History of North Port

Incorporated in 1959, the city was originally called North Port Charlotte.  Starting with only 23 residents, the growth has been phenomenal over the past 48 years.

People flocked to the area in large numbers even though it was necessary, in the early years, to travel to nearby Venice or Port Charlotte for food, clothing, banks and other consumer goods and services.  In a relatively short time, North Port Charlotte s population grew to over 2,500.  North Port is now 48 years old and it has a population of approximately 50,000.

Early Government

The first mayor was elected in 1963 and eleven years later, in 1974, the city s name was changed to North Port.  In 1984 North Port citizens voted to change to the city manager system of government.  The mayor and the city commissioners roles became legislative with the mayor s position eliminated in 1991.  Thus North Port adopted the five city commissioners/city manager form of government.

The Community

Today there are approximately two dozen houses of worship to meet the spiritual and social needs of the residents.

The North Port Public Library branch of the Sarasota County Library System provides comprehensive services to its patrons in its newly expanded facility.

The arts flourished as the North Port Chorale formed in 1980 and the Concert Orchestra in 1983, with the North Port Concert Band following soon after.  These three groups make up the North Port Performing Arts Association.  A full season of concerts by these groups is presented to sold-out audiences at the Performing Arts Center, located at North Port High School.  North Port also boasts a Kitchen Band, which was formed 50 years ago, and delights residents at many area functions.

The North Port Area Art Guild is contributing to the life of the community by developing opportunities for artists and craftspeople throughout the community.

Business & Industry

As North Port continues its exceptional growth, more than doubling its population in a 10 year period, the residents require more services.  Existing businesses in North Port are predominately service oriented, meeting those needs.  However, new development is expanding North Port s economic base.

Trott Circle is a small business park located just off Pan American Blvd. near U.S. 41 that provides the location for many businesses.  The North Port Park of Commerce has 170 acres of commercial, office and industrial space along Toledo Blade Blvd. between Price Blvd. and I 75.  The Park of Commerce now houses more than 35 new businesses with more than 1,000 employees.  In addition to the development taking place in commerce parks and commercial office/retail areas in the Toledo Blade Blvd., Sumter Blvd. and US 41 corridors, there are large acreage parcels available for development or further subdivision.  Several office parks will be opening very soon.  The City of North Port is a full service city offering solid waste, water, sewer, fire, EMS, and police services.

North Port has been awarded Blue Chip Status by the Florida Department of Commerce.  In addition to recognizing the labor force in North Port, the state acknowledges the city s access to training programs for that force, its generous supply of properly zoned land, its more than adequate utilities, and its desirable housing and quality of life.  Residential construction is North Port s primary industry, with new housing permits being pulled at a rate of approximately 2,500 per year.

The North Port Area Chamber of Commerce also manages the North Port Better Business Department.  They process public complaints about businesses doing business in North Port, and also provide reference information to prospective business customers.

Annual Events

Though still a small town, North Port is an extremely active community.  In addition to the activities of the performing arts groups previously discussed; the Chamber, schools, churches and local service groups and organizations hold a variety of events throughout the year.

Business/Community Expo
On a Saturday in March, residents of North Port and nearby communities welcome the opportunity to visit the Chamber sponsored Business/Community Expo to learn about the products and services exhibited by more than 75 North Port area business and organizations.

Poinsettia Parade/Block Party

The City of North Port cooperates with local organizations to sponsor a Christmas Poinsettia Parade and Block Party on the second Saturday in December.  The parade features bands, floats, marching groups and many local participants, winding up at the Block Party at Dallas White Park.

Fourth of July Freedom Festival
North Port has a full scale Independence Day celebration complete with parade and fireworks.

Golf Outings
With North Port s excellent golf courses, it is small wonder that many organizations sponsor golf outings.