North Port Podcast Network

En este episodio de North Port Stories contamos con la participación de dos restaurantes locales que comparten su experiencia emprendiendo en North Port, ofreciendo consejos prácticos y motivación para quienes desean comenzar su propio negocio. Además, hablamos sobre los pasos esenciales para iniciar un pequeño negocio en North Port: desde aclarar tu idea y definir tu objetivo, hasta encontrar apoyo local, entender permisos y licencias, y aprovechar los recursos que la ciudad ofrece. Asi que, ya seas dueño de un negocio, un emprendedor en potencia o simplemente alguien interesado en cómo las pequeñas empresas dan forma a nuestra ciudad, este episodio está lleno de información valiosa que no querrás perderte.

In this special Spanish episode of North Port Stories, we feature two local restaurants who share their experience starting a business in North Port, offering practical advice and motivation for anyone who wants to start their own business. We also talk about the essential steps to starting a small business in North Port: from clarifying your idea and defining your goal, to finding local support, understanding permits and licenses, and taking advantage of the resources the City offers. So whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in how small businesses shape our city, this episode is full of valuable information you won’t want to miss.

This week on North Port Now, we’re celebrating big milestones and looking ahead to what’s coming next in our growing community.

We start with the groundbreaking of Boca Chica Neighborhood Park, a new passive park designed to bring recreation opportunities to an area previously underserved. Follow construction progress at NorthPortFL.gov/CurrentProjects. 

Then we dive into the holiday season with everything you need to know about the Poinsettia Parade & Festival on Dec. 6—from craft workshops and live entertainment to shuttle details and parade routes. Get real-time event updates and safety alerts by texting PARADE25 to 888-777.

We also share the latest on the Price Boulevard Widening Project, where the new double-barrel box culvert at the Blueridge Waterway is taking shape. Price remains closed between Main Street and Salford Boulevard during construction.

Watch the Price Project video update here. Learn more at NorthPortFL.gov/Price, or contact the project team at [email protected] or 941-240-6960.

Next, Deputy Chief Nick Herlihy joins us to break down the reconstruction of Fire Station 81—the hurricane damage, funding, temporary operations, and the modern upgrades coming soon.

Watch the Fire Station 81 project video here.

This week on North Port Now, we’re covering everything from health care to environmental innovation in North Port.

The long-awaited Sarasota Memorial Hospital North Port Campus has officially broken ground — marking a major step toward bringing full-service health care closer to home. We’ll also share details on the new citywide Outdoor Burn Ban, and how residents can do their part to keep our community safe.

Plus, discover North Port’s natural side with an upcoming Nature Walk at Oaks Park, and learn how you can brighten a family’s holiday through the Adopt-N-Shop program.

You’ll also hear about the City’s first Environmental Scorecard, a new data-driven tool measuring North Port’s progress in sustainability and resilience. And GIS Manager Jon Kalfsbeck joins us to explain how Geographic Information Systems impact everything from mapping to emergency response — and what you can expect at GIS Day.

Finally, don’t miss the latest episode of On the Job with Jerome, where City Manager Jerome Fletcher visits North Port Fire Rescue to cook a hearty Shepherd’s Pie with cauliflower mash alongside Firefighter/Paramedic Martin Lemay.

Watch the video here:  https://youtu.be/h_hjd0txvSE

Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected — this is North Port Now.

This week on North Port Now, we’re digging into everything happening across our city — from roadwork to record requests!

Public Records Technician Mike McDonnell joins us to explain what qualifies as a public record under Florida’s Sunshine Law, how residents can submit a request, and why transparency plays such an important role in local government. If you ever need to make a request, visit NorthPortFL.gov/PublicRecords or email [email protected].

We’ll also share updates on the Price Boulevard Widening Project, celebrate the first class of North Port University Teen Edition graduates, and reveal a fun new way to explore your city with the North Port Hidden Gems Scavenger Hunt. Plus, meet Tricia Wisner, the City’s newly appointed Utilities Director, as she steps into her new leadership role.

Learn more:

• NorthPortFL.gov/Price
• NorthPortFL.gov/NPU

Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected with North Port Now.

This week on North Port Now, we’re getting into the spirit of the season! 🎃 Get all the details on the City’s annual Trick or Treat at City Center, happening Thursday, Oct. 24, featuring family fun, festive displays, and a special low-sensory experience for those who prefer a quieter celebration.

We’ll also highlight opportunities to honor our local heroes—from recognizing everyday residents through the Citizen Hero program to paying tribute to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces through the upcoming Circle of Honor at City Center.

Plus, Solid Waste Manager Frank Lama joins us to talk about the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, what residents can bring, and how to safely dispose of materials that shouldn’t go in the trash.

And don’t miss our On the Job video series, where City Manager Jerome Fletcher steps into the shoes of City employees to learn what it takes to keep North Port running—one job at a time.

On the Job at the North Port Aquatic Center: https://youtu.be/eTjULg1LS54

On the Job with the Solid Waste Division: https://youtu.be/xZbhbBq5o7A


👉 Learn more:

• NorthPortFL.gov/TrickorTreat
• NorthPortFL.gov/CurrentProjects
• NorthPortFL.gov/Hero

This week on North Port Now, we sit down with Sandra Boudreau, Senior Project Engineer for AECOM, to get the latest updates on the Price Boulevard widening project. She walks us through what’s happening at the Blue Ridge Waterway, what drivers need to know about traffic impacts, and how the project team is working with nearby residents.

