North Report

The North Port Podcast Network is expanding with a fresh lineup of shows to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to our community! North Port Now delivers quick, news-driven updates on city events, projects, and important announcements. North Port Stories dives into the people and moments that make our city special, including the continued Voices of North Port mini-series. North Port Living is your go-to for lifestyle tips, recreation, and ways to make the most of life in North Port. Subscribe today and stay connected wherever you listen to podcasts!

What drives the City of North Port’s success? In this Newsbreak episode, we’re joined by Kaitlyn Griffin, the City’s Performance & Accountability Officer, to explore the Performance Dashboard—your gateway to understanding how North Port is meeting its goals and serving its residents. Kaitlyn breaks down the key metrics, explains how the data shapes decisions, and shares how the City is ensuring transparency and accountability. Don’t miss this inside look at the numbers that keep North Port moving forward!

We sit down with North Port Fire Chief Scott Titus to discuss the department's upcoming festive events aimed at bringing the community together and supporting those in need. Chief Titus provides insights into the annual "Fill a Firetruck" drive, scheduled for December 4 from 4–7 p.m. at the North Port Walmart, 17000 Tamiami Trail. During this event, residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or make monetary contributions to assist those in need this holiday season.Stay updated on all upcoming events and announcements by following North Port Fire Rescue's official Facebook page: North Port Fire Rescue Facebook

Urban Forester Ryan Pieper from North Port's Natural Services Division discusses the impact of hurricanes and severe weather on Florida's trees. He explains how stressors like high winds and saltwater exposure can cause leaves to change color or fall prematurely. Ryan also shares insights on how different tree species respond to natural disasters, offering practical advice for residents to protect and help their trees recover. Additionally, he highlights best practices for maintaining urban forests in disaster-prone areas and emphasizes the crucial role trees play in mitigating the effects of natural disasters, such as reducing wind speed and absorbing floodwaters.

 In this episode, Jon Kalfsbeck (GIS Administrator), Alexander DiRamio (Asset Manager), and Christopher Bair (Asset Management Technician) from the City of North Port share insights into how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is transforming city operations. They discuss the innovative ways GIS supports various departments and services, from asset management to enhancing public resources, ensuring the city runs efficiently and effectively. This conversation comes ahead of GIS Day on Monday, Nov. 20, 2024, an international event that highlights the real-world applications of GIS technology and its impact on society.Join us at the Morgan Family Community Center on Wednesday, Nov. 20th, from 2–6 p.m. to celebrate! Explore how the City of North Port is leveraging GIS to better serve residents and improve city operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to see technology in action! You can learn more all year long at NorthPortFL.gov/GIS.

North Port Police Department Chief of Staff Josh Taylor stopped by recently to share about how the department is giving back this holiday season. From the Protect and Serve event on Nov. 14 to the Shop with a Cop event in early December, there's plenty in between to keep the department busy. We hope you enjoy!Protect and ServeNov. 14, 5-9 p.m. Wings and Rings, 1081 W. Price Blvd.  Stuff the CruiserNov. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walmart, 17000 Tamiami Trail  communitypolicing@northportpdfl.gov 941-429-7300

We're still looking for adopters to adopt a family this holiday season through the Adopt-N-Shop program!We recently chatted with Programs and Life Skills Specialist Carol Valdez from the Social Services Department about the need.Individuals, organizations & businesses are invited to adopt a family this holiday season. The family's information - including names, children's names and ages, gift preferences and more - is provided to the adopter. Adopters then go shopping, wrap gifts (optional) and supply goods (sometimes even food) to their adoptees.This is a great way to spread some cheer this holiday season. Registration now closes Nov. 30. Sign up at NorthPortFL.gov/SocialServices.

Retired North Port Police Chief Victor Costello is the latest guest on the Voices of North Port podcast. He was at the department's helm when they switched to computers, which was a pivotal time for NPPD. He also worked undercover for a time. He is also a dedicated music advocate who helped to start the North Port Orchestra and continues to support the arts. Listen to this and more, like when someone brought a live alligator to his office. Eek! We hope you enjoy it.

The City's urban forester, Ryan Pieper, is back to discuss green spaces in our community. From micro forests to wildlife corridors, the Natural Resources Division is ramping up its efforts to create new habitats and build back forests. Check it out!

In this episode, City Arborist Jeremy Rogus stops by to talk about protecting the endangered, threatened, listed or protected species in our City. From the well-known gopher tortoises to lesser-known species of bats, the City employs various ways to track these species and ensure their safety. Check it out!

If you're a longtime resident of Nort Port, you've probably heard Karen Arlington's name. Since moving to the City decades ago, she's seen it grow and evolve, all while participating in many different committees and groups in the area. Learn from Karen about what North Port was like, the committees she served on and the familiar names she worked alongside, and more. 

On this episode, City Arborist Shawn Ruff discusses Native Plant Landscaping in the City. Many of you have likely heard of Florida-friendly landscaping. the University of Florida-IFAS Extension has plenty of resources to learn about what is Florida-friendly and how to plan for your yard. Shawn also discusses how to plant these specific species alongside other non-native plants and how to help them coexist. Learn how to plant a garden that will thrive in Southwest Florida! Florida-Friendly Landscaping via UF-IFAS Extension: https://loom.ly/7jWsku4

In the next episode of the Natural Resources series, Urban Forester Ryan Pieper joins the pod to talk about tree protection. This topic is of utmost importance in North Port, given the rapid growth the city is experiencing. Listen in to learn more about how the City helps to protect and maintain our tree canopy and work with developers to build responsibly. 

Have you heard of a wildlife corridor? In this episode of the North Port Newsbreak, Environmental Specialist Joe Mansuetti talks about wildlife corridors and how they benefit both humans and animals. Listen in to find out how you can help!

On this episode of Voices of North Port, Jane sits down with long-time City advocate and local journalist Elaine Allen-Emrich. Elaine has firmly planted herself in North Port, actively participating in the local Kiwanis Club and contributing to many local initiatives. Listen in to learn more about her!

Do you ever wonder about invasive species in North Port, whether it's a plant for animal? In this episode of North Port Newsbreak, Natural Resources Manager Stefan Kalev chats about invasive species management and what the City is doing to mitigate the issue. Listen in to learn more!

In this episode of Voices of North Port, we interview retired police officer and longtime resident Howard Henriksen. He shares his experience