Naples Eyes New Year’s Fireworks Return — But Not on New Year’s Eve

After canceling the 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks due to safety and staffing concerns, the City of Naples is now weighing a comeback for the beloved tradition—with a twist.

City leaders are considering alternative dates, including New Year’s Day or the weekend before or after, to ease the strain on law enforcement and first responders. The goal? To still give residents and visitors a spectacular show while avoiding the challenges of one of the busiest nights of the year.

Naples’ fireworks display, typically held off the Naples Pier, attracts roughly 20,000 attendees. But the $141,000 price tag—driven by costs like police overtime, barge rentals, and crowd control—has raised concerns among officials.

Police Chief Ciro Dominguez noted that New Year’s Eve already stretches his department thin, with issues like drunk driving, illegal fireworks, and noise complaints. Fire Chief Phillip Pennington echoed the concern, adding that emergency response times can be significantly delayed due to crowded streets.

The 2024 cancellation disappointed many residents, prompting strong community feedback. Some neighborhood associations circulated surveys revealing that while a minority opposed the event, the majority still favored it—especially if safety concerns could be mitigated.

One compromise under consideration: a more family-friendly show on New Year’s Day or a surrounding weekend. This could maintain the celebratory spirit while reducing pressure on public resources.

City Council has not made a final decision yet but is expected to revisit the topic in upcoming meetings. If approved, the event could be reinstated in a way that blends tradition with practicality.