Episodes

  • North Port Now: Dec. 22, 2025 | I-75 Interchanges & FOG

    North Port Now: Dec. 22, 2025 | I-75 Interchanges & FOG
    Dec 22 2025
    This week on North Port Now, we’re sharing important holiday updates, major transportation improvements, and a behind-the-scenes look at how everyday habits can impact our utility systems.

    We begin with holiday facility closures and solid waste collection changes so you can plan ahead during the Christmas holiday.

    Next, we look ahead to long-anticipated I-75 interchange improvements at Sumter and Toledo Blade boulevards. FDOT construction begins in January 2026, and residents are encouraged to attend an upcoming pre-construction meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 4–6 p.m. at Suncoast Technical College to learn more and ask questions.

    We also preview North Port Fire Rescue’s Open House at the Training Tower on Saturday, Jan. 10, a free, family-friendly event featuring live demonstrations, activities, and more.

    Plus, starting January 1, 2026, the City’s Social Services Division will expand to provide direct assistance with Florida Department of Children and Families programs—making it easier for residents to access help locally. Appointments can be made by calling 941-429-3700, or by visiting the Family Service Center at 6919 Outreach Way. Learn more at NorthPortFL.gov/SocialServices.

    Finally, Utilities Compliance Coordinator Treyce Lukasek joins us to explain FOG—fats, oils, and grease—what it is, why it’s harmful to pipes, and how residents can help prevent costly clogs and protect the environment.

    We hope you have a very happy holiday, North Port. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected with North Port Now.
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    10 mins
  • North Port Now: Dec. 8, 2025 | 12 Days of Giving & Burn Ban

    North Port Now: Dec. 8, 2025 | 12 Days of Giving & Burn Ban
    Dec 8 2025
    This week on North Port Now, we’re highlighting holiday traditions, community generosity, and important safety information as we head into the winter season.

    The City’s 12 Days of Giving donation drive wraps up on Friday, December 12. Residents can support local families by donating food, clothing, shoes, and hygiene products at five drop-off locations: City Hall, the Morgan Family Community Center, the George Mullen Activity Center, the North Port Police Department, and the North Port Public Safety Building. Donations benefit 100 Church, the North Port Children’s Clothing Closet, and Back Pack Angels.

    We also take a look at the festive decorations inside North Port City Hall, where city employees and volunteers have once again transformed the building into a winter wonderland—complete with a new and improved holiday village and model train display.

    Then it’s time for some splashy holiday fun—Swim With Santa returns to the North Port Aquatic Center on Saturday, Dec. 20, starting at 10 a.m. Kids can enjoy crafts, games, treats and photos with Santa. Registration is required at NorthPortFL.gov/SwimWithSanta or by calling 941-429-PARK.

    Finally, Deputy Fire Chief Scott Lane joins us to talk about the citywide outdoor burn ban, what it means for residents, current wildfire conditions, and safe practices to follow this time of year. He also shares important holiday fire safety tips to keep your home and family protected.

    Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected with North Port Now.
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    7 mins
  • North Port Stories: Dec. 3, 2025 | Restaurantes Locales y el Arte de Emprender

    North Port Stories: Dec. 3, 2025 | Restaurantes Locales y el Arte de Emprender
    Dec 3 2025
    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.
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    25 mins
  • North Port Now: Nov. 24, 2025 | Boca Chica Park & Station 81 Construction

    North Port Now: Nov. 24, 2025 | Boca Chica Park & Station 81 Construction
    Nov 24 2025
    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 pricewideninginfo@northportfl.gov 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.
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    11 mins
  • North Port Now: Nov. 13, 2025 | New Hospitals & GIS Day

    North Port Now: Nov. 13, 2025 | New Hospitals & GIS Day
    Nov 13 2025
    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.
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    13 mins
  • North Port Now: Oct. 27, 2025 | Public Records and Price Widening Update

    North Port Now: Oct. 27, 2025 | Public Records and Price Widening Update
    Oct 27 2025
    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 PublicRecordsRequest@NorthPortFL.gov.

    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.
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    10 mins
  • North Port Now: Oct. 14, 2025 | Household Hazardous Waste & Circle of Honor

    North Port Now: Oct. 14, 2025 | Household Hazardous Waste & Circle of Honor
    Oct 14 2025
    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
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    8 mins
  • North Port Now: Sep. 29, 2025 | Price Blvd Widening Project Update & National Night Out

    North Port Now: Sep. 29, 2025 | Price Blvd Widening Project Update & National Night Out
    Sep 29 2025
    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.
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    9 mins