NAPLES, Fla. — Naples Pride contends that the city’s proposed fees for its upcoming festival are alarmingly inflated, nearly three times the amount they paid the previous year. Such escalating costs raise profound concerns about the accessibility and fairness of community celebrations.
“It really is just a day to celebrate love and inclusivity and diversity,” said Callahan Soldavini, a dedicated member of the Naples Pride board. Their mission surpasses a mere event; it seeks to cultivate a thriving space for connection and acceptance.
The organization aspires to host the festival on June 7th at Cambier Park, advocating not only for a vibrant celebration but also for the return of drag performances to a public stage. “It’s vital that we have our drag performances occur on stage, in public, not hidden in the shadows or the dark because that’s what really the heart of a pride celebration is,” Soldavini articulated, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation.
Naples Pride says the city is trying to charge them more for its 2025 festival
Last year’s festival took a different turn when it was relocated indoors, compelled by legislation restricting children’s attendance at drag shows. However, with the recent ruling declaring that law unconstitutional, the excitement to bring performances back outdoors is palpable. The potential for vibrant expression fills the air, emphasizing the resilience of the Pride community.
The city has quoted a daunting security fee of $44,000. In Soldavini’s eyes, this figure is not merely a budget line—it’s a direct blow to the freedom of expression. “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,” she emphasized, revealing the tension between financial obligations and the core values of their mission.
Last year, the group managed to host the event with a budget of about $16,000, a number that speaks to their resourcefulness and commitment to the cause. In the council agenda, city officials cited concerns over increased security risks associated with evolving entertainment formats in the park. They indicated that protection may require not just Naples Police, but also additional support from Collier County deputies and other agencies.
Despite these concerns, Soldavini asserts, “We are absolutely here to keep this festival safe and to pay the same fees that all other events pay based on a specific objective criteria.” The comparability of costs with other events, like the Christmas Tree Lighting, is crucial to their argument for equitable treatment.
However, after filing a public records request, Soldavini discovered a disheartening detail: Naples Pride is charged $10 more per hour for security compared to the holiday event. To add insult to injury, the inclusion of a SWAT team for their festival positions the event amid an unnecessary cloud of suspicion. “What we are asking is to be treated fairly,” she implored, a sentiment that resonates deeply among supporters.
The Naples Police Department responded, stating, “Any claim that the costs presented to the Pride organizers are disproportionate is patently false.” They detailed their operational planning, emphasizing that staffing levels and costs stem from assessments of risk and venue specifics, aligning with national standards of safety.
With safety as a top priority, Soldavini reiterated their commitment, stating, “Safety at our event is of the utmost importance to us.” As they prepare to attend an upcoming City Council meeting, anticipation lingers, echoing the hope for a favorable reconsideration. This isn’t just about a festival. It’s a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the unwavering pursuit of equality.
A random fact: Did you know that the first Pride parade in the United States took place in New York City on June 28, 1970, exactly one year after the Stonewall Riots? This historical backdrop underlines the enduring fight for LGBTQ+ rights and representation that celebrations like Naples Pride continue to champion.
In this evolving narrative, where love and inclusivity walk hand in hand, the echoes of pride ring louder than the clamor of discord, reminding everyone of the power of community. The outcome of Naples Pride’s permit appeal will reveal much about the values that shape their city.
