Meet Christopher Shucart

A True Fifth Avenue South Mover and Maker

Chris Shucart makes things happen. As President of the JCS Realty Group and the Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District (BID) President, Chris is one of Naples’ youngest and most successful entrepreneurs who is setting the bar for unique initiatives on both Fifth Avenue South and in the Naples Design District.

His latest project, along with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, is an exciting and exclusive reservation-only dining, lounge and rooftop restaurant experience. Located high above Chops City Grill at 837 Fifth Avenue South, Prime Social Reserve will be unlike any concept in the Cameron Mitchell restaurant portfolio. The quality of fare and service will be exceptional, like the other outstanding Fifth Avenue Cameron Mitchell restaurants Del Mar and Ocean Prime. With 7,300 square feet of indoor/outdoor dining and a dedicated elevator to the rooftop, Prime Social Reserve will surely be the talk of the town when it opens its doors in the fall.

Former NCH CEO and Naples community advocate Ed Morton says, “Along the way, there have been initiatives that have made Naples even more unique and special, and I believe the idea of a rooftop restaurant is one of those instances, and I’m in agreement with City Council on this forward-thinking idea.”

Rooftop dining is happening across the country and especially in Florida. Whether in smaller communities like Rosemary Beach, Bradenton, or Melbourne, or bigger cities like St. Petersburg, Jupiter, or Sarasota, rooftop dining is on the rise, extremely popular and here to stay.

Indeed, the project is a welcome addition to Fifth Avenue South and supports the goals of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in creating economic development, improving physical characteristics, and investing in our downtown, all aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and assuring a framework for the proper evolution of our CRA District.

The CRA uses what is called Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a source of funding for capital improvement projects identified in a plan, which ensures that development within the CRA District meets quality standards consistent with the community's vision for Naples.

Through the use of TIF, cities typically divert future property tax revenue increases from a defined area or district toward an economic development project or public improvement project in the community. Fifth Avenue South, a Special Overlay District, within the CRA District, generates approximately 20% of the funds directed to the CRA annually. Without TIF funds, Naples would only receive about $200,000 from the county for these community initiatives.

TIF dollars are used for projects such as eliminating and preventing blight; reducing or preventing crime; providing affordable housing; or rehabilitating and revitalizing coastal resorts and tourist areas that are deteriorating and economically distressed.

Established in 1994, the Naples CRA is comprised of approximately 550 acres with a wide range of residential and commercial properties, including Fifth Avenue South and the Naples Design District. Approximately 25% of the existing acreage is residential with approximately 75% non-residential.

The CRA is governed by a Board comprised of the members of City Council with assistance from the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board (CRAAB) consisting of residents and property and/or business owners from the redevelopment area who are appointed by the City Council.

Recently, Chris was appointed by the City Council as a CRAAB member. His vast experience in understanding the city’s process and requirements for development should prove invaluable. “I am so pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the Advisory Board with the goal of continuing to make Naples the best place to live, work and invest,” Chris noted.

Chris’s other enterprises, along with partners Marty Kenney and Christopher Lee, include, The Kitchen & Mini Bar, District, a 1920s-style speakeasy called “Staff Only”, and The Alley that recently opened. The other restaurant dining venues opened in 2023 and have helped turn the Naples Design District into a true hot spot.

“We have always believed if we build it, they will come. What we have created is a unique dining experience with live entertainment. That is so different in Naples, and no one else is doing it,” Chris says of his and his partners’ Design District creations, “I know the same will happen with our rooftop concept for Fifth Avenue South. Naples’ residents and visitors are going to love it.”

Chris and his wife Rochelle are devoted parents to their energetic and sports enthusiast son Carsten.

The Fifth Avenue South BID anxiously awaits the grand opening of Prime Social Reserve and is grateful to Chris Shucart for his many contributions to our iconic street and our beloved city.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Join us here on Fifth Avenue South for these upcoming events.

An Adventure In The Arts: The Guild Hall Collection

Now thru January 5

Naples Art Institute This spectacular exhibition presents over 70 works, dating from 1878 to 1994, by celebrated figures like Thomas Moran, Childe Hassam, Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Chuck Close.

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Nash to Naples Songwriter Fest

January 11 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Cambier Park 2025 will be the 4th annual Nash to Naples songwriter night where the top songwriters come in from Nashville to tell stories and play hit songs for two wonderful causes: Hacienda of Hope and Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.

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The Play That Goes Wrong

January 15 thru February 16

The Naples Players From Mischief, Broadway masters of comedy, comes the smash hit farce. Welcome to the opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things quickly go from bad to utterly disastrous.

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1st Annual Sip For A Cause

January 15 & 16

Naples Woman's Club Experience an unforgettable two-day food and wine celebration with exclusive access to The Maddox, Naples' most prestigious private dining & social club.

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Empty Bowls Naples

January 18 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cambier Park Help to raise money and awareness in the fight against hunger. Select a handcrafted bowl made by local potters, artists, educators, and students. Enjoy soups from over 50 local restaurants and clubs, a silent auction, a pottery sale, a paint-a-bowl event, and entertainment.

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Barron Collier Companies Naples Half Marathon

January 19 | 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Cambier Park For over 30 years, the Barron Collier Companies Naples Half Marathon has been a destination race for both locals and out of towners. Put on by runners for runners by Gulf Coast Runners – a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization that puts on 20+ chip timed races per year as well as several fun run and other social events – it is considered a flagship race and has grown to over 2,000 participants.

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Society Scotch & Chocolate

January 13 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Naples Historical Society Learn about Scotch from a Scot and enjoy this special event at historic Palm Cottage. Limited capacity, $40 per person (member discounts available). Reservations required.

