Cody's Corner, a small general store parked at the intersection of State Road 11 and County Road 304 in Flagler County, has turned into what its owner calls an "unwilling safe haven" for registered sex offenders. Owner Edward Corcoran says people under supervision have been camping on his five-acre property, using his business as their listed residence and even receiving mail there. He says it is especially troubling because a school-bus stop operates in the store's parking lot every morning.
Owner: offenders using store as an address
Corcoran told FOX 35 Orlando that registered offenders have been putting the store’s address on probation paperwork, setting up camp in the woods behind the building and collecting mail at the location. "They were camping in the woods without permission," he said, adding that probation officers have met with people on the site.
Sheriff and a former judge weigh in
Chief Deputy Joe Barile told FOX 35 Orlando that deputies have removed some individuals from the property, but the sheriff's office does not screen or preapprove addresses listed by registrants. Former Ninth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. told the station that probation officers are responsible for supervising an offender’s whereabouts and should coordinate with local law enforcement to confirm where people are actually living.
What state law requires
Florida law requires people convicted of qualifying offenses to report their physical address to local law enforcement within 48 hours of release or of establishing a residence, and to promptly update any changes. The state statutes lay out specific reporting timelines and connect sheriffs and the Department of Law Enforcement to the verification process. Florida Statutes
Where Cody's Corner sits
Cody's Corner is the convenience store at the SR-11/CR-304 crossroads southwest of Bunnell; state business records list the business at 9480 State Road 11. Corcoran, who reopened the store years ago, says having people living on the grounds has made daily operations increasingly difficult. State business records
How to check the registry
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a public, searchable sex-offender database that allows residents to look up registered addresses and see recent changes. FDLE also provides guidance and a contact number for its Offender Registry Services Bureau for anyone who believes a listing may be inaccurate. Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Legal implications
Failing to register, to provide an accurate address, or to update residency information on time can be a criminal offense under Florida law and can result in prosecution or revocation of supervision. The statutes assign verification responsibilities to sheriffs and state agencies, while day-to-day enforcement often relies on coordination among probation officers, local deputies and FDLE. Florida Statutes
Corcoran says he has asked deputies and probation staff to do more to keep people from using his address without permission. FOX 35 Orlando reported that it had contacted the Florida Department of Corrections and the state attorney's office for comment and was awaiting responses.
