Ian may prompt Naples to reconsider upcoming city events
Naples City Council looks at permits for special events Thursday, Oct. 6, but perhaps with fingers crossed after Hurricane Ian slammed the city in its northward march.
On the agenda is a "special consideration" item asking the city for some guidelines on upcoming events, including those already approved, through Dec. 1.
"Hurricane Ian recovery efforts are a priority, and our goal is to focus resources on the community areas negatively impacted by the storm. Debris will be present in some areas of the community and may limit parking spaces available.
"Staff is requesting direction from City Council with regards to all approved special event permits for events scheduled between October 8, 2022, and December 1, 2022, in public spaces that have a high demand on staff resources. This includes any applications that are submitted and pending for this period."
There was no definition of those specific directions. If they involve the requirement of changing dates or cancellations, that could impact organizations that have or rented out spaces already for concerts such as the Naples Big Band and Naples Concert Band.
There are also regularly repeated items mentioned as special events: the Saturday farmers market on Third Street South, the Sunday Cambier Park services of Celebration Beach Church.
The item was not listed separately, but is under the memorandum that considers two new one-time events, a wedding at Riptide Brewery and a Finemark Bank open house, Item 13B.
City Council wll already hear a recommendation of denial, due to hurricane recovery efforts, for the annual Swamp Buggy Parade, which this year had been set for Oct. 30.
Council meets begnning at 8:30 a.m. in city council charmbers, 735 Eighth St. S. Naples.
Harriet Howard Heithaus covers arts and entertainment for the Naples Daily News/naplesnews.com. Reach her at 239-213-6091.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Hurrican Ian cleanup could cause headaches for upcoming Naples events
