North Port Moments

Check out 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future in recognition of the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024. Click the image to read the full description of the photo or graphic.

Did you know North Port is celebrating its 65th year as a City in 2024? We have a long history, even though in City years, that puts us around middle school age. We have fun plans for celebrating this milestone, starting with this post. Leading up to our birthday on June 18, you will see weekly posts about the City’s past, present and future. 65 of them to be exact. North Port is growing up, and we’re looking forward to showing you what we’ve done and where we plan to go. Look out for the hashtag #NP65 to follow along and celebrate with us! #NP65

On June 16, 1959, 21 registered voters voted for “North Port Charlotte” to become the third city in Sarasota County. The 21 voters were all employees of General Development Corporation, one of the largest home builders at the time. At that point, our City was a mere 5.5 square miles. *The newspaper clipping is from the Tampa Bay Times in June 1959. The Civic Association of North Port published the map in the 1960s. #NP65

Did you know North Port has an entire state forest within City limits? Myakka State Forest includes 8,592 acres of marshland and flatwoods, providing many opportunities to see wildlife in the air, on the ground, or in the water. The forest provides varied opportunities for recreation, including hiking, horseback riding, camping and off-road bicycling. It’s managed by the Florida Forest Service, so check out their website to learn more about this expansive destination! #NP65

North Port was named “North Port Charlotte” until the 70s when the City polled residents for name ideas. Options included Caloosa Springs, Cocoplum and more. In 1974, voters ultimately voted 925-188 to drop the “Charlotte” and go with North Port. Sources include ‘Out of the Wilderness” by Marshall Grove and archival records from the Fort Myers News-Press. #NP65

Finally, the City is seeing real movement in bringing quality health care to our community. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and HCA Florida Healthcare have announced three projects in North Port, bringing care closer to home. Not only will they bring care, but they'll also bring jobs. We're motivated to work with our healthcare partners to realize this long-awaited dream. #NP65

🌼 Did you know the City has an accessible park for all kids of all abilities? North Port Parks & Rec cut the ribbon on the Boundless Adventures Playground, 4299 Pan American Blvd., in 2018. Located within the Garden of the Five Senses, this park accommodates all kids of all abilities looking for a great place to play. From learning braille to park equipment that's easy to play on, we're proud to have this park in North Port. Learn more at NorthPortFL.gov/MyLocalParks. #NP65

🚗 A much-discussed topic for decades has been Price Boulevard, but do you know the origin of the street name? It was originally McCarthy Boulevard but was renamed to Price Boulevard in 1980. Edgar H. Price sponsored the legislation that enabled the incorporation of the City, so his name was memorialized on our main east-west corridor. The Price Boulevard Widening Project has officially kicked off, which will alleviate the heavy traffic issues we have today. Learn more about the project by visiting NorthPortFL.gov/Price. #NP65

🚒 Did you know North Port Fire Rescue wasn’t a paid department until 1984? A volunteer fire department was assembled in 1961, and as the City grew, the need for a paid fire department became apparent. It was voted into reality in 1984. NPFR is a young department continuing to expand with the City's rapid growth. NPFR continues to look to the future confidently as they maintain exceptional customer service for our residents. #NP65

In 1960, North Port became home to the American Police Museum Hall of Fame. It was founded to honor federal, state, county and local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The museum was closed in 1990 and moved to a larger facility in Miami. #NP65

The City of North Port has a City Manager-Council style of government. According to surveys by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), this system is the most used style in government worldwide. In North Port, the City Manager is a Charter Officer, voted in by a City Commission consensus. The City Clerk and City Attorney are also Charter Officers. The City Manager runs the day-to-day administrative business, and the City Commission makes policy, sets the budget and more. The mayoral position in North Port is ceremonial, which means it doesn’t have any additional power compared to the other Commissioners. When seated as mayor, the member typically leads ribbon cuttings, represents the Commission at events and signs documents on their behalf. This position is voted internally by the Commission each year. To learn more about our City’s leadership, go here: https://www.northportfl.gov/City-Government/City-Leadership. #NP65

On this day of love, we’re recognizing one of the people who helped shape our City from the ground up. The North Port City Commission dubbed the late Gene Matthews “Mr. North Port” in 2008 and presented a Key to the City to him in 2023. He and his wife Lorraine have changed North Port for the better. We’re grateful for all he has done for our community. #NP65

