Code board orders cleanup of vacant former nursing‑home property, sets $250‑a‑day penalty after April 30

The City of Naples Code Enforcement Board ordered cleanup of a vacant property at 777 9th Street North (near 7th Ave N / US 41) and set a compliance deadline of April 30 with a $250‑per‑day penalty if the exterior debris and trash are not removed.

David Jerome, a city code compliance officer, told the board the property — a former nursing home — has trash, broken equipment and debris visible from public streets and that staff had mailed notices and posted the property; the owner is an out‑of‑state company based in California and had not responded to calls. Jerome said staff received a return receipt but no corrective action and recommended a short compliance period plus daily fines if unresolved.

Board members expressed concern about the visibility of the site and potential for further deterioration. "This is one of the most visible properties that we've had the opportunity to look at for an unsightly condition," one member said, noting the site fronts a busy corridor and a park. The board voted to find the violations proved, set April 30 as the compliance date, impose a $250 daily fine thereafter and recover administrative costs (staff noted an administrative cost figure of $120). The motion passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote.

City staff said they have authority to clear properties and place lienable costs on owners in more serious public‑health situations, but in this case staff will continue to attempt to contact the owner and give the owner the ordered period to comply. If the exterior deteriorates further or the owner remains unresponsive, staff said the city can pursue remediation and attach costs to the property as a lien.