Cars on 5th future unclear after city denies annual event permit

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)— A beloved car show is hitting the brakes in Naples after more than two decades on Fifth Avenue.

The Naples City Council denied the permit for the Cars on 5th event, ending its 21-year run.

• RELATED: Fort Myers Beach explores hosting “Cars on 5th” after Naples rejects 2027 permit

City staff proposed limiting the show and attendance but organizers said they did not find the terms acceptable. Cars on 5th says the plan would have reduced the show by 70%, eliminated vendors and dealers, provided no suitable solution for the VIP area and increased operating costs.

Over the past eight years, organizers say the event has raised nearly $10 million for charitable organizations.

"Calling Cars on 5th 'just a car show' is like calling The Masters just another golf tournament," the statement said.

Organizers said a Cars on 5th event will take place in 2027, but not in the City of Naples.