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To the editor:
FL Statute 162.21 (3)(b) Code Complaints:
While the above requirement was intended to ensure transparency and accountability in code enforcement, it has created an unforeseen, negative consequence "fear of retaliation or actual retaliation."
While I agree with the Florida statute, there should be a better way to account for the "providing of the reporting person's name to the code violator." This would then create some sort of paper trail in case of an actual retaliation or confrontation.
This information should in no way come from the onsite code officer!
As an example, at a recent Cape Coral Council meeting (May 21), a man stood up and stated that "he had reported a code violation and that the code officer on site not only gave the violator his address but he also showed a picture on his phone of the reporting person's house to the violator." That same man went on to state that "he had what appeared to be a bullet hole in his vehicle shortly after that and that he was working with the police department."
We also have a community of senior citizens who want to report a legitimate code issue but are afraid of the exact type of retaliation mentioned above.
I am asking the city of Cape Coral to create a "log or registry" when providing this personal information so that if, in fact, a retaliation occurs it can then assist the reporting party and the police department for further investigation if needed.
I have emailed this letter to Gov. DeSantis, Rep. Byron Donalds and Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter because ,if this is happening in Cape Coral, it is most likely happening throughout Florida.
Maria A. Morris
Cape Coral