A Connected, Caring Community Comes to the Rescue

There’s nothing like a crisis to reveal the true character of a community, and Naples showed its best when one of our own needed help.

Recently, the husband of a member of the Fifth Avenue South family went missing. He suffers from Alzheimer’s. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Within minutes, the Naples Police Department, led by Chief Ciro Dominguez and Lead Detective Marek Molcan, mobilized every available resource from helicopters and K-9s to drones and community alerts. The call to action was swift and widespread.

But it wasn’t just law enforcement that responded. Residents combed their neighborhoods; merchants checked security footage, and Fifth Avenue South businesses stepped in to support search efforts. Concierge drivers from Jet Agency scanned the streets; Ottimo On 5th Cucina & Bar fed the volunteer teams, and fliers went up across the city within hours. Social media lit up, and the community came together. Businesses, neighbors, and city departments linked not by obligation, but by heart.

And then after 30 hours, the moment we were all hoping for: thanks to the prayers, instincts, and determination of Corporal Wadler St. Surin, CAT Tieger’s husband Elliott was found. He was rushed to the hospital emergency room, and after a few days at NCH, he is now back home safe and sound. Truly, a miracle.

Corporal St. Surin grew up in Naples, and after graduating from Hodges University with an associate’s degree in criminal justice, he joined the Department of Juvenile Justice in Collier County. He also served as a deputy sheriff for Collier County and a police officer for the Seminole Tribal Police before joining the Naples Police Department in 2012.

What makes this such an interesting story of community interconnection is that the very same Corporal St. Surin served as a Fifth Avenue South bike patrol officer for nine years and was featured in a story for his proactive community approach. This makes the story all the more full circle.

The successful outcome of what could have been a real tragedy reminds us of something simple but powerful: we are interdependent. Whether it’s a hurricane, a health scare, or a heartfelt plea, this community shows up. Every time.

Our Fifth Avenue South district is more than a place to shop, dine and play. It’s a community made up of passionate entrepreneurs, dedicated employees, and caring neighbors. In fact, in the past eight months, four babies were born to Fifth Avenue South employees, a beautiful reminder that behind every storefront are people building lives, families, and futures right here in Naples.

With hundreds of small businesses and thousands of employees contributing to the vibrancy and economy of our city, Fifth Avenue South remains a vital thread in the fabric of Naples. And as Collier County reexamines its tourism marketing budgets, we rely more than ever on our residents to support what makes Fifth Avenue South unique. So, whether you’re visiting your favorite boutique, grabbing dinner, or simply enjoying a walk down our iconic main street, know that you’re part of something much greater.

Naples isn’t just growing, it’s growing stronger. And Fifth Avenue South will always be a place where care, connection, and community thrive.

Come celebrate that spirit with us! And to the Naples Police Department, thank you. You reminded us all what true community looks like and how special ours is.

Bells Ring For The Constitution

Business owners and employees, shoppers and diners on Fifth Avenue South will experience a special event on September 17 at 4:00 pm when The First Presbyterian Church, just blocks from downtown, rings bells from its carillon, marking the signing of the United States Constitution on the same day at the same time in 1787. A brief public ceremony will take place at 3:45 pm before the bells ring. The Church will join with others in Bells Across America to celebrate this historic signing, as well as ring in Constitution Week, which runs from Sept 17-23.

The week will feature numerous displays and educational events in our community, including one on the 17th at Naples Regional Library Branch on Central Avenue. Sponsored by local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, this celebration is a “don’t miss” patriotic and educational opportunity. For more information, contact bigcypressnsdar@gmail.com.

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Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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

And Then There Were None

October 1 thru October 19

The Naples Players Get ready for a night of intrigue, suspense, and shocking twists with Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery And Then There Were None!

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Evening on Fifth: Powered by Porsche Naples

September 11 | 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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2025-2026 Art Education Registration!

Registration Open

Naples Art Institute Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, our upcoming art classes and workshops offer something for everyone. This season includes six full sessions plus a special September workshop with Tomaso Albertini. Choose from a wide range of offerings including Oil & Acrylic Painting, Wheel Throwing, Watercolor, Drawing, Ceramics, Home School classes, and more.

