Subject:
Title
Proposed ratification of initiation of litigation in the case of Pinellas County v. Sharon Cline; Circuit Civil Case No. 22-004553-CI - action for injunctive relief.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Ratification of the Chair’s approval of authority to initiate litigation against Sharon Cline.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On September 20, 2022, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of Animal Services and Code Enforcement at 2157 Catalina Drive North, located in unincorporated Clearwater.
During an inspection of the home, the inside was found to be filled with trash, animal feces and bugs. Seven living cats were recovered from the home and subsequently surrendered to Animal Services. Based upon the odor, it is suspected that there may be additional decomposing animals inside the home. Additionally, the trash and debris inside the home prevented secondary egress in the case of a fire.
Following the inspection and recovery of the living cats, Code Enforcement determined that the home was unfit for human habitation. At that time, the home was posted for condemnation and the occupants of the home have been temporarily rehoused. The home requires extensive remediation and fumigation before it can again be fit for human habitation.
Due to the severity of the unsanitary conditions, approval to initiate litigation from the Board of County Commissioner’s Chair was sought pursuant to Resolution No. 21-23. Pinellas County has now filed an action to require the defendant to remediate the interior of the home or, in the alternative, Pinellas County will remediate the home and place a lien upon the property.
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Background Information:
N/A
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Christy Donovan Pemberton, Managing Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
N/A