Subject:
Title
Proposed ratification of initiation of litigation in the case of Pinellas County v. Christopher Roiland; County Civil Case No. 23-009306-CI- petition for emergency temporary injunction to prevent the illicit discharge of sewage and for permanent injunction.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Ratification of the Chair’s approval of authority to initiate litigation against Christopher Roiland.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
In November of 2023, County Staff received a complaint regarding Defendant’s Property alleging that Defendant was discharging sewage from a recreational vehicle into a pond. During a site inspection on November 28, 2023, County Staff observed that unauthorized drainage modifications had been made in violation of Section 138-179 of the Pinellas County Land Development Code. County Staff observed and smelled what appeared to be sewage around the pond and upon confirmation of the presence of bacteria consistent with human waste, an emergency injunction was requested.
Due to the environmental and public health concerns posed by the illicit discharge of human waste, 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 for both an emergency temporary injunction as well as a permanent injunction. Defendant agreed to the entry of the emergency injunction. With an injunction in place prohibiting the discharge of untreated wastewater, the Complaint may be amended to address additional violations existing on the property if the Defendant does not timely bring them into compliance.
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Background Information:
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Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Christy Donovan Pemberton, Managing Assistant County Attorney
David Barrera, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
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Attachments:
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