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Available Masterpieces in Rare Verdite by Renowned Zimbabwean Sculptor James Tandi (1956 – 2020)

On Display Now

Native Visions Galleries James' works continue to amaze collectors and critics alike with his masterful sculptures of Africa’s native people and wildlife. Under the tutelage of his older brother, renowned sculptor Nicholas Tandi, James quickly showed a natural talent for sculpting. James worked in the classical method using hammer and chisel to beautifully capture the native African people and indigenous wildlife of southern Africa in verdite.

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Artist Darina Bratkova

On Display Now

Art on Fifth Ave Naples A Procaccini Gallery Born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Darina Bratkova's journey as an artist is marked by a deep passion for art and a persistent pursuit of excellence. Visit Art on Fifth Ave to learn more about artist Darina Bratkova and view her new collection.

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Naples Invitational: A Biennial Survey of Local Contemporary Art

Opening September 2

Naples Art Institute will showcase the work of contemporary artists with strong ties to the Naples community. The exhibition celebrates artistic excellence, cultural resonance, and creative vision. Bringing together approximately 30 artists across generations and disciplines, Naples Invitational offers a compelling view of the American experience through a distinctly local lens and highlights the diverse creative voices emerging from Southwest Florida. Admission is free for Collier County residents (with valid ID) and Naples Art Institute members.

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Fifth Avenue South Business' Updates

Sails Restaurant

A Gastronomic Voyage
Each Wednesday night, Sails Restaurant invites you to embark on a refined journey across continents - a celebration of flavors, traditions, and artistry that define the world's most treasured cuisines. Our distinguished international chefs craft inspired menus, each dedicated to a different nation.
September 17: Asia - An ode to Asia's rich heritage, told through taste.
September 24: South Africa - A vibrant union of heritage and innovation.

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Gelato&Co.

Make every celebration sweeter the Italian way with a customized gelato cake!
In Italy no celebration is complete without the perfect dessert. From birthdays to weddings, and every special moment in between, a gelato cake is the sweetest way to celebrate. Create your own with the help of Gelato&Co. Pick your favorite flavors, toppings, and add a special message on top to surprise your guests!

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Spa on Fifth

September Specials
REST: Enjoy a 30-minute full-body massage followed by a 30-minute coconut body scrub, $145.
RESET: Revive dry skin with a 30-minute moisturizing facial treatment immediately followed by a 30-minute hair and scalp treatment, $145.
REPLENISH: Purchase any 80-minute massage and receive complimentary hot stones, $225.
RENEW: Treat yourself to a facial or massage on Monday-Thursday, $125 (valued at $175).

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Porsche Studio Naples

Experience September at Porsche Studio Naples
As summer winds down, Porsche Studio Naples invites you to enjoy a refined and immersive brand experience unlike any other. This month's featured beverage is the Ipanema Drizzle—a sophisticated butterscotch latte finished with rich caramel drizzle and a smooth caramel cold foam. This seasonal specialty is available for a limited time in our in-studio café. While you sip, enjoy our Porsche racing simulator that gives guests the chance to race over 30 Porsche models across over 60 tracks around the world.

Tuesday through Thursday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday and Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Truluck’s

Summer Isn’t Over Until You Say It Is
Go out with a bang and get more bang for your buck at Truluck’s by choosing from our duo of summer-exclusive, prix fixe menus. The Summer of ‘92 menu features a variety of fresh, seasonal starters and your choice of a classic Truluck’s entrée and dessert for just $59. Customize and enhance your meal with expert wine pairings, signature sides, or the iconic Sesame Seared Tuna as your main dish. For us, it’s a trip down memory lane and a casual, comforting experience we want to share with everyone.

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UPCOMING CLOSURE – 4th Avenue South Parking Garage

The City of Naples will soon begin repainting all painted surfaces of the parking garage located at 4th Avenue South and 8th Street South.

Closure: Starting Monday, September 8, 2025, the garage will be fully closed for approximately two weeks.
After that period, the first floor is expected to reopen, with additional floors opening as the contractor completes work. Two floors are anticipated to be open by the end of September.
The contractor has 60 days to complete the project.

In preparation, City staff will remove vegetation in and around garage on August 29–30, 2025.