Special Magistrate Hecktarth found BJ’s Wholesale Club in violation of Charlotte County code after a certified county officer testified an inspection showed a large homeless encampment on a vacant parcel at 19101 Veterans Boulevard.

The county officer said the Feb. 24, 2025 inspection documented several tents, makeshift wooden structures and assorted junk and debris and offered photographs as County Composite Exhibit 1. The exhibit was admitted without objection.

Because no one appeared on behalf of BJ’s, Special Magistrate Hecktarth entered an order finding the property in violation of the cited code sections and gave the owner 15 days to bring the property into compliance. The order states that, after 15 days, the county may impose a $100 daily fine for each day the violation continues to exist, issue a two‑year cease‑and‑desist order for repeat zoning violations and recover abatement costs from the owner.

The magistrate’s order referenced notice of violation service by certified mail in accordance with Florida Statute 162 and the inspector’s final reinspection on Nov. 4, 2025 that found the violation persisted. The order does not specify further remedial steps beyond abatement and fines.

No appeal, permit status or remedial schedule from BJ’s was presented at the hearing. The magistrate’s written order will be filed in the case record.