NAPLES, Fla. — In a controversial 5-2 decision on Wednesday, the Naples City Council approved a permit for this year’s Pride Fest. However, the approval comes with strict conditions that have sparked significant debate within the community.
Watch senior reporter Emily Young's report here:
The application for permit originally included hosting drag shows outside on stage at Cambier Park.
But City Council says to move forward, organizers must relocate drag performances indoors, limit them to adults, and cover all related costs themselves.
“These would be the conditions under which they could hold the festival,” a council member stated during the session.
Supporters of the conditions argue it strikes a balance, allowing the festival to proceed while addressing concerns about drag performances near a children’s park.
One resident, voicing support for the restrictions, said, “The drag performers have no clothes, and they are dancing in children's faces with G-strings. Please believe this decision that you must make has nothing at all to do with the First Amendment of our Constitution.”
Callhan Soldavini, president of the Naples Pride Board, says the decision was a"clear win for Naples Pride." however, forcing drag inside was a "major blow" to the event’s essence.
“Drag is really what sparked the first Pride festivals. It’s not just a piece of entertainment; it’s the heart of what Pride stands for,” said Soldavini.
The council meeting lasted several hours as residents on both sides of the issue voiced their opinions. Some cited security concerns as a reason for restricting the festival.
The Naples Police Chief, however, reassured the council and attendees, saying, “We planned for the worst-case scenario and were prepared for it.”
Despite the permit approval, the future of Pride Fest remains uncertain. Soldavini shared that the board is now reconsidering whether to hold the event under these new conditions.
“But we want to hear from the community before we make a final decision,” she said.
The City is also charging them nearly triple the amount they paid last year. However, council did not budge on the price tag when talking about the permit
RELATED COVERAGE: Naples Pride says the city is trying to charge them more for its 2025 festival
The City quoted them a security price of $34,000, and Soldavini calls that a price tag on free speech.
"We can't take away from our non-profit 501(c)(3) mission that provides services to the community in order to pay for something that isn't based on something that is clear, subjective criteria," said Soldavini.
She says they paid about $16,000 last year.
In the council agenda, the City claims they're concerned with a potential of increased security risks related to changes with entertainment in the park. Staff says it might need security not only from Naples Police, but Collier County deputies and other agencies.
During the meeting, the Naples Police Chief said the rate given is not based on anything discriminatory, but instead public safety.
