Naples puts the brakes on Cars on 5th, asks for major changes

Naples City Council voted to deny Cars on 5th's current application for 2027 and instead directed organizers to work with city staff on a revised proposal that addresses growing safety and logistical concerns.The luxury and exotic car showcase, held each year on Fifth Avenue South, draws thousands of visitors to downtown Naples and serves as a major economic boost for local businesses.The city later clarified that council's vote was not a rejection of the event itself, but of the application as submitted.According to a statement provided to Gulf Coast News, the 2027 proposal included several changes from previous years, including expanded road closure hours on Fifth Avenue South and Park Street, expanded use of public sidewalks and right-of-way areas, and a proposal to charge an access fee for pedestrians and business patrons entering portions of the event area.City leaders also raised concerns about the continued use of the Cambier Park softball fields and the repairs required following previous events. "It's not going to get a vote to stay here unless this is considerably reduced in size and the parking and the safety is addressed," Mayor Teresa Heitmann said during Thursday's meeting.According to city documents, the 2027 application estimated attendance at 17,000 people. However, staff said attendance at this year's event may have exceeded 30,000 people based on event data and crowd estimates. City staff recommended against approving the application as submitted, citing concerns about public safety, parking, traffic and emergency access.The staff memo states that the number of attendees, show cars and vendors could create conditions that make it difficult for emergency crews to move through the event if needed. Staff also raised concerns about insufficient parking, recurring traffic issues and an exit plan that continues to route vehicles onto US-41 despite alternative recommendations from Naples police.During the meeting, city staff suggested the event may be better suited for a different venue capable of handling the crowds and parking demand.Many business owners along Fifth Avenue say they understand the city's concerns but hope organizers can find a way to keep the event going."Back in February, that was effectively our Super Bowl," said Anthony Maniscalco, manager of Porsche Studio Naples. "This place was wall to wall with individuals. I had my whole team out here. It was just such a fantastic full day for us."Aldo Castillo, owner of Aldo Castillo Art Gallery, said the event benefits businesses throughout downtown Naples."So many people come to Naples now to Fifth Avenue that day and allowed many people to remember Fifth Avenue," Castillo said. "We, the vendors, benefit 100% from that event."Following the vote, City Council directed organizers to work with city staff on a revised proposal that addresses safety and operational concerns.If organizers choose to submit a modified application, it is currently scheduled to return to City Council for consideration on Aug. 19. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.