Do you ever wonder what’s being built at a particular intersection? The City’s Planning Division and GIS team maintain a Current Development Map showing the projects and other relevant details. Check it out! https://www.northportfl.gov/Building-Planning/Projects/Current-Development-Map #NP65

Over the last several weeks, we've introduced you to each member of the new Natural Resources Division. We hope you'll take the time to come meet them in person at tomorrow's Coffee & Conservation listening tour at the Morgan Family Community Center (6207 W. Price Blvd.). Staff will have a presentation including goals, environmental challenges and opportunities, and a chance for resident feedback. After the presentation, residents will have a chance to engage in discussion with Natural Resources staff. With sessions available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., we hope you’ll be able to join us! #NP65

New to North Port? The City has created a one-stop shop to get set up in your new City. From Utilities to trash pick-up to getting engaged with the community, this webpage has it. Visit NorthPortFL.gov/Welcome to get started. Thank you for choosing North Port as your place to land. Welcome to the neighborhood! #NP65

Did you know the City's Social Services Division hosts a Community Clothing Closet within their office? The closet has infant and children-sized clothing in limited quantities, as well as diapers and other hygiene products. Of course, the items will vary based on donations received. To be able to shop in the Clothing Closet, clients must bring the last 30 days of income or the most recent government assistance award letter, birth certificates/guardianship paperwork for each child and a bill in the parent's name showing North Port residency. The closet always accepts very gently used or new items to donate. Please call to schedule a drop-off at 941-429-3700. What: Community Clothing Closet Where: 6919 Outreach Way, 2nd floor Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday evenings by appointment only. Please call the division to make an appointment at 941-429-3700. It must be at least 24 hours in advance.

Доброго ранку! Did you know North Port is home to nearly 6,000 people of Eastern European descent? Many traveled here to enjoy the benefits of Warm Mineral Springs Park, and have chosen to start families and plant roots in our City. Eastern Europe as a whole has made its mark in North Port, with restaurants, churches, gift shops and more gracing our City. Visit Sarasota created a webpage showing all the ways you can get involved and learn more about this rich ethnic culture. #NP65

Into kayaking or paddleboarding? North Port is surrounded by waters ideal for paddlers. With over 80 miles of freshwater canals and portions of the Myakkahatchee Creek, you’ll find the perfect water for any skill level. If that isn’t enough, our famously sublime weather means you can get out on the water almost daily. Visit NorthPortFL.gov/Blueways to find a handy map for where to launch and get your paddle on! Don’t know how to kayak? Check out North Port Parks & Rec’s Playbook to see when the next Learn to Yak course is – NorthPortFL.gov/Playbook. #NP65

Find yourself at the library! Did you know Sarasota County Government manages two here in North Port? The North Port Library was established in 1975 at a small one-story home at Biscayne Drive and Tamiami Trail. Purchased by the Friends of the North Port Area Library, the Sarasota County Commission approved funds to assist operations and add them to their library system. It’s since expanded to a larger building in the early 90s and continues to provide services. It's located at 13800 Tamiami Trail. The Shannon Staub Library opened in 2017, providing library services to the legacy North Port area. The library got its name from former Sarasota County Commissioner Shannon Staub, who advocated for libraries while in office and continued to support them after her term. It's located at 4675 Career Lane, attached to Suncoast Technical College off Toledo Blade Blvd. Whether you want to load up your Kindle or crack open a new book, our libraries are your resource! #NP65 For more information, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org. To catch up on other #NP65 moments, visit NorthPortFL.gov/NP65.

🥄 One of North Port’s longest-running clubs was the North Port Kitchen Band, featuring a group of folks that clanged and chimed at gigs throughout the area. They started in the 40s, predating North Port’s incorporation, continuing for over 70 years. As the name suggests, the band only used instruments made from objects normally found in a kitchen. Homemade kazoos, washboards and other makeshift instruments were often seen. They played gigs around the area and donated their earnings to those less fortunate. If you had the pleasure of hearing them play throughout the years, what was your favorite song? 🎶 #NP65

✏️Not only is North Port a great spot to live, work and play, but it’s also a fantastic place to learn. Suncoast Technical College's North Port campus opened in 2017 and has been bustling with activity. From Health & Public Services to Industrial Technologies or Culinary Arts, the campus helps guide students to enriching and fulfilling careers. Several of our very own North Port Fire Rescue personnel have attended and passed their Paramedic exam through the school. Some North Port Police Department officers have graduated via the Sarasota Criminal Justice Academy. We’re grateful to have this fine institution right here in North Port and we hope those who graduate will find a place to build a career in our community. #NP65 We've hit our 20th North Port moment! To catch up on others we've posted, visit NorthPortFL.gov/NP65.

