Porta potty problems by Naples Pier construction spark complaints

NAPLES, Fla. —

Overflowing portable restrooms by the Naples Beach pier are causing frustration among visitors, leading city leaders to request more frequent servicing and plan for a new restroom trailer.

With the Naples Pier still in construction and the permanent bathrooms closed, the seven temporary porta-potties near the beach access points on Broad Avenue South and 13th Avenue South are the only available facilities.

Residents and visitors have reported to Gulf Coast News that they "looked like they haven’t been changed for over a week" with paper products overflowing, trash on the floors, and unpleasant odors.

Maureen King said, "It is disappointing for sure."

Service tags indicate the toilets were last serviced on Feb. 16, but they were already full the next day.

The City of Naples stated that the restrooms are serviced by a vendor three times a week. A representative from the vendor, John To Go, explained that each service includes pumping out and cleaning the units. However, neighbors believe this is insufficient.

"One solution is to have them emptied every day," a neighbor suggested.

City leaders have requested more frequent servicing due to higher-than-expected usage. Maureen King commented on the situation, saying, "For such a prestigious area as Naples, Florida, you would expect better."

The city plans to introduce a "temperature-controlled, fully functioning restroom trailer" to accommodate the heavy use.

King, visiting from New York, sees this as a positive development. "I'm glad to hear that they're on the road to fixing the situation," she said.

The Naples City Council will discuss the timeline for the new restroom trailer near the pier parking lot during the Wednesday, Feb. 18, meeting at Naples City Hall.

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