North Port, Florida

North Port is a city located in Sarasota County, Florida, United States. The population was 74,793 at the 2020 US Census, up from 57,357 at the 2010 US Census. It is a principal city in the North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It was originally developed by General Development Corporation (GDC) as the northern Sarasota County portion of its Port Charlotte development, the other portion located in the adjacent Charlotte County. GDC dubbed the city, "North Port Charlotte", and it was incorporated under that name through a special act of the Florida Legislature on June 18, 1959. By referendum in 1974, the city's residents approved a change to its name as "North Port", dropping "Charlotte" from its name to proclaim the city as a separate identity. It is home to the Little Salt Spring, an archaeological and paleontological site owned by the University of Miami.

History
Archaeological digs at the Little Salt Spring show that what is now North Port was inhabited by pre-Columbian Native Americans. Evidence of their existence includes projectile points, a carved oak mortar, and a piece of a nonreturnable wooden boomerang.

In 1954, the Mackle Brothers started the General Development Corporation with the intention of selling property in Florida to northerners. Not only would they plat and sell a majority of what is now North Port, the company's employees served on the city's first council. The city itself was incorporated in 1959.

On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made direct landfall in Florida just south of Sarasota County. North Port, in particular, experienced excessive flooding and the Holiday Park mobile home community was almost completely destroyed.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of North Port is located at 27.06611°N, -82.17194°W.

North Port is a municipality containing large-scale residential subdivisions along with an extensive network of streets. The municipality has annexed nearby locales, including the area known as Warm Mineral Springs, the location of a notable artesian spring, as well as its own significant residential subdivision.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 104.16 sqmi, of which 99.58 sqmi is land and 4.58 sqmi (4.40%) is water.

Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park is in North Port.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of North Port has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 74,793 people, 25,592 households, and 19,716 families residing in the city.

Of the 25,592 households in 2020, 4.8% of the population were under 5 years old, 18.6% were under 18 years old, and 26.7% were 65 years and older. 52.5% of the population was female.

In 2020, the median income for a household in the city was $64,543. The per capita income for the city was $34,514. About 7.0% of people were below the poverty line.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 57,357 people, 20,201 households, and 14,018 families residing in the city.

Economy
North Port is the Spring Training home for the Atlanta Braves, who hold extended spring training in North Port.

Arts and culture
In 1960, the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum was opened in North Port. The opening ceremony included remarks from the then Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. The museum has since relocated, first to Miami, and then to the present location in Titusville, Florida.

In 2007, the North Port Art Guild leased a building from the city and established the North Port Art Center. The center hosts exhibits as well as classes.

Government
North Port has a city commission/city manager form of government.

The current city manager is Alfred Jerome Fletcher, II. The city commission has five members. The mayor/vice mayor roles are voted upon annually from the commission ranks.

As of 2024, the current commission includes:
 * Mayor Alice White (District 1)
 * Commissioner Barbara Langdon (District 2)
 * Commissioner Debbie McDowell (District 3)
 * Commissioner Pete Emrich (District 4)
 * Vice Mayor Phil Stokes (District 5)

The city of North Port has its own police force, fire department, and waste management. City Hall of North Port is located at 4970 City Hall Boulevard.

Education
North Port has five elementary schools, one public charter school, two middle schools, one high school, and one college operated by Sarasota County Public Schools.

Public elementary schools

 * Atwater Elementary School (K–5)
 * Cranberry Elementary School (K–5)
 * Glenallen Elementary School (K–5)
 * Lamarque Elementary School (K–5)
 * Toledo Blade Elementary School (K–5)

Public middle schools

 * Heron Creek Middle School (6–8)
 * Woodland Middle School (6–8)

Public high school

 * North Port High School (9–12)

Charter school

 * Imagine School at North Port (K–12)

Higher learning

 * Suncoast Technical College