North Port Podcast Network

This week on North Port Now, we’re talking about how we can all do our part to keep students safe as they head back to school. From slowing down in school zones to staying alert at bus stops, every action counts. We’ll also explore North Port’s refreshed Current Development Map, giving you an inside look at new projects from coffee shops to hospitals.

Plus:
• Skills for Life workshops to help you boost your career this September.
• Try something new with Adult Archery this fall—equipment included!
• Meet Laura Guasca, our summer intern with the Communications team.

Links from the show:
👉 Current Development Map
👉 Skills for Life Registration
👉 Adult Archery Registration

In this episode of North Port Living "Getting to Know North Port: Your City Guide for Hispanics", we answer some of the most common questions from residents about how the City of North Port works and how you can get involved. Learn about our form of government, opportunities to participate in public meetings, volunteer programs, city resources, and upcoming events for you and your family. We’ll also share details about major projects shaping our community’s future.

En este episodio de North Port Living "Conociendo North Port: Tu guía de la ciudad para hispanos", respondemos algunas de las preguntas más comunes de los residentes sobre cómo funciona la Ciudad de North Port y cómo puedes participar. Conoce nuestro sistema de gobierno, las oportunidades para involucrarte en reuniones públicas, programas de voluntariado, recursos de la ciudad y los próximos eventos para ti y tu familia. También compartimos detalles sobre los proyectos más importantes que están transformando el futuro de nuestra comunidad.

This week on North Port Now, we’re diving into important updates and opportunities around our community. Devon Poulos from Parks & Recreation joins us to talk about changes to the fee structure at Warm Mineral Springs Park and what’s in store for Discover Warm Mineral Springs Day. We’re also sharing details about upcoming free Hands-Only CPR classes offered by North Port Fire Rescue and what you need to know to register.

Plus:
• Learn more about the City’s response to the Governor’s DOGE Team.
• Congrats are in order for Police Chief Todd Garrison on his appointment to the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

Check the show notes for links and more info:
👉 NorthPortFL.gov/WMSP
👉 NorthPortFL.gov/DOGE
👉 To register for CPR: Call 941-240-8150

Thanks for listening—and don’t forget to stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected.

In this episode of Voices of North Port, we’re joined by local historian Chris Sterner for a fascinating journey through the history of the land we now call North Port. From the native peoples who first called this area home, to the early industries like turpentine stills, to the story behind some of our street names—you’ll hear how this community has evolved over time. We even touch on the city's path to incorporation and what makes our corner of Florida so unique. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to town, this episode offers a deeper appreciation of the land beneath your feet.

In this episode of North Port Now, we’re helping you get storm-ready. Hear why now’s the time to finish major yard maintenance and how to properly use the City’s self-serve sandbag station. We’ll also talk about how to stay informed before and during a storm by signing up for emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty.com.

Plus, mark your calendar for Warm Mineral Springs Park Day on Aug. 9, where City of North Port residents can visit the Springs for free! And if you're part of a local nonprofit, learn how the NP² program can help fund your mission—details at NorthPortFL.gov/NP2.

Subscribe to the City’s CommUNITY newsletter for updates like these and more at NorthPortFL.gov/Subscribe.

In this episode of North Port Living, we’re taking a different approach—hearing directly from residents who’ve seen the City from the inside out. We’re joined by two alumni of North Port University, the City’s free citizen academy designed to give participants a behind-the-scenes look at how local government works.

First up is Doreen German, a graduate of Class I, followed by Pam Tokarz from Class II. Both share how the experience deepened their understanding of city operations and inspired them to stay engaged in the community.

While Class III is already full, additional sessions are planned for Spring and Fall 2026. Learn more at NorthPortFL.gov/NPU.

