🍀 Luck of the Irish? St. Patrick’s Day Parade May Be Saved by a Father, a Son, and a Bit of Blarney 🍀

NAPLES, Fla. — Just when it looked like Naples’ beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade was headed for the great pub crawl in the sky, a twist worthy of Irish folklore has emerged: a former city councilman may have stepped in to save it — not for politics, prestige, or publicity, but in honor of his son.

After nearly 50 years of shamrocks, bagpipes, and people inexplicably wearing green wigs in 80-degree heat, news broke that the 2026 parade was canceled due to rising costs and city fees. Lamentations echoed across Collier County. Guinness went untouched. Green beads lay dormant.

But then — enter the former councilman, stage left, like a leprechaun with a spreadsheet.

According to sources familiar with the discussions (and at least one person who “heard it at a bar”), the former official has been quietly working behind the scenes to revive the parade as a tribute to his son, who had a deep personal connection to the event and its community spirit. The effort has reportedly included fundraising, logistical problem-solving, and the kind of polite-but-firm phone calls only someone who’s survived city council can make.

🍀 A Parade Powered by Heart (and Maybe a Little Luck)
Those close to the situation say the motivation is deeply personal — a way to honor a son’s memory by preserving a tradition that brought joy to thousands each year. And if successful, it would turn what seemed like a bureaucratic dead end into a story straight out of Irish legend: when all hope was lost, family and community stepped in.

City officials have not confirmed final details, but there are indications that talks are ongoing and that alternative funding or scaled-down options are being explored. Translation: don’t throw away your green shirt just yet.

🍀 From Cancelled to Comeback?
If the parade does return, it may look a little different — fewer floats, more heart, and possibly less inflatable nonsense. But longtime attendees say they’d happily trade spectacle for symbolism.

“St. Patrick’s Day is about community,” said one local, already practicing her Irish accent. “And also beer. But mostly community.”

🍀 The Final Word (for Now)
Nothing is official yet, but in a town where parking miracles happen daily and snowbirds appear out of thin air, betting against a little Irish luck might be unwise.

As the saying goes: There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea — but the best ships are friendships, and may they always be. And perhaps, this March, a parade too.

☘️ Stay tuned. And keep the faith. ☘️