Wilbur Bellew presented code enforcement officer badge

Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson presents Wilbur Bellew
with Code Enforcement Offiicer badge at city meeting
Photo by Lt. Pam Lewis

The City of Apalachicola first ever certified code enforcement officer Wilbur Bellew was presented an official badge at the Apalachicola City Commission monthly meeting held last night.

Bellew received certification to become a code enforcement officer for the city on March 15, 2014 after completing a 40 hour course and successfully passing a written examination required by the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.)

At the meeting he thanked the commission and city administrator Betty Webb for the opportunity to work with the city and the community.  He told the commission that as the city’s designated code enforcement officer his goal would be to obtain voluntary compliance.

“My goal as code enforcement officer is to gain voluntary compliance by educating the public of our city codes, which is one of the quickest and most inexpensive methods of enforcement”, said Bellew.  “Most violations occur when property owners don't realize that they have violated local codes or ordinances”.

Today’s code enforcement officers have to address a wide range of issues that affect the environment, health, safety, property values, and the general well-being of the public.

Should you have any questions about compliance or to report a violation, Wilbur can be reached at either (850) 323-0579 or wlbellew@cityofapalachicola.com.