We’ll also share details on the North Port Police Department’s National Night Out on Friday, Oct. 3, the Public Works & Utilities Job Fair on Saturday, Oct. 4, and introduce the City’s newly appointed City Attorney and Finance Director.

👉 Learn more at:

• NorthPortFL.gov/Price
• NorthPortFL.gov/Jobs

Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected with North Port Now.

Small businesses are at the heart of North Port’s identity, fueling our economy and shaping the character of our growing community. In this episode of North Port Living, we sit down with Michael Meerman, Economic Development Program Manager for the City, to talk about what makes North Port such an appealing place for entrepreneurs.

We cover the impact of rapid growth on local businesses, the types of industries thriving here today, and the resources, programs, and incentives available to help business owners succeed. Michael also shares practical advice for those considering launching a business in North Port—from navigating licensing and permitting to finding the right support systems.

Looking to the future, Michael gives us a glimpse into how the small business landscape may evolve over the next 5 to 10 years, and why North Port is uniquely positioned for continued entrepreneurial success. To learn more about resources and opportunities for businesses, visit DevelopNorthPortFL.gov.

Whether you’re an established business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about how small businesses shape our city, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

This week on North Port Now, we’re diving into important updates and opportunities around our city:

• Environment Panel – Don’t miss the next North Port Panel Series on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. at Suncoast Technical College. This session will focus on Environmental Resiliency & Sustainability with insights from City staff, the Environmental Conservancy of North Port, and other regional experts. Free and open to the public—no registration required!
• Hurricane Season Prep – The City’s sandbag station at 1602 Kramer Way remains open throughout storm season. Learn about bag limits, what to bring, and how to stay ready. More info at NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts.
• Fall Programming – From Concerts in the Park to the Pumpkin Plunge, Parks & Rec has plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Find the full lineup at NorthPortFL.gov/Events.
• Second Tote Stickers – Households with an additional solid waste tote need to renew their sticker before Oct. 1 to ensure continued service. Apply at NorthPortFL.gov/SolidWasteForms.
• Business Tax Receipts – All businesses operating in the city must renew for the new fiscal year. Submit online, by mail, or in person at City Hall to avoid late fees. Details at NorthPortFL.gov/BTR or email [email protected].
• Tree Planting Initiatives – Urban Forester Ryan Pieper joins us to share more about recent and upcoming tree planting projects, their impact on our community, and why investing in our green spaces matters for North Port’s future.

Stay tuned, stay engaged, and stay connected with North Port Now.

 North Port Now: Sep. 3, 2025| Hurricane Preparedness: Special Ukrainian Edition

У цьому спеціальному україномовному випуску North Port Now ми ділимося важливою інформацією про те, як залишатися у безпеці до, під час та після урагану. Цей епізод створений спеціально для українськомовної громади Норт Порту, щоб кожен мав доступ до необхідних ресурсів і порад під час сезону штормів.
Від зон евакуації та аварійних наборів до безпеки домашніх тварин і надійних джерел інформації — ми розповідаємо про практичні кроки, які може зробити кожна сім’я, щоб підготуватися. Ми також акцентуємо увагу на перевірені місцеві сповіщення, поради щодо захисту вашого дому від негоди та джерела офіційної інформації українською мовою.Будь ласка, поділіться цим епізодом із друзями, сусідами та членами родини, яким це може бути корисно — особливо з тими, хто віддає перевагу інформації українською мовою.

In this special Ukrainian-language episode of North Port Now, we’re sharing critical information on how to stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane. This episode is designed specifically for North Port’s Ukrainian-speaking community to ensure everyone has access to the resources and guidance they need during storm season. From evacuation zones and emergency kits to pet safety and reliable sources of information, we walk you through practical steps every family can take to prepare. We also highlight trusted local alerts, storm-proofing tips for your home, and where to find official Ukrainian-language resources.  Please share this episode with friends, neighbors, and family members who may benefit—especially those who prefer information in Ukrainian.

This week on North Port Now, we’re covering important updates and events happening in our city:

• Floodplain Management Plan – Matt Clemens, the City’s Floodplain Administrator, joins us to explain the plan, the committee behind it, and how you can take part in the upcoming meeting on Sept. 10 at City Hall or virtually. Learn more at NorthPortFL.gov/Meetings.
• Patriot Day Ceremony – On Sept. 11, North Port will honor the victims and first responders of 9/11 with a community service at City Hall. All are welcome to join us beginning at 9:15 a.m. outside City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd.
• City Budget Hearings – The Commission is preparing to adopt next year’s budget while keeping the millage rate steady for the sixth year in a row. View the full recommended budget at NorthPortFL.gov/Budget, and tune into the public hearings Sept. 4 and Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. in person, or online at NorthPortFL.gov/Meetings.
• Parks & Recreation Awards – Our Parks team brought home multiple SUNsational Awards for their creativity and community engagement efforts, including last year’s Pumpkin Plunge, the 2024 Impact Report, and the Playbook publication.