Atwater Community Park is a 25-acre beauty featuring not only its well-known zero-entry splash pad, but also a playground, baseball fields, batting cages, pavilions and much more. North Port Parks & Rec has lots of places for you and your family to chill - check them out at NorthPortFL.gov/MyLocalParks! 🌳😍 #NP65 Explore more of our 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future as we lead up to the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024: NorthPortFL.gov/NP65 #NP65

A mainstay in North Port is the George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way, built in 1998 and the first piece to the City complex puzzle. It was named after, you guessed it, former Commissioner George D. Mullen, who served from 1993-2000. The facility offers a gymnasium, fitness center, meeting rooms and more. Residents can find a playground and the Larry Thoennissen Athletic Fields outside the building. Want to check it out? Head here for more! https://loom.ly/iWJ_M1s Explore more of our 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future as we lead up to the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024: NorthPortFL.gov/NP65 #NP65

It’s World Theatre Day! Did you know the City of North Port has a performing arts center (PAC)? Located at North Port High School, the North Port PAC hosts high school performances, North Port Symphony and Chorale shows and even some City events. We are grateful for their partnership and are proud to support the arts. Check out North Port High School’s performance of Freaky Friday, April 5-7. Learn more about the NPPAC schedule and buy tickets here: https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/domain/1432 #WorldTheatreDay Explore more of our 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future as we lead up to the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024: NorthPortFL.gov/NP65. #NP65

in 1928, one of North Port's main thoroughfares was opened to the public. While there aren't as many Ford Model Ts on the road these days, Tamiami Trail/U.S. 41 remains a vital artery in our city. As you may have guessed, Tamiami Trail is a portmanteau of the phrase "Tampa to Miami." In North Port, this road is loaded with shopping and dining options and ripe with opportunity. What is your favorite business along Tamiami Trail? Shout it out in the comments! Explore more of our 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future as we lead up to the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024: NorthPortFL.gov/NP65.

Did you know? The City of North Port and North Port Art Center have a long-standing agreement to showcase art and photography in the City Hall building. They've recently added a new batch of artwork to enjoy dotted throughout the building. From oil to watercolor to photography, there's something for everyone to look at. Stop into City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd., for a gallery-like experience! For more information about the North Port Art Center, visit NorthportArtCenter.org.

☕ The City started its Coffee & Conversation series in October 2023, which is an opportunity for the public to come by and enjoy free refreshments while talking with City staff and dignitaries. Having events in different areas of the City helps ensure all can attend a session. They were previously held at K&K Bakery and Empire Bagel. Foxtail Coffee Co., 19795 Wellen Pk Blvd., is next on the list, with the gathering set for 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. on March 26. Learn more about how City services impact your life and share what matters most to you. We hope to see you there! Explore more of our 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future as we lead up to the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024: NorthPortFL.gov/NP65. #NP65

Have you visited the North Port Aquatic Center (NPAC) yet? While the park boasts amazing slides and fun for kids of all ages, there's so much more! From water aerobics classes to kayaking or swimming lessons, there's something for everyone to get involved in. The NPAC, managed by North Port Parks & Rec, also partners with North Port Fire Rescue for training opportunities and working with lifeguards. Spring operation hours are now in effect through May 24. Enjoy all the amenities on Sat. & Sun., from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more about this fantastic spot here: NorthPortFL.gov/Pool.

City employees help to keep this community running, which is just one of the reasons We ♥️ North Port! We recently featured Planner/Scheduler Mario Venditti, who takes the time to meet new residents and teach them about solid waste services. Check out the video to learn more about him! https://loom.ly/GOY3lvA Explore more of our 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future as we lead up to the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024: NorthPortFL.gov/NP65. #NP65

It’s World Theatre Day! Did you know the City of North Port has a performing arts center (PAC)? Located at North Port High School, the North Port PAC hosts high school performances, North Port Symphony and Chorale shows and even some City events. We are grateful for their partnership and are proud to support the arts. Check out North Port High School’s performance of Freaky Friday, April 5-7. Learn more about the NPPAC schedule and buy tickets here: https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/domain/1432 #WorldTheatreDay Explore more of our 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future as we lead up to the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024: NorthPortFL.gov/NP65. #NP65

