![\"the](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/01Gulfport-Car_Cameron-Healy_11132025.jpg\")
On Nov. 4, Gulfport residents spoke out after receiving Code Enforcement letters about overgrown vegetation near intersections and stop signs. Photo by Cameron Healy<\/p>\n
On Nov. 4, Gulfport residents spoke out after receiving Code Enforcement letters about overgrown vegetation near intersections and stop signs.
Photo by Cameron Healy<\/p>\n
Gulfport residents spoke out after receiving Code Enforcement letters about overgrown vegetation near intersections and stop signs. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
City Clarifies Intent and Process<\/p>\n
City Clerk Theresa Carrico told\u00a0The Gabber Newspaper that\u00a0the certified letters were not intended to threaten residents with immediate fines.<\/p>\n
\u201cCode Enforcement has sent out letters regarding maintaining right-of-ways and sight-triangles for driving safety,\u201d Carrico explained. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carrico added that residents can contact Code Enforcement to discuss the issue. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey will explain the letter, why it was sent, and work with the resident before ever going to a magistrate hearing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
![\"stop](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/TangerineStopSign_MonroeRoark_web-e1762286458677.jpg\")
The City stated that the letters aimed to improve roadway safety.
Photo by Monroe RoarkResidents Express Frustration and Concern<\/p>\n
At the Nov. 4 Council meeting, some homeowners described the letters as confusing and intimidating.<\/p>\n
Resident Laura Oldanie said she didn\u2019t get the certified letter, but her neighbors did.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\u201cNeighbors received code enforcement letters citing vegetative growth in their easements with only five days to comply,\u201d Oldanie said. \u201cThat seems too little time, especially for our older population, and $500 a day feels excessive.\u201d<\/p>\n
She questioned whether the City adequately informed residents of the renewed enforcement focus. <\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t seen anything about this effort in The Gabber Newspaper or through City communication channels,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Gabber Newspaper found that Mayor Karen Love posted a video about Code Enforcement three hours before the Nov. 4 Council meeting.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not all that happened at the Nov. 4 Gulfport City Council meeting. Read approvals<\/a>, what we overheard<\/a>, Charter Review Committee, and the investigation on Ian O\u2019Hara.<\/a> Another resident, Mary Hanrahan, also received the letter. <\/p>\n According to the violation notice: \u201cTherefore, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Hanrahan suggested educating residents on how to care for area vegetation. <\/p>\n \u201cCity resources could be used for teaching Florida-friendly planting and native landscaping,\u201d she said. \u201cSpending staff time and money sending dozens of certified letters isn\u2019t the best use of limited resources.\u201d<\/p>\n Council Seeks a More Compassionate Approach<\/p>\n Ward II Council member Marlene Shaw acknowledged the public\u2019s frustration and called for adjustments to the process.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve given this a lot of thought because I too have received many calls,\u201d Shaw said. \u201cI\u2019m not criticizing staff. They\u2019re required to act when advised of a potential violation. My goal is to make the process more effective.\u201d<\/p>\n Shaw explained that many residents panicked after receiving certified letters written in legal language, warning of potential fines and liens.<\/p>\n \u201cWe used to send courtesy letters, but that practice stopped,\u201d Shaw said. \u201cI propose reinstating courtesy notices, reviewing the tone of the letters, and adding language that encourages residents to call if they have questions. We\u2019re here to help. The letter should reflect that.\u201d<\/p>\n According to Code Enforcement Officers Heather Wyble, the City stopped sending courtesy letters more than 15 years ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cCode Enforcement procedures included sending three separate letters to property owners regarding identified violations. This further delayed the response to the complainant\u2019s concerns. City staff were directed to adopt a more proactive or less tolerant approach to Code Enforcement,\u201d Wyble told\u00a0The Gabber Newspaper.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve had no accidents at these locations, but even one could be fatal,\u201d she said. \u201cBy changing how we communicate and support residents, we can achieve safety without fear.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gabber Newspaper? We Go There<\/p>\n In 1968, our founder, George Brann, started The Gabber Newspaper, then called the Gulfport Gabber, to hold Gulfport City Council<\/a> accountable. Read more of our city council coverage<\/a>, and learn about our policies on reporting, fact-checking, and funding<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Code-Enforcement-Letter_11132025-e1762456005918.jpg\")
Here is a letter a Gulfport resident received regarding their property.
Photo provided by The Gabber Newspaper<\/p>\n