City of Naples Statement Regarding Cars on 5th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

City of Naples Responds to Cars on 5th Announcement

Naples, FL (July 16, 2026): The City of Naples is providing the following information regarding the future of the Cars on 5th event.

On June 17, 2026, City Council considered the special event application for the 2027 Cars on 5th event. The application proposed several significant changes from previous years, including expanded street closure hours, additional road and sidewalk closures, pedestrian access restrictions, and the implementation of an access fee for pedestrians and business patrons. Council also expressed concerns regarding the continued use of the Cambier Park softball fields and the condition of the facilities following the event.

Following discussion, City Council did not approve the application as submitted, which included a potentially expanded event footprint, pedestrian access restrictions, and access fee. Instead, Council directed the organizer to work with City staff to develop a revised proposal that addressed concerns related to public safety, neighborhood impacts, traffic management, emergency access, and park usage. An amended application would be scheduled for consideration by City Council on August 19, 2026, upon receipt.

On July 9, 2026, the Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Community Services Director, and Cars on 5th organizer Tom O’Riordan met to discuss alternatives consistent with the direction provided by City Council. The purpose of the meeting was for Mr. O'Riordan to present an alternative proposal that addressed the concerns raised by City Council, including neighborhood impacts, parking, traffic congestion, crowd density, public safety, access control, and emergency egress. Mr. O'Riordan did not present a revised plan or alternative proposal but instead expressed concerns regarding the direction provided by City Council.

To continue the discussion, City staff developed and presented an alternative event configuration utilizing the full length of Fifth Avenue South from 3rd Street South to 8th Street South, along with adjacent side streets. The proposed layout would have accommodated a substantial car show while improving emergency access and reducing impacts to surrounding neighborhoods and Cambier Park facilities, consistent with the operational and public safety concerns identified by City Council. Mr. O'Riordan indicated he would review the proposed configuration with his team, evaluate the event footprint, and follow up with City staff. Since that meeting, the City has not received a revised proposal or any further communication regarding the alternative plan. 

On July 16, 2026, the City learned through a media release that Mr. O'Riordan had elected not to pursue the revised application process and instead announced plans to relocate the event. 

The City values the longstanding tradition of Cars on 5th and recognizes the positive impact the event has had on the community, local businesses, participating charities, and automobile enthusiasts over the past two decades. Throughout this process, the City's goal has remained unchanged: preserve this popular event while ensuring it can be conducted safely for attendees, residents, businesses, and emergency responders. The City remains open to continued discussion and welcomes a revised application from the applicant no later than August 5, 2026, for consideration by City Council on August 19, 2026.
 

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