Gracie Fusco
•9/15/2026
NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—A new automotive event could be coming to Fifth Avenue South, but the organizer of the former Cars on Fifth is raising questions about the plan.
The Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District wants to host a car show on the avenue. The proposal comes after Cars on Fifth moved to a new location, leaving businesses and community members asking for an automotive event to return.
"I think it's very good to bring it back," Joan Donofrio said.
Meg Stepanian, executive director of the Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District, said this event is different from Cars on Fifth.
"It's two separate events entirely, and I think that you can agree that Naples has enough beautiful cars that we can support more than one event," Stepanian said.
The plan calls for about 350 cars, an estimated 20,000 people and free general admission. However, the current Cars on Fifth organizer questions whether the new plan addresses the same issues his event faced.
In a statement, he said it seems they are asking for everything he wanted to do that was turned down.
"Their permit does not address any of the parking, communications, fire safety, or public safety concerns they brought up before," Tom O'Riordan, Cars on 5th organizer said. "They could have had a experienced professional show at no cost to the city, no cost to the BID, that gives millions to charity, and pumps tens of millions into the local economy.”
For some businesses, more people on Fifth Avenue means more potential customers.
"It would definitely draw people here, draw awareness of what we do and our products, and all the other businesses in the area as well," Leslie Jarr said.
Matthew Cross said he has also seen the downside of a packed venue.
"I think smaller would be nicer," Cross said. "You know, I think the whole street being blocked off, and you know, it causes a little bit of chaos."
The question is whether this smaller approach is enough to get City Council members on board. Council will consider the permit application at its meeting, and if approved, the event would be Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
