North Port Podcast Network

In this episode, Jon Kalfsbeck (GIS Administrator), Alexander DiRamio (Asset Manager), and Christopher Bair (Asset Management Technician) from the City of North Port share insights into how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is transforming city operations. They discuss the innovative ways GIS supports various departments and services, from asset management to enhancing public resources, ensuring the city runs efficiently and effectively.

 This conversation comes ahead of GIS Day on Monday, Nov. 20, 2024, an international event that highlights the real-world applications of GIS technology and its impact on society.

Join us at the Morgan Family Community Center on Wednesday, Nov. 20th, from 2–6 p.m. to celebrate! Explore how the City of North Port is leveraging GIS to better serve residents and improve city operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to see technology in action! You can learn more all year long at NorthPortFL.gov/GIS.

North Port Police Department Chief of Staff Josh Taylor stopped by recently to share about how the department is giving back this holiday season. From the Protect and Serve event on Nov. 14 to the Shop with a Cop event in early December, there's plenty in between to keep the department busy. We hope you enjoy!

Protect and Serve
Nov. 14, 5-9 p.m. 
Wings and Rings, 1081 W. Price Blvd.  


Stuff the Cruiser
Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Walmart, 17000 Tamiami Trail  

[email protected] 941-429-7300

We're still looking for adopters to adopt a family this holiday season through the Adopt-N-Shop program!

We recently chatted with Programs and Life Skills Specialist Carol Valdez from the Social Services Department about the need.


Individuals, organizations & businesses are invited to adopt a family this holiday season. The family's information - including names, children's names and ages, gift preferences and more - is provided to the adopter. Adopters then go shopping, wrap gifts (optional) and supply goods (sometimes even food) to their adoptees.


This is a great way to spread some cheer this holiday season. Registration now closes Nov. 30. Sign up at NorthPortFL.gov/SocialServices.

Retired North Port Police Chief Victor Costello is the latest guest on the Voices of North Port podcast. He was at the department's helm when they switched to computers, which was a pivotal time for NPPD. He also worked undercover for a time. He is also a dedicated music advocate who helped to start the North Port Orchestra and continues to support the arts. Listen to this and more, like when someone brought a live alligator to his office. Eek! We hope you enjoy it.

The City's urban forester, Ryan Pieper, is back to discuss green spaces in our community. From micro forests to wildlife corridors, the Natural Resources Division is ramping up its efforts to create new habitats and build back forests. Check it out!

In this episode, City Arborist Jeremy Rogus stops by to talk about protecting the endangered, threatened, listed or protected species in our City. From the well-known gopher tortoises to lesser-known species of bats, the City employs various ways to track these species and ensure their safety. Check it out!

If you're a longtime resident of Nort Port, you've probably heard Karen Arlington's name. Since moving to the City decades ago, she's seen it grow and evolve, all while participating in many different committees and groups in the area. Learn from Karen about what North Port was like, the committees she served on and the familiar names she worked alongside, and more.

On this episode, City Arborist Shawn Ruff discusses Native Plant Landscaping in the City. Many of you have likely heard of Florida-friendly landscaping. the University of Florida-IFAS Extension has plenty of resources to learn about what is Florida-friendly and how to plan for your yard. 

Shawn also discusses how to plant these specific species alongside other non-native plants and how to help them coexist. Learn how to plant a garden that will thrive in Southwest Florida! 

Florida-Friendly Landscaping via UF-IFAS Extension: https://loom.ly/7jWsku4

In the next episode of the Natural Resources series, Urban Forester Ryan Pieper joins the pod to talk about tree protection. This topic is of utmost importance in North Port, given the rapid growth the city is experiencing. Listen in to learn more about how the City helps to protect and maintain our tree canopy and work with developers to build responsibly.

Have you heard of a wildlife corridor? In this episode of the North Port Newsbreak, Environmental Specialist Joe Mansuetti talks about wildlife corridors and how they benefit both humans and animals. Listen in to find out how you can help!