, 2026, meeting (motion by Shirley Wright, second by Bruce Gonseth).
• Old Business Consent Agenda (Non-Compliance): The board accepted a series of lien cases and Massey hearing cases as consent items, approving them unanimously. These included Case Nos. CE25-0748, CE25-0903, CE25-1038, CE25-1053, CE25-1066, CE25-1134 (liens), and CE25-0856, CE25-1148, CE25-1238, CE25-1302, CE26-0006, CE26-0012, CE26-0061 (Massey hearings).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the designated public comment period.

Discussion Items

• CSX Transportation Cases (ENV26-0088, ENV26-0090, ENV26-0092): The city alleged violations of the Florida Fire Prevention Code (Section 38-81) and unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials (Section 38-122) due to outdoor storage of creosote-treated railroad ties. CSX attorney Lauren Hurdy argued that the ordinances do not apply to railroad rights-of-way and are preempted by federal law. CSX representative Peggy Smith stated that CSX has a plan to remove ties and is coordinating with Florida Northern Railroad. The board voted to table the case to the May 14, 2026, meeting to allow staff time to review CSX’s legal brief and for further discussions (motion by Bruce Gonseth, second by Michael Kroitor; unanimous).
• CE25-0611 (West Silver Springs Property LLC): Violations for lack of site plan approval and building permits at 2700 W Silver Springs Blvd. Inspector Osias Ferreira testified that permits for racking, electrical, and parking lot restriping were still pending after 280 days. Respondent Rafael Mendez requested 90 days for permits. The board adopted staff’s recommendation: permits must be issued by May 14, 2026, with site work completed within 60 days and building repairs within 90 days after issuance (motion by Kevin Steiner, second by Edward Ferrentino; unanimous).
• CE25-0791 (FormulaSales LLC): Dangerous building at 3820 SW 29th Pl. Inspector Stephanie Smith reported no permits obtained; owner is seeking a buyer or demolition. The board accepted staff recommendation (motion by Michael Kroitor, second by Shirley Wright; unanimous).
• CE26-0138 (George Gerald Cummings): Dangerous building, abandoned vehicles, and lack of building permit at 2605 NE 19th Ave after a fire. No respondent present. The board accepted staff recommendation (motion by Darrell O'Kain, second by Michael Kroitor; unanimous).
• CE25-0931 (Jonnie Mae Thompson Rev Trust): Multiple violations at 2600 N Magnolia Ave including weeds, trash, tax certificate, permitted use, and derelict vehicles. Respondent Thompson stated the business tenant is moving out. The board adopted staff’s recommendation for compliance by May 14, 2026, and ordered $228.62 in prosecution costs (motion by Edward Ferrentino, second by Bruce Gonseth; unanimous).
• CE25-1006 (King Family Properties LLC): Standard housing code and building permit violations at 2110 SW 5th St. Inspector Steve Knight reported contact with the owner who expects repairs within weeks. The board accepted staff recommendation (motion by Bruce Gonseth, second by Edward Ferrentino; unanimous).
• CE26-0127 (Ray A. Cates Jr. Estate): Unpermitted use (boats and tractor stored on vacant lot) at 610 NE 19th St. The board accepted staff recommendation (motion by Kevin Steiner, second by Shirley Wright; unanimous).
• CE26-0168 (Rebecca Kelly): Weeds, trash, and commercial trailer violations at 570 NE 21st Ter. Inspector Knight reported partial cleanup; owner expects completion in a week. The board accepted staff recommendation (motion by Michael Kroitor, second by Shirley Wright; unanimous).
• CE25-1039 (Mohamed Hadeed Hakim Estate): Building permit violation for window change-out at 1114 NE 10th St. Inspector Jeffrey Guilbault noted most violations were addressed except the permit. The board accepted staff recommendation (motion by Shirley Wright, second by Michael Kroitor; unanimous).
• ENV25-0336 (Everlasting Memories Taxidermy / Dustin Owens): Nuisance odor and business tax receipt violations at 920 SE 2nd St. Inspector Robert Moore testified that the taxidermy business disposed of animal parts improperly, causing odors. The board accepted staff recommendation: cease operations until business tax receipt obtained by May 14, 2026, and abate nuisance (motion by Bruce Gonseth, second by Darrell O'Kain; unanimous).
• CE26-0318 (George J. McAllister II / Zolena J. Bratton Estate): Repeat violator for weed/trash violations at 2505 NW Old Blitchton Rd. Respondent McAllister requested 90 days. Staff amended recommendation: find guilty as repeat violator, impose $250/day fine only if not compliant by June 11, 2026, and require payment of $132.98 prosecution costs by that date. No immediate fine. The board adopted the amended recommendation (motion by Michael Kroitor, second by Shirley Wright; unanimous).
• Old Business - CE25-0169 (Cornell Cox): Lien hearing for weed/trash violations at 646 NW 6th St. Hard costs of $4,074.87 and fines of $2,000 were recommended. Respondent Cox and his son appeared; the son offered to pay. The board amended the motion: reduce fine to $0, require payment of $4,074.87 within 30 days, and if not paid, the case returns to the board for full lien consideration (motion by Michael Kroitor, second by ???; unanimous).

Key Outcomes

• CSX Cases: Tabled to May 14, 2026, for further review and cooperative discussions.
• CE25-0611: Permits due by May 14, 2026; completion deadlines of 60 and 90 days after issuance.
• CE26-0318: Guilty as repeat violator; compliance by June 11, 2026; $250/day fine thereafter; $132.98 prosecution costs due by June 11.
• CE25-0169: Fine reduced to $0; $4,074.87 hard costs due within 30 days; failure returns case to board.
• All Other Cases: Staff recommendations adopted; compliance dates typically May 14, 2026.
• Lien Filings: Approved for multiple cases (CE25-0748, CE25-0903, CE25-1038, CE25-1053, CE25-1066, CE25-1134).
• Massey Hearings: Accepted as consent agenda; previous orders and fines upheld.
• Officer Elections: Michael Kroitor elected Chair, Kevin Steiner elected Vice Chair of the Municipal Code Enforcement Board (motion by Darrell O'Kain, second by Edward Ferrentino; unanimous).