The Destin City Council voted Tuesday night to take action on a residential property that has racked up nearly $100,000 in code violation fines over the past several years.

• In a 6-1 vote, the council directed the city manager to speak with Greg Marler, the owner of the home at 222 Sibert Ave., and attempt to have him remedy code violations within seven days. If the issues are not resolved, the city will move forward with foreclosure proceedings on an adjacent vacant lot owned by Marler.

The property has been accumulating fines of $50 per day since 2019 for various code violations, including accumulation of trash and debris. The total fines are now approaching $100,000, according to City Attorney Kim Kopp.

“This property has had a history of code violations, including an accumulation of trash and debris on the property, a public nuisance, a depreciation of property values, injuries to public health, and deemed inconsistent with a residential neighborhood overall,” Kopp said during the meeting

The council discussed several options for addressing the situation, including foreclosing on the adjacent vacant property, passing a nuisance abatement ordinance, or seeking injunctive relief in court.

Councilman Torey Geile initially proposed spending up to $15,000 to clear the vacant property and assist Marler in moving his belongings there, but this idea was not pursued.

Councilman John Stephens ultimately made the motion to have the city manager speak with Marler about voluntarily complying within seven days. If compliance is not achieved, the city would then pursue foreclosure on the adjacent vacant lot owned by Marler.

Several council members expressed frustration with the longstanding issues at the property. Councilwoman Teresa Hebert noted that she had driven by the property before the meeting and observed trucks “loaded up” with debris.

• “It’s sad that they don’t care [about] the effect that it has had on every neighbor on that street, across the street and builders and anyone new into the area drives by that,” Hebert said of the property’s condition. She also emphasized the importance of making the situation clear to Marler’s family, stating, “We want the family to care to get involved because this has gone on for years.”

Capt. Jason Fulghum of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies have been monitoring the property almost daily. He said they would issue a citation for any trash found in the city right-of-way outside the fence.

The council also discussed potential issues with accessing the vacant lot if foreclosure proceedings move forward. City Attorney Kopp explained that access would be obtained either through voluntary easements or through court action if necessary.

• The council’s action aims to finally resolve the ongoing code violations that have plagued the property for years. Marler now has seven days to work with the city manager on addressing the issues before further enforcement action is taken.

Mayor Bobby Wagner and other council members expressed hope that this action would lead to a resolution of the longstanding issue, which has been a concern for neighbors and the community at large.