The City of Naples prevailed today in a significant federal appellate ruling, as the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals granted the City’s emergency motion to stay a preliminary injunction that had been issued against it in Naples Pride, Inc. v. City of Naples.

The underlying dispute involved a constitutional challenge by Naples Pride, Inc., which sought to block two conditions on its special event permit for a drag performance at Cambier Park: that the performance takes place indoors, and that attendance be limited to adults. The City had applied these conditions due to legitimate public safety concerns identified by law enforcement.

In a detailed order, the Eleventh Circuit agreed that the City made a substantial showing on the merits of its case and emphasized that the event in question likely qualified as a limited public forum. The Court further held that the permit conditions did not constitute unlawful viewpoint discrimination and were reasonable in light of the forum’s purpose and public safety considerations.

Importantly, the Court acknowledged that “Naples Pride delayed seeking an injunction by more than ‘only a few months’” and that the organization had previously agreed the conditions were necessary to protect guest safety. The Court also found that the City would suffer irreparable harm if enjoined from enforcing its duly enacted special event ordinance, and that the public interest strongly favored the stay.

This ruling allows the City to enforce its ordinance as it has been done for the past two years, while the litigation proceeds in the lower court.

The City of Naples remains committed to protecting public safety while respecting constitutional rights and maintaining orderly administration of its public spaces.

To help ensure the safety of attendees at the upcoming Naples Pridefest event at Cambier Park, the Naples Police Department has implemented temporary road closures in effect through Saturday, June 7, until approximately PM.

Our police officers are dedicated to maintaining public safety and enforcing laws.

We encourage everyone to work together with law enforcement to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Closed Roads and Parking Lots:

• Park Street (5th Avenue South to 7th Avenue South)
• Cambier Park Way (Park Street to 8th Street South)
• 8th Street South (5th Avenue South to 8th Avenue South)
• 8th Avenue South (7th Street South to 8th Street South)
• City Hall Parking Lot (off 7th Avenue South)
• Norris Center Parking Lot (NW corner of 8th Street South and 8th Avenue South)
• Naples Fire Department Parking Lot (SE corner of 8th Street South and 8th Avenue South)

As a reminder, any vehicles parked in the closure area will be towed. Barricades, signs, and message boards have been prominently posted to notify drivers.