Special Magistrate Popp reduces parking fines, sets compliance deadlines in Flagler Beach City hearing

Special Magistrate Gregory Popp on June 24 reduced or modified penalties for several parking citations and set deadlines for multiple code‑enforcement cases during a Flagler Beach City special magistrate hearing.

Popp opened the hearing by noting the session’s safety focus and the state‑law prohibition on parking in the roadway or on sidewalks. “It’s all about safety,” he said, pointing to photographs that showed sidewalk obstruction and the potential hazard to people using mobility devices or pushing strollers.

In an April 19 sidewalk‑parking appeal (case P02675FB), appellant James Walter Coker acknowledged the violation and apologized. Popp offered a 50% reduction of the fine (to $50 plus mailing cost) if Coker completed one of two options: a three‑hour beach cleanup with a commissioner or an educational outreach in which he speaks with 20 licensed drivers within 30 days and files a sworn form. Coker agreed to the education option and to pay the reduced amount.

A similar outcome was offered to other parking appellants. Leonardo Pagaricci (case P02696FB), cited for parking in the street while doing volunteer irrigation work, accepted a reduced fine coupled with an outreach requirement to talk to 20 licensed drivers within 60 days. The magistrate repeatedly framed the mitigation as education rather than punishment: “I’m much more interested in you going away from this experience understanding the policy and the reasoning,” Popp said.

Dr. Christopher Edwards, a cardiologist who appeared by telephone for a citation issued April 11 (case B02615FB), also received a reduction. Popp reduced Edwards’s fine to $30 plus court costs with a 30‑day payment window and required the 60‑day educational submission (20 licensed drivers) as the alternative to higher penalties. Edwards said he would comply.

On larger code‑enforcement matters, the magistrate granted time for corrective work but set firm deadlines. Alana Smith of Copco Law told the magistrate that Sandy Ridge Investment, LLC (2261 South Flagler Avenue; case EEN26028) had changed contractors, pulled permits and started corrective work; inspections for insulation and rough plumbing/electrical passed and the new contractor expected to finish in two to three weeks. Popp granted a 45‑day extension for anticipated compliance and instructed staff to report progress; if work was not complete the matter will return for further action at the September hearing.

For a residential property at 2228 South Central (owners Audrey and Michael Westbrook, case EAN26178), staff reported missing handrails, roof deterioration and rodent problems. The magistrate ordered the owners to apply for required permits within 15 days and appear at the July status hearing. Popp warned that failure to show progress could trigger a $250‑per‑day fine retroactive to the compliance date.

Procedural and administrative matters included notice that mailing costs and the fee schedule are being updated and a review of outstanding administrative fines. The magistrate closed the hearing after scheduling status checks and instructing staff to deliver written orders to respondents.

The next steps are: respondents who accepted reduced fines must pay within the ordered timeframes and submit the sworn education forms where required; owners with open code cases must apply for permits or appear at the next hearing. Matters returned for noncompliance could carry daily fines and additional collection steps.