Lake Wales business owner describes chronic flooding and contests $1,500 fine

Michael Safari, who said he purchased Costner Manufacturing 23 years ago, told the commission his property at 511 North Scenic Highway floods every time it rains and that standing water now reaches above curbs and into his parking lot, causing erosion and safety concerns.

"My business floods every time it rains," Safari said, describing ankle-deep water between buildings and a drainage system he said was built with an 8-inch pipe instead of the needed 12-inch pipe. He also said he received a $1,500 fine for 40 square feet of grass that he did not receive notice of until after the hearing and that when he called code enforcement he was told fines are issued and then sorted out later. Commissioners expressed sympathy, asked staff to explain the appeal process for the fine and directed public works and code enforcement to follow up with the business owner about drainage and enforcement notices.