#DidYouKnow the City facilitates various fitness classes for all experience levels? From Zumba to Line Dancing, there's something for everyone. Visit NorthPortFL.gov/Fitness to learn about all the classes and North Port Parks & Rec's Achieve Anything fitness membership! We've also created a YouTube playlist with introductions to class instructors. Check them out to find the right fit for you! https://loom.ly/rl3oO_Q

❓ How can we help you? Customer service isn't always about answering the phone or assisting from behind a desk. Serving our community means so much more. Whether it's training, teaching, repairing or giving back, City of North Port staff are always willing to help. Visit NorthPortFL.gov/BillOfRights to learn more about our values.

🚧 Meet the Menzi Muck! This versatile vehicle helps Public Works crews clear brush quickly while wading through muddy waters. The Menzi is out every day, maintaining swales and our infrastructure. It also helped tremendously after Hurricane Ian hit to clear debris and brush.

North Port Fire Rescue's partnership with Bayflite 2 is vital. Among their basic duties, they help train our crews on various procedures when they have extra time and join NPFR’s training exercises when they are pertinent. Their knowledge and expertise not only better NPFR crews but also keep our community safer. Thank you!

🌺 Happy Saturday! Looking for something to do? Check out the Garden of the Five Senses right here in North Port. The aptly-named park encompasses all five of your senses as you stroll through. From fruit trees, to fragrant flowers to gorgeous scenery and more, it's a great spot to stop. Additionally, the Boundless Adventures Playground is adjacent to the park, a great spot for kids of all abilities. Learn more about the park here! https://loom.ly/_m51miw

Did you know a time capsule is buried at North Port City Hall? On April 15, 2006 – exactly 18 years ago – it was placed in the ground, only to be opened on North Port’s 100th birthday. If you’re in town on June 18, 2059, stop by and see what was included! In the meantime, here are some facts from 2006: 🔭 Pluto lost its planet status 💿 Blu-ray discs were introduced 🎮 The Nintendo Wii debuted 🏈 The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XL

Hurricane Ian marked a big moment in North Port's history. Are you storm-ready? Hurricane season begins June 1, and experts are predicting a busy one. Make sure you're ready before the storm hits. Here are some ways you can do that: 🚨 Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty.com. 📑 Bookmark NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts for up-to-date information before, during and after a storm. 💧 Visit SCGov.net/BePrepared to find your evacuation level. 🌐 Visit Ready.gov for helpful checklists, pointers and other helpful storm information Think ahead and be storm-smart!

More than 11,000 years ago, North Port was home to mammoths, giant ground sloths, saber-toothed cats and many more prehistoric animals. Warm Mineral Springs holds many of the artifacts proving their existence. The 225-foot-deep spring maintains a constant 87 degrees and is internationally known for its highly mineralized properties. The anaerobic properties have helped to preserve findings such as human remains, shell, stone and bone tools, animal bones, nuts, leaves, pollen and more. Did you know a 325-foot archeological sensitivity zone surrounds the spring? It protects that area and what may be buried just beneath the surface. Learn more by visiting NorthPortFL.gov/WMSP.

Endangered Species Day is a worldwide initiative to safeguard threatened or endangered species. This day is also significant in the City of North Port due to the area’s rich biodiversity and numerous environmental challenges. The Southwest Florida area has several listed species, such as the Gopher tortoise, Florida scrub-jay, Florida bonneted bat, indigo snake, swallow-tailed kite, and the emblematic Florida panther. The Florida panther, also known as the North American cougar, has been the focus of conservation efforts, including creating wildlife corridors and panther crossings to extend its habitat. Endangered Species Day underscores our duty to safeguard these species and their habitats. It reminds us to educate ourselves about them, comprehend their significance, and contribute to their conservation. #EndangeredSpeciesDay

📊 Did you know the City has public-facing performance dashboards? The City uses an outcome-focused performance management framework to monitor, assess, and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of City services. Applying analytic skills and tools, the City leverages administrative and public data to help departments solve problems and develop targeted action plans and strategies to deliver results for our residents. Take some time to scroll through NorthPortFL.gov/Transparency and see what different departments are working on.

