Blog: State of the City spotlights North Port's momentum

Published on January 26, 2026

I recently the opportunity to deliver my 2026 State of the City Address at the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards luncheon. It is always a pleasure to share a few of the highlights of the past year and, more importantly, the direction I believe our city is heading.

North Port has real momentum right now. You can see it in our neighborhoods, on our roadways and in the level of interest our city is receiving from businesses, health care providers and families who want to call North Port home. This year, rather than focusing only on what we accomplished in 2025, I chose to emphasize where we are going and how we are intentionally laying the foundation for the city’s future.

Public safety and resilience will always be our top priorities. We are making major investments to ensure our community remains safe and prepared. Construction is underway on a new Fire Station 81 near City Hall, replacing an aging facility and strengthening service in one of our busiest areas. This summer, we will also open Fire Station 87 in Wellen Park to meet the demands of continued growth. In addition, we are preparing to build a new Emergency Operations Center that will significantly improve how we respond to hurricanes and other emergencies. Projects like the Myakkahatchee Creek clearing are already reducing flood risk and protecting homes and businesses across the city.

Infrastructure and mobility are also central to our future. The long-awaited widening of Price Boulevard is finally happening, along with critical drainage improvements that will improve safety and resilience. I know construction can be inconvenient, but these projects are essential. We continue to resurface roads citywide — more than 266 miles since 2012 — and long-discussed improvements at the I-75 interchanges at Sumter and Toledo Blade boulevards are now underway thanks to years of advocacy and partnership.

We are also investing in quality of life. Construction is underway on the Veterans Circle of Honor and Boca Chica Neighborhood Park, and our recently adopted Parks and Recreation Master Plan will guide future amenities, including a potential recreation center in east North Port. At Warm Mineral Springs Park, we are balancing historic preservation, environmental stewardship and improved public amenities for one of Florida’s most unique natural resources.

Economically, North Port continues to gain momentum. We were recently recognized as the No. 3 “BoomTown” and the No. 2 fastest-growing city in the nation, and new businesses, restaurants and mixed-use developments are coming to all corners of North Port. Major projects like Downtown Wellen Phase II and planned developments on the eastern side of town will give residents more opportunities to work, shop and gather closer to home.

Perhaps most transformative is the Sarasota Memorial Hospital North Port campus now under construction. This $507 million investment will expand access to high-quality care, create hundreds of jobs and establish North Port as a regional health care hub.

While challenges remain, from growth pressures to uncertainty around state property tax policy, I am confident in our direction. North Port’s future is bright because it is being shaped thoughtfully and collaboratively.

I encourage you to watch the full 2026 State of the City Address at NorthPortFL.gov/StateOfTheCity and see why it’s such an exciting time for our community.

Jerome Fletcher is the North Port City Manager. He can be reached at jfletcher@NorthPortFL.gov.