Melbourne Beach officials say local restaurateur Djon Pepaj is in violation of turtle lighting codes – but he insists he isn’t.
Pepaj has been slapped with a $25-per-day fine after the town’s code enforcement board found him non-compliant with a turtle lighting ordinance at his Sand on the Beach restaurant.
Well known locally for his longstanding culinary investment in the community, Pepaj also owns Djon’s Steak & Lobster House in Melbourne Beach, Copperhead Tavern in Indialantic, and by the end of the year is expected to open his newest concept in Indialantic, Village Market.
Officials contend that some of the lighting outside Sand on the Beach is too bright for nesting turtles and conflicts with the town rules.
Hatchlings can be drawn to bright lights, causing them to become disoriented and head inland, where they often die.
Although notified of the violation, Town Manager Robert Daniels said Pepaj has not come into compliance within the timeframe allowed.
But Pepaj said he feels “bullied” by the town.
“In 2009 when we opened this establishment, we went through a special exception process to meet all requirements for turtle lighting and so we have done that from day one, we have never deviated,” Pepaj said. “Suddenly someone decided to look at it another way, it’s more like harassment.”
Pepaj said he purchased his lights through a company on the West Coast that specializes in sea-turtle lighting, with no glare and the proper spectrum.
“I care about sea turtles and would never want to harm them,” Pepaj said. “It’s insane to make such a fuss toward a local business that has brought so much to the town, but if they want to escalate this to a different level, we can.”
The $25 per day fine will continue to accrue through Oct. 31. The commission will revisit the issue in November.
