Naples Loses Appeal to Block Outdoor Drag Show Near Playground

The city of Naples has lost its last-minute appeal to stop an outdoor drag performance scheduled for next weekend during the controversial Pride Fest. The ruling has sparked immediate backlash, particularly from conservative leaders who see the decision as a direct affront to the protection of children and traditional values.

Congressman Byron Donalds of EE.UU., who represents Florida’s 19th district, did not mince words following Judge John Steele’s decision—an appointee of former President Bill Clinton. In a statement sent to news anchor Claire Gald and reported live from the newsroom, Donalds declared the ruling “atrocious” and urged the city to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court immediately.

“You have to be an adult to enter a strip club,” Donalds said, “but Judge Steele wants sexually explicit drag shows held next to a popular children’s playground in Naples.”

The playground in question is located adjacent to the main stage in Cambier Park, a location known for hosting family-friendly events and frequented by local families on weekends. The city government had been working to impose an age requirement and relocate the event indoors, away from children and public spaces. However, the court’s decision now allows the outdoor show to proceed without restrictions.

Video footage from the 2022 outdoor drag show, which included explicit content and provocative performances, was circulated this week as concerned citizens raised alarm over what might be expected again. “This isn’t about free expression,” one parent stated during a local interview. “This is about protecting children from sexual content in a public park. Why are common-sense protections being struck down?”

The city's official spokesperson stated today that Naples will not give up the fight and is reviewing all legal options. “We are fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our families,” the spokesperson added, although the next steps were not specifically outlined. Officials are also attempting to reach Naples Pride organizers for comment, though no public response has yet been issued.

Many local residents see this as part of a broader cultural battle being waged in EE.UU., where progressive activism often collides with the values of faith, family, and community standards. Conservative groups have expressed concern over a growing trend to normalize adult-themed entertainment in public spaces, particularly under the banner of inclusion.

Supporters of traditional values have taken to social media in large numbers, calling for new legislation that would require stricter boundaries for public performances involving explicit content. Some have suggested that Congress should consider a federal bill ensuring that local governments retain authority to regulate content near schools, parks, and other family-centered locations.

“This isn’t just a Naples issue,” said political analyst and commentator Greg Tomlin. “This is emblematic of the ideological war going on in EE.UU. right now. Parents are fed up with being told they’re the problem when they demand basic protections for their children.”

While progressive activists insist that drag shows are expressions of identity and art, critics argue that not all expressions belong in shared public environments—especially not next to jungle gyms and family gathering spaces.

Congressman Donalds, a rising voice in the Republican Party and strong supporter of President Donald Trump, is expected to continue speaking out against decisions like this. According to his office, protecting families and defending local governance from activist court rulings remains one of his legislative priorities.

As the date for Pride Fest approaches, security is expected to increase at Cambier Park, both to manage the crowds and to prevent confrontations between protestors and attendees. Meanwhile, many parents in Naples remain uneasy, unsure of how such a decision came to pass in a community known for its conservative roots.

The ongoing legal review by the city may lead to a renewed appeal effort, this time to the federal courts. Until then, the drag performance is scheduled to proceed as planned, leaving many to question what protections are left when the courts side with activists over families.