Tarpon Springs code board finds homeowner in violation over yard and unsanitary pool, sets staggered fines and deadlines

The Tarpon Springs Code Enforcement Board on a voice vote found homeowner Linda M. Allen in violation of city code for accumulating trash and debris and for an unsanitary, secured pool at 399 Dixie Highway, and ordered staggered daily fines and compliance deadlines.

Inspector Mike Ralliston, the city's code enforcement officer, told the board the case began after police responded on June 16 to a noise complaint involving a generator and that his office documented an RV in the front yard, scattered trash, a broken window and overgrowth. During a subsequent inspection, Ralliston said officers discovered a green, unmaintained pool in the back yard and additional debris that had not been listed in the original case because neighbors pointed it out after the initial investigation.

"There was an RV in the front yard," Ralliston said while summarizing photographic evidence, and he told the board the city requested two compliance deadlines because the pool and rear-yard conditions were discovered later in the investigation.

Lee Leigh Smith, who identified herself as the daughter of Linda Allen, said family members care for the 76-year-old homeowner and that they were unaware of the code enforcement action until the notice. Smith said her sister and other relatives will work to clean the front yard immediately but asked for extra time to address the pool and backyard because the family needs to determine how to drain or otherwise secure it safely.

"We'll get the front to a livable space by the end of the weekend," Smith said, adding that the pool will likely be drained and given an appropriate cover once they learn the correct procedure.

A committee member moved to find the respondent in violation of the cited city ordinances and the International Property Maintenance Code sections referenced in the motion, to assess a fine of $25 per day beginning Aug. 6, and to increase the fine to $50 per day beginning Aug. 27, 2026, until compliance is achieved. The motion, which also directed the respondent to contact the code enforcement division to arrange reinspection, was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Inspector Ralliston had told the board the city's requested timetable called for roughly three weeks to address the initial trash and debris violations and approximately five to six weeks for the additional pool and rear-yard corrections; the board adopted the timeframes contained in the city's motion.

The board's order sets the fines to run until the property is inspected and confirmed in compliance. The board concluded the hearing after confirming the respondent understood the deadlines and enforcement steps.

What happens next: the respondent must contact the code enforcement division to schedule reinspection; fines accrue per the board order until code compliance is verified.