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Request Submitted by Jovite C. Palardis for Waiver of Civil Penalty and Administrative and Investigative Costs Ordered by Special Master in Public Nuisance Case
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
In Case No.: 23-19657, Hernando County v. Jovite Palardis, the Special Master found Mr. Palardis guilty of having two public nuisance dogs in violation of section 6-26, Hernando County Code, which dogs caused an irreversible offense to the complainant. The hearing was held on September 13, 2023; Mr. Palardis received notice of the hearing but did not appear. The Special Master ordered Mr. Palardis to pay a civil penalty of $20,000.00 ($10,000 for each dog), $140.00 in administrative and investigative costs, $100.00 for the County Attorney’s fee, and certified mail costs of $26.28, for a total of $20,266.28. The order was mailed to Mr. Palardis on January 23, 2024.
Mr. Palardis filed a timely Notice of Appeal on February 15, 2024. On August 16, 2024, Mr. Palardis filed a letter to Judge Michael Takac who is presiding over the appeal case. On December 5, 2024, Judge Takac found the letter to be Mr. Palardis’ initial brief in the appeal, and ordered Hernando County to file an answer brief by December 25, 2024.
Mr. Palardis’ letter (initial brief) asks that the fines ordered by the Special Master be reversed due to financial hardship.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This matter presents no financial impact to the County.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act upon this matter pursuant to Florida Statute 125.01.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the board waive the civil penalty, and administrative and investigative fees and costs ordered by the Special Master.