Naples cancels city Christmas parade and New Year’s Eve fireworks due to pandemic

The City of Naples announced Wednesday its Christmas parade and New Year’s Eve fireworks are canceled this year. Both events draw large crowds, and city officials say they can’t risk it during the pandemic.

We spoke to people who are disappointed and others who say it’s the right call.

“That’s so sad because so many people come down for the lights and the fireworks,” said Emily Wuerfel. “It’s kind of like the thing during Christmas.”

The city says it’s sad it must cancel both the parade and fireworks, but out of an abundance of caution, leaders think this is the best decision.

“I think it was a good idea because of the whole corona, but I’m pretty upset,” Wuerfel said.

Evan Ford is a local business owner, and he understands it was not an easy decision for the city to make.

“I think it’s tough,” Ford said. “I’m sure people are disappointed because I’m sure it’s taking away revenue that could benefit the city.”

Ford thinks the city made the right call.

“I think everyone should play it more safe than sorry,” Ford said.

But some we spoke to such as Nick Costanza don’t feel the same way about the cancellations.

“That’s ridiculous,” Costanza said. “That’s the only thing you got to look forward to for holidays in Naples, and now it’s gone.”

Others say they wish they would have given people the option to go.

“I continue to think that the cure is worse than the disease here,” Brent Versendaal said. “We should be protecting the vulnerable and let the healthy live.”

Fort Myers Beach also postponed its New Year’s Eve fireworks. Cape Coral has not officially canceled any events, stating, “No decision has been made as of yet.”. The City will monitor COVID-19 numbers and plan accordingly.

Correction: An earlier version of the story incorrectly stated Cape Coral canceled the city Christmas tree lighting and New Year’s Eve fireworks. The events are not officially canceled, but no date has been set, citing motoring of COVID-19.