This week on North Port Now, we’re talking about what’s happening across the city this July—from honoring our veterans to shaping the future of our parks and improving city services. We preview the upcoming groundbreaking for the Circle of Honor, a new space recognizing veterans of all U.S. military branches. Plus, find out how you can get involved in the Parks & Recreation Master Plan through two public workshops or an online survey. You’ll also hear how the City’s online permitting system, Accela, is streamlining services and cutting wait times for permits. And we check in with Deputy Public Works Director Tricia Wisner about a major debris removal effort along Myakkahatchee Creek that supports stormwater flow and flood prevention. 

Links and Resources:
• Circle of Honor Project Info: NorthPortFL.gov/CurrentProjects
• Parks & Rec Master Plan & Survey: NorthPortFL.gov/ParksAndRecMasterPlan
• Online Permitting (Accela): NorthPortFL.gov/Permitting

In this special episode of North Port Now, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the City’s decision to postpone the annual Freedom Festival, originally scheduled for July 4, due to predicted inclement weather. We’re joined by Kim Lencki, Community Partnerships & Engagement Manager with Parks & Recreation, to talk about what goes into making that kind of call—from monitoring forecasts to coordinating with vendors and public safety teams—and why rescheduling a large-scale event is more complex than it may seem.

The good news? The celebration is still happening. The Freedom Festival has been rescheduled for Friday, August 30, and the team is working hard to deliver the same great night of fun, food, music, and fireworks.

For event details and updates, visit NorthPortFL.gov/FreedomFestival.

En este episodio especial de North Port Now, compartimos información esencial sobre cómo prepararse antes, durante y después de un huracán. Este episodio está diseñado específicamente para nuestra comunidad hispanohablante en North Port, con el objetivo de garantizar que todos los residentes tengan acceso a los recursos y la orientación necesarios durante la temporada de tormentas.

Hablamos sobre zonas de evacuación, cómo armar un kit de emergencia, cómo proteger a sus mascotas y su hogar, y dónde encontrar fuentes confiables de información en español. Nuestra pasante Laura ofrece consejos prácticos paso a paso para que cada familia pueda estar lista y segura.

Le invitamos a compartir este episodio con familiares, amigos y vecinos que prefieran recibir información en español.

Recursos mencionados / Resources Mentioned:
• AlertaSarasota – Regístrese para recibir alertas locales: www.alertsarasotacounty.com
• Conozca su nivel de evacuación: Sarasota Know Your Level
• Guía para Todos los Riesgos del Condado de Sarasota: NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts
• Ready.gov en Español: www.Ready.gov/es

In this special Spanish-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 Spanish-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, our intern Laura walks 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 Spanish-language resources from Sarasota County and Ready.gov. 

Please share this episode with friends, neighbors, and family members who may benefit—especially those who prefer information in Spanish.

In this episode of North Port Now, we’re sharing updates on major city projects and previewing some of the key events coming up this summer. We start with a Price Boulevard Widening Project update—explaining why you may not be seeing heavy construction just yet, what preliminary work is already underway, and how to stay informed throughout the process. We also highlight the upcoming Infrastructure Panel on June 25 at 6 p.m. at Suncoast Technical College, where residents can hear directly from City leadership and FDOT representatives. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about local transportation and development efforts. Looking ahead to July:

• Boots vs. Badges Blood Drive – July 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Hall. Donate blood and support your favorite team: Police or Fire.
• World’s Largest Swim Lesson – June 26 at the North Port Aquatic Center. Free sessions at 8–9 a.m. or 5–6 p.m.
• Learn to Swim – July 8–17. Classes for all ages, led by certified instructors through the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program.
• Freedom Fest – July 4 at CoolToday Park. Recreation Manager Shelby Mendelson joins us to preview this fun, free celebration featuring live music, food trucks, activities, and fireworks.

Links & Information
• Price Boulevard Widening Project: NorthPortFL.gov/Price
• Freedom Fest Details: NorthPortFL.gov/FreedomFestival
• Learn to Swim & Aquatic Programs: NorthPortFL.gov/Pool
• OneBlood Info (Boots vs. Badges): SunCoastBlood.org