Special Magistrate Pop reduces fines, orders beach cleanups and education for parking appeals in Flagler Beach

Magistrate Pop on May 27, 2026 in Flagler Beach heard a series of parking‑citation appeals and offered reduced fines alongside community‑service or educational alternatives.

The hearing addressed several cases, including Rosa Fragoso (case P02566FB), Robert Mrangelo (P02560FB), Brian Anen (P02526FB), Lorie Parsons (P02626FB) and Gary Allen Bailey (P02573FB). In each contested parking matter Magistrate Pop described the public‑safety basis for the citations and, where appellants expressed contrition, offered to halve the monetary penalty in exchange for either a three‑hour beach cleanup or an educational outreach to licensed drivers. He repeated that "wrong direction parking is illegal by state statute. Signage is not required. You are expected to know what the law is," and explained the safety risks of parking against traffic.

Several appellants accepted the alternatives. Fragoso agreed to a beach cleanup and Magistrate Pop reduced her fine by 50%, leaving her responsible for costs of $9.60 with 30 days to pay and two months to complete the service. Robert Mrangelo described recent family medical stress and accepted an educational option requiring outreach to about 20 licensed drivers within 60 days; his fine was reduced by 50% plus costs. Brian Anen, who acknowledged parking in a handicapped space, said he had not seen the sign; the magistrate offered a reduction and either beach cleanup or an education assignment (staff and the magistrate discussed 10–20 drivers as the outreach target and settled on a reduced count for mitigation). Lorie Parsons, a 35‑year Flagler Beach resident cited for parking near protected dunes, accepted a beach‑cleanup alternative and a 50% reduction. By contrast, in the HOA‑roadway appeal brought by Gary Allen Bailey, Magistrate Pop concluded the subdivision roads appear dedicated by plat unless vacated, denied the appeal but elected not to impose a sanction, and advised him to pursue plat/vacation records with his HOA or legal counsel.

Magistrate Pop said the city adopted stricter fines to deter hazardous parking and emphasized the hearing's educational purpose. He gave staff instructions to provide paperwork and forms for defendants who chose community service or educational alternatives. Several defendants were told to return documentation under oath once they completed the outreach or cleanups.

What happens next: each appellant who accepted the alternatives must submit proof to the clerk in the time specified by the order (payment of costs within 30 days where required; community service/education within 60–90 days depending on the case). Magistrate Pop said follow‑up would be administrative unless a new violation or noncompliance is alleged.