⚾ Did you know North Port Area Little League (NPALL) turned 50 this year? Former Commissioner Joan Morgan and her husband Ed, alongside Lorena and Roy Dailey, helped to bring the league to life in 1975. More than 250 kids play in the league based out of Atwater Community Park today. NPALL is an institution in North Port, with several sponsors helping to keep the league running. Thank you for being a great outlet for our local kids to play and learn!

🎙️ Did you know the City of North Port has its own podcast channel? North Port Podcast Network is home to dozens of podcasts sharing news and information about the City and those who work there. We are working to up our game, so subscribe today and watch for new content! You can find the North Port Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and more. https://loom.ly/WT15iKU

We 💗 our food trucks! We're spotlighting just a tiny fraction of our awesome choices here in North Port. We're grateful for their partnerships during City events and for their delicious food, of course. 😋 Shout out your favorite food truck in the comments! Are you a mobile food vendor? There are designated spaces for food trucks to park. Learn all about the guidelines, parking spots and more by following the link: https://loom.ly/v16DphM

🛍️ North Port Charlotte Plaza was the first shopping center to open in the early 1960s at Biscayne Drive/U.S. 41. It held a Kwik Chek, beauty salon, barbershop, laundromat and a drug/variety store. These days, the plaza is called North Port Center and is a bustling shopping center in North Port—shops like Abbe's Donut Nook, K&K Bakery and Premier European Food are housed there.

In 1961, General Development Corporation put together the first organized activity for those in their brand-new city. It was called the Pine Needle Club. While it started with learning to weave pine needle baskets, it eventually evolved into a social hour. Basket weaving is a Native American tradition. An important part of their culture, long-leaf pine needles were collected and used to braid or weave baskets. Beautiful!

🇺🇸 Join the American Legion Post 254 at their Memorial Day Ceremony on May 27 at 11 a.m. in front of North Port City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd. We are proud to partner with the Legion each year to assist in honoring those who gave all to protect our country. City Hall and other City offices are closed Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. There is no impact to trash, recycling or yard waste pickups for City of North Port Solid Waste customers.

🔍 See it. Report it. Have you noticed any problems around town that need attention, like noise complaints, broken streetlights, or other issues? Let's put the North Report app to use and report any problems you see. Your reports help our hard-working City crews prioritize and respond efficiently. A few taps are all it takes to make a difference! NorthPortFL.gov/NorthReport.

The main roads in North Port are unique to other spots in the state. From the city center, residents must drive north to get to the interstate. The two main thoroughfares in the state, U.S. 41 and I-75, typically run north to south, but not here! They follow the coastline from Tampa to Venice, then go east through North Port before getting back on track south. North Port is the only city on the west coast of Florida with an east-west orientation. The more you know!

Did you know the City of North Port boasts another historically significant spring? Little Salt Spring is located off W. Price Blvd. and contains anoxic water, which is ideal to help in preserving artifacts. The spring was donated to the University of Miami's Rosentiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science in 1982. In their exploration of the sinkhole, they discovered the second-oldest dated artifact ever found in the southeast United States — a sharpened wooden stake some 12,000 years old. Pretty cool! Learn more here: https://loom.ly/mhkGUYc

In City years, North Port is an adolescent. Surrounding cities like St. Petersburg or Fort Myers are more than 100 years old from incorporation. North Port is turning 65 in June. As one of the state's largest cities by land mass and largest by population in Sarasota County, our City is just beginning. We are experiencing the growth spurt other cities experienced decades ago, with a projected population of 250,000 at full buildout. Check out this map showing our growth through 2023.

Did you know North Port has a very active local radio station? WKDW 97.5 FM is dedicated to covering hot topics, interviewing local experts and serving North Port residents. We are proud to partner with them to share important City information and hurricane updates. The City can break in live with urgent updates during an emergency, and the station also shares essential information. Explore more of our 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future as we lead up to the city's 65th birthday on June 18, 2024: NorthPortFL.gov/NP65 #NP65

Did you know North Port has had its own Coast Guard Auxiliary since 1965? Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9-2 is located off Chancellor Blvd., offering many great benefits to our community. The group promotes safe aquatic practices from boating safety courses to vessel checks and educational campaigns. They also assist in any marine accidents or rescues. The City values working with the flotilla, whether it's for CPR training with North Port Fire Rescue or sharing information at North Port Aquatic Center events through North Port Parks & Rec. Thank you for all you do for the City and our community!

