Naples businesses weigh in on proposed car show for Fifth Avenue

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — A new car show wants to fire up its engines on Fifth Avenue South in 2027.

• RELATED: Fifth Avenue South in Naples could host new car show Feb. 27

Organizers are calling for fewer cars, less congestion and free admission. WINK News reported earlier in 2026 that organizers of the Cars on Fifth event and the city parted ways.

Naples City Council is meeting and this new car show is on the agenda. Organizers say it would be smaller and less crowded than Cars on Fifth.

• SEE ALSO: Cars on 5th future unclear after city denies annual event permit

The organizer of Cars on Fifth said he still has questions about the plan. Tom O'Riordan said some parts of the proposal are things his event was previously told it couldn't do.

He's raising concerns about parking, fire access and security. In a statement, he says, "It seems they are asking for everything we wanted to do that was turned down."

The new event would draw about 350 cars and an estimated 20,000 people. For people who work along Fifth Avenue, a car show could mean different things.

"I think smaller would be nicer. I think the whole street being blocked off, it causes a little bit of chaos," said Matthew Cross, a local barber.

Leslie Jarr, Naples Soap Company general manager, sees potential benefits.

"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," Jarr said.

The Business Improvement District said it worked with the city, police and fire-rescue on this new plan. Council is expected to decide on the permit.

If approved, the event would be Feb. 27.