Naples Pride Drag Show Ruling Spurs Closed-Door Council Meeting
Naples – May 15, 2024 – A closed-door meeting of the Naples City Council was scheduled in response to a federal judge’s ruling that Naples Pride can host a drag show. The meeting, set for May 16, follows a previous session that excluded public comment.The central focus of the discussion remains unclear,but it involves the repercussions of the ruling and related security costs. As this impacts the drag show, stay tuned for further developments.
Naples Pride Drag Show Ruling Sparks Closed-Door city Council Meeting
A federal judge’s ruling in favor of Naples Pride hosting a drag show at Cambier Park has prompted a special, closed-door meeting of the Naples City Council. the meeting, scheduled for May 16, is expected to last between one and two hours, beginning at 1 p.m.
Did you know? Cambier park is a central gathering place in Naples, frequently enough used for community events and festivals.Its main stage is a popular venue for performances.
Key Developments
- A federal judge ruled that Naples Pride could host a drag show at Cambier Park, deeming the performance protected speech under the First Amendment.
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has vowed to challenge the ruling.
- The cost of security for the event is a major point of contention, with the city’s estimates substantially higher than in previous years.
Reader Question: How do you think the increased security costs will affect naples Pride’s ability to host future events?
The May 16 meeting follows a may 15 session that did not include public comment. Councilmembers have not specified the exact focus of their discussions regarding Naples Pride.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about local government decisions by attending public meetings or reviewing meeting minutes online. This helps you understand the issues and participate in community discussions.
Legal Background
District Judge John Steele granted the preliminary injunction on May 12, asserting that Naples Pride’s drag performance is protected speech. The performance is scheduled for June 7 as part of Pride Fest. Naples Pride is a nonprofit organization supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Naples Pride pleased with judge’s ruling on drag show, ‘a really big win’
Despite the legal victory, the organization faces challenges. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated on social media that he would fight aggressively and swiftly
to overturn what he called bad decisions.
Security Cost controversy
A notable point of contention is the cost of security for the event. The city initially quoted naples Pride $30,697.50 for an indoor event and $44,160 for an outdoor event. According to court documents, this fee represents approximately two-thirds of the proceeds generated at the 2024 Pride fest.
In comparison, the security cost was $5,513.75 in 2023 and $15,520 in 2024.