Are you looking to perfect your kickflip, frontside pop shove-it or ollie? Visit North Port Skate Park! Located at 5651 North Port Blvd., the 14,000 sq. ft. skating facility is open 8 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily. For more information, visit https://loom.ly/KUoL-GI.

Today is National Hot Air Balloon Day! From 1982-2002, a hot air balloon could be seen floating in the clouds above North Port. Stemming from a resident winning a contest to get a free ride in the sky, the owners of the balloon decided to stick around. After 2,000 flights and carrying 3,500 passengers, they closed up shop. Make sure to stop by the 65th Birthday Celebration between 4-6 p.m. on June 18 on the City Green for a photo opp with a smaller-scale version of the balloon. Up, up and away! ☁️ #HotAirBalloonDay

If you've traveled down Biscayne Drive at any point throughout the decades, you'll have noticed the many churches dotted along the way. The first church to have its own building was First Baptist Church, which opened in 1962 and remains in the same location. The places of worship in North Port are diverse, including Ukrainian, Serbian and Slavic churches. This City prides itself on its rich culture and variety of ethnicities.

New podcast alert! The City's new podcast, Voices of North Port, features longtime residents and long-term employees who discuss the City's history and what it means to them. Our goal is to create a recorded oral history to preserve the voices that helped to shape the City. The first featured guest is Joan Morgan. Synonymous with North Port, Joan has spent decades helping to shape our City, whether as a City Commissioner or as a dedicated resident. You may have heard of the Morgan Family Community Center? Listen in as Joan tells her story and shares her passion for advocating for North Port. https://loom.ly/TnEB3QU

Have you checked out the George Mullen Activity Center Playground yet? Located at 1602 Kramer Way, this playground boasts a patriotic theme and plenty of play for all ages. Large trees provide shade, and there's even an Instagram-worthy photo spot. Bring the family by and get in the spirit for the upcoming July 4 holiday!

The City of North Port and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast collaborate to participate in the "Beyond School Walls" Program through North Port High School. This program allows high school-aged kids to work with and learn from a City employee. It includes tours, a mock Commission Meeting, education and more. We are grateful for this continued partnership.

Make a difference in your community and join an advisory board! You could directly impact shaping the community and provide valuable input on key issues facing the city. As an advisory board member, you can advise and make written recommendations to the City Commission that become part of the city's official records and decision-making process. To check out what boards have vacancies and to apply, visit NorthPortFL.gov/Advisory.

If you’re involved in the business community of North Port, make sure you’re following North Port Economic Development on Facebook! The page shouts out new businesses, shares news about future development and provides great resources for business owners. After you’ve checked out that page, visit DevelopNorthPort.gov for even more relevant information.

While driving down W. Price Blvd., you may see a large red building peeking out over the trees. The fire training tower has been in use since January 2023 and offers invaluable live fire, technical rescue and response training for North Port Fire Rescue crews. The building features burn rooms, confined space training areas and rooms simulated to look like kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms and more.

Happy National Garbage Worker Day! We want to say a huge thank you to all of our Solid Waste workers for all they do to keep our City clean and beautiful. Meet Cole, one of our Solid Waste Drivers, and learn what his day-to-day duties look like while keeping North Port clean. #CommunityofUnity

Did you know North Port has a Blue Star Memorial Marker? The Allamanda Garden Club has been maintaining the marker at Veteran’s Memorial Park at the corner of U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail and Pan American Blvd., which honors current and past men and women of the armed forces. The club purchased the Marker in 1968 and raised funds to refurbish it in 2021. The photo collage lists the club's founding members. We are grateful for the club and all they do for our community!

Did you know It took roughly 20 years for North Port to get a single school within city limits? The first foray into schooling was a kindergarten in 1974. The first school the Sarasota County School Board established was North Port Elementary School in 1983, now named Glenallen. Gone are the days of bussing and commuting to Venice or Englewood out of necessity. The City now boasts more than 10 schools within City limits, and Wellen Park High School is currently under construction. Now, our littlest residents have plenty of options to get a great education.

Happy first day of summer! ☀️ Visit North Port Parks & Rec for ideas on your next summer adventure, including: ⛳ Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Disc Golf Course 🌊 North Port Aquatic Center 🐾 Dog Friendly Parks 👟 Walking Trails & More!

Sending a big thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate North Port's 65th Birthday 🙌 Shout-out to our amazing community partners that sponsored this event! #NP65

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