The City of Starke has filed a $4,200 lien against a woman who died in 2021 because she failed to repair damage to her property, which occurred four months after her death.
Ursel Thornton died in August 2021. She owned a residence on East Laura Street between Colley Road and State Road 100.
Four months after her passing, an EF-1 tornado brought 90 to 95 mph winds to the neighborhood and felled a tree on the home, which breached the structure’s roof. The city’s code enforcement officer cited the property owner for maintaining a public nuisance, property abandonment and excessive vegetation.
In court papers, Starke officials said that the property remains in the woman’s name and that her family told them First American Mortgage Solutions took over the house and land. In several hearings before a special magistrate, no one representing the property owner has appeared, and the city assessed a $150-a-day fine in September and a $200-a-day fine in October. The city said it will again review the case in November.
