On Nov. 4, Gulfport residents spoke out after receiving Code Enforcement letters about overgrown vegetation near intersections and stop signs.
Photo by Cameron Healy
Gulfport residents spoke out after receiving Code Enforcement letters about overgrown vegetation near intersections and stop signs.
At the Nov. 4 City Council meeting, the City stated that the letters aimed to improve roadway safety. However, several residents and City Council members want to review how those notices are delivered.
City Clarifies Intent and Process
City Clerk Theresa Carrico told The Gabber Newspaper that the certified letters were not intended to threaten residents with immediate fines.
“Code Enforcement has sent out letters regarding maintaining right-of-ways and sight-triangles for driving safety,” Carrico explained. “The letter does not say they will be fined $500 per day beginning the next week. It gives them a date for reinspection. A fine cannot be assessed until the case goes before the magistrate.”
Carrico added that residents can contact Code Enforcement to discuss the issue.
“They will explain the letter, why it was sent, and work with the resident before ever going to a magistrate hearing,” she said.
The City stated that the letters aimed to improve roadway safety.
Photo by Monroe RoarkResidents Express Frustration and Concern
At the Nov. 4 Council meeting, some homeowners described the letters as confusing and intimidating.
Resident Laura Oldanie said she didn’t get the certified letter, but her neighbors did.
“Neighbors received code enforcement letters citing vegetative growth in their easements with only five days to comply,” Oldanie said. “That seems too little time, especially for our older population, and $500 a day feels excessive.”
She questioned whether the City adequately informed residents of the renewed enforcement focus.
“I haven’t seen anything about this effort in The Gabber Newspaper or through City communication channels,” she said.
The Gabber Newspaper found that Mayor Karen Love posted a video about Code Enforcement three hours before the Nov. 4 Council meeting.
That’s not all that happened at the Nov. 4 Gulfport City Council meeting. Read approvals, what we overheard, Charter Review Committee, and the investigation on Ian O’Hara.
Here is a letter a Gulfport resident received regarding their property.
Photo provided by The Gabber Newspaper
Another resident, Mary Hanrahan, also received the letter.
According to the violation notice: “Therefore, if the action specified in this notice is not completed by 8 a.m. of the reinspection date above the City will take legal action concerning this violation. This action may include the issuance of a citation and imposition of a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) per day. The City may also take the required action itself and lien the above property for all costs associated therewith including an administrative fee of one hundred ($100) dollars.”
Hanrahan suggested educating residents on how to care for area vegetation.
“City resources could be used for teaching Florida-friendly planting and native landscaping,” she said. “Spending staff time and money sending dozens of certified letters isn’t the best use of limited resources.”
Council Seeks a More Compassionate Approach
Ward II Council member Marlene Shaw acknowledged the public’s frustration and called for adjustments to the process.
“I’ve given this a lot of thought because I too have received many calls,” Shaw said. “I’m not criticizing staff. They’re required to act when advised of a potential violation. My goal is to make the process more effective.”
Shaw explained that many residents panicked after receiving certified letters written in legal language, warning of potential fines and liens.
“We used to send courtesy letters, but that practice stopped,” Shaw said. “I propose reinstating courtesy notices, reviewing the tone of the letters, and adding language that encourages residents to call if they have questions. We’re here to help. The letter should reflect that.”
According to Code Enforcement Officers Heather Wyble, the City stopped sending courtesy letters more than 15 years ago.
“Code Enforcement procedures included sending three separate letters to property owners regarding identified violations. This further delayed the response to the complainant’s concerns. City staff were directed to adopt a more proactive or less tolerant approach to Code Enforcement,” Wyble told The Gabber Newspaper.
Like Hanrahan, Shaw recommended including diagrams and clear guidance about plant types and pruning options to help residents comply. She emphasized that maintaining visibility is critical but believes the city can balance safety with empathy.
“We’ve had no accidents at these locations, but even one could be fatal,” she said. “By changing how we communicate and support residents, we can achieve safety without fear.”
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