Page 12 - January_2016_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

STATE OF
THE
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
N o matter where our residents and visitors
are from, anyone spending time in Naples
over the holiday season considers it home.
We had many wonderful events this
holiday season, beginning with the ribbon
cutting at the recently renovated Naples Pier. We had
over 300 folks come out and enjoy a wonderful evening,
including Florida Governor Rick Scott.
The holiday event that usually kicks off the season for
us in Naples is the lighting of the Christmas tree. On
November 23rd, the beautiful tree on Third Street was lit
and shined on the hundreds of folks looking on. Many
people told me after the event how they look forward to
this each and every year.
On Thanksgiving Day we had The annual “Gobble
Gobble Four Mile Run” at Venetian Village. This race
is very enjoyable for the participants as well as many
onlookers because many runners dress in turkey outfits.
Another race was the 3rd Annual Gulf Coast Runner’s
Thanksgiving 5K, which was held at Cambier Park. This
was a festive event with over 1,000 people in attendance
who came out to enjoy one of the first cool mornings of
the season. After the race, runners enjoyed pumpkin pie
and apple cider.
The lighting of the Christmas tree on 5th Avenue is
always near and dear to my heart. It was the 41st Annual
Walk and Christmas Tree Lighting on 5th Ave. It’s
always so beautiful to see Sugden Plaza lit up, and this
past tree lighting was no exception.
A few days following the lighting of the tree, we hosted thank you for letting us serve you this past year and we look
an estimated 20,000 people at the Annual Christmas
Parade. It was great to see all the children’s eyes light up
with each passing float. I know they did not come to see
the politicians in the parade, they were there to see Santa
and Mrs. Claus. Ahh, to be a kid again!
12
CIT YMAYOR JOHN SOREY
“On behalf of the Naples
City Council and City
staff, we thank you for
letting us serve you this
past year and we look
forward to an even better
”and brighter 2016.
Speaking of parades, the Naples Boat Parade was as exciting
as ever. For all the folks visiting the Village on Venetian Bay on
December 15th, it was a great time and a beautiful view of the
close to 25 boats in that boat parade.
On December 12th, the 26th Annual Naples Bay Christmas
Boat Parade lit up the water on the bay. It was a beautiful
salute to all the armed forces of the United States of America.
The Holiday season ended the year with a spectacular
fireworks display. What made this fireworks show so unique,
the fireworks were launched off a barge. We felt that more
people would enjoy the fireworks along more of our beaches.
In addition, the traffic moved through the entire city much
smoother and with much less congestion than previous years.
The City of Naples had a beautiful 2015 Holiday season.
All of our residents and all who visit were blessed to celebrate
the Holiday season in paradise.
On behalf of the Naples City Council and City staff, we
forward to an even better and brighter 2016.
If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments, please
contact me at 239.213.1000 or jsorey@naplesgov.com.
Life in Naples | January 2016