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Enrique Machado - Water Reflections with Silicone and Resin

Aldo Castillo Gallery View a new exhibit featuring Enrique Machado’s most celebrated works and his use of silicone and resin to capture the movement of water. Private tours to view Enrique Machado's works are available by calling 312-375-8887.

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Evening on Fifth

January 9 | 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

An array of live musical performances up and down the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue South, plus dining, shopping, and more.

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Fifth Avenue South Business' Updates

LoLa 41 Naples

Weekend Brunch is Here!
LoLa 41 Naples is excited to launch our weekend brunch, available ever Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. From gravlax toast to blueberry pancakes and mimosa flights, our globally inspired dishes and cocktails are here to make your weekends unforgettable.

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Journeys 360 Travel

Get ready to explore the best of Europe by land, river, or sea when you book a Tauck Air Europe vacation with Journeys 360 Travel. Upfront value with one flat price and no hidden costs or surprises! Book economy air at $990 per person, premium economy air at $1,790 per person, or business air at $3,890 per person. Book now through Feb 28, not combinable with other offers and certain restrictions apply. Limited time only: Departing March 1 through November 30, 2025 (excluding September). Pricing includes taxes and fuel surcharges.

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Jet Agency

Open House: You’re Invited to Discover a Personalized Approach to Private Aviation Experience a fresh approach to private aviation at Jet Agency’s new sales gallery in Naples. This welcoming space is your chance to explore our range of services—fixed-rate memberships, private jet acquisitions, and bespoke aircraft management—all designed to put the personal back in private aviation. Meet our team, enjoy refreshments, and see how Jet Agency can elevate your travel experience. We look forward to welcoming you and showing you why we are your hometown jet company! Open House on January 8 and 9 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at 779 Fifth Avenue South.

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Native Visions Galleries

New Contemporary Artwork by 2Wild
2Wild blends traditional and contemporary art elements into a seamless reflection of joy and happiness. Using vibrant butterflies as a symbol of nature’s lightness, elegance, and resilience, the artists infuse their paintings with the values of freedom, joy, and timelessness. Whether it’s a kind bear waking up in spring amid fluttering colorful butterflies or a surfer propelled by a wave of butterflies, the message is loud and clear. Go out there and be wild!

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Weisberg Wealth Management

A notable financial phenomenon associated with January is the “January Effect,” which suggests that stock prices, particularly those of small-cap companies, tend to rise during this month. This pattern was first observed by investment banker Sidney Wachtel in 1942. The theory posits that investors sell stocks in December to realize tax losses and then repurchase them in January, leading to increased demand and higher prices. However, in recent years, the impact of the January Effect has diminished due to increased market efficiency and changes in investor behavior. If you have questions, please reach out to Rich Weisberg, CRPS, Financial Advisor, RJFS and President of Weisberg Wealth Management at 239-367-7152 or rich@weisbergwealth.com. Located at 400 Fifth Avenue South Suite 302.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Weisberg Wealth Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. *The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.

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In The News

The Naples Police Department Wishes You A Safe And Happy New Year

“The Naples Way” It is the mission of the police department to protect and serve our citizens, reduce crime, and improve the quality of life. We strongly encourage all to use our app and follow us on one of the social media sites.

Circle Of Support: Closing The Financial Divide With Personal Philanthropy

In 2024, the Naples Woman’s Club (NWC) awarded over $289,500 in scholarships to Collier County students. NWC supports high school seniors, technical school students, college students, educators, and mature women. In 2024, among the 41 applicants qualifying for scholarships a few were “first generation” applicants, the...

Ocean Prime Receives Awards From Restaurant Industry Website

Ocean Prime, one of Southwest Florida's premier restaurants, was recently recognized as top in the region in two categories for the month of November. OpenTable, a national restaurant reservations service, awarded Ocean Prime Diners' Choice Awards for Best Seafood and Most Booked restaurant for the...

Hilarious Broadway Hit Takes The Stage Next At The Naples Players

The Naples Players (TNP) bring side-splitting comedy to the stage with the award-winning Broadway hit, The Play That Goes Wrong, running from January 15 through February 16, 2025, in the newly renovated Kizzie Theater. A riotous mix of physical comedy, technical mishaps, and delightfully clumsy...

We’re Raising The “Steaks”!

New Steakhouse Menu & Refined Decor Now Revealed at The French. Chef Vincenzo Betulia has raised the "steaks” of The French Brasserie on Naples’ Fifth Avenue South with significant menu and décor changes inspired by his wildly successful Rouge speakeasy, which he opened in August...

Del Mar Recognized For Outstanding Ambiance Among Naples Restaurants

Del Mar, one of Naples’ iconic Fifth Avenue South restaurants, has been recognized by national restaurant reservations service OpenTable for the Best Ambiance in Naples. The restaurant received OpenTable’s Diners' Choice Award for November. The award is based solely on OpenTable’s verified feedback gathered only from...

Sails Restaurant Recognized As One Of The Top 100 Restaurants

We are excited and honored to share that Sails Restaurant in downtown Naples has been recognized by OpenTable as one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the US!!! "Seven years ago, when we opened Sails Restaurant, we could only dream to have the most amazing...

Naples Artist Emily James Selected 2025 GALA HONORARY CHAIR

Spring into the Arts Gala Luncheon to be held at the Naples Grande Beach Resort Wednesday, March 5, 11:00 am. International Network of Creatives President Dr. Bill Barnett announced notable Naples and Marco Island artist Emily James, as the 2025 Honorary Chair of its second...