Citizens for Preserving Naples

07/16/2026

After 21 years on 5th Ave, the Naples City Council denied our annual permit for Cars on 5th.

Cars on 5th is the cornerstone of the Naples Automotive Experience and is recognized as one of the premier automotive events in the United States. Last year alone, the event welcomed attendees from 47 states and 12 countries. Over the past eight years, we have raised nearly $10 million for charitable organizations.

The City staff views Cars on 5th as simply a car show. Calling Cars on 5th "just a car show" is like calling The Masters just another golf tournament.

The City staff presented us with a plan they believed was acceptable. It would have reduced the show by 70%, eliminated vendors and dealers, provided no suitable solution for our VIP area, increased operating costs, and limited attendance within the event to 3,500 guests confined to a designated area of 5th Ave, while allowing the other 24,000 attendees, as reported by City staff, unrestricted access to the remainder of 5" Ave during the show.

We will have a show in 2027. However, at this juncture, it will not be held within the City of Naples.

07/16/2026

Mayor and City Council:

Citizens for Preserving Naples has taken the liberty to survey the businesses located on Fifth regarding the event "Cars on Fifth.
We understand that a vote was taken, and thought we should share the results of this survey as to how important this event is to their businesses. Many businesses reported this event is their most revenue producing day and or weekend of the year.

Attached are the survey documents for each of those that replied. A few notes. We reached out to 111 BID businesses that either are open or could be open on Saturdays. Obviously, the show does not impact those that are not open. Some respondents had been contacted by the press. Some were concerned it might be some sort of scam and were reluctant to answer. Some stores and restaurants were national brands and did not want to answer without corporate approval. Almost all support the show. We thought we should share the survey results with the Mayor and City Council .

Please review the summaries listed on each page as it indicates how important this event is to the businesses on Fifth Avenue.

View Survey Here
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/576a9f54e58c626d2c03de31/t/6a581a900091f90dab8ddfbd/1784158864878/Survey+Summary.pdf

In the event, you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the undersigned.

Regards,

Joan Fiore

07/10/2026

07/08/2026

Petition to Preserve Cars on 5th Through Collaboration

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the City of Naples to work collaboratively with event organizers to preserve Cars on 5th, one of our city’s most valued community events.
Cars on 5th:
• Supports local charities and 5th Avenue businesses
• Brings national recognition to Naples
• Has reduced its footprint over recent years
• Is actively seeking to limit attendance, not expand
Despite city attendance estimates of 35,000–39,000 people in the area, fewer than 15,000 wristbands were sold. In response, the organizer proposed responsible solutions, including:
• A firm attendance cap of 21,000
• Temporary closures when capacity is reached
• Crowd reduction of over 40%
• $100,000 for city beautification through wristbands and sponsor matching
All major public events require thoughtful planning and mitigation. We believe these concerns can be addressed without permanently losing an event that benefits Naples culturally, economically, and charitably.
We ask City leadership to choose collaboration over cancellation and to allow Cars on 5th to continue under reasonable, agreed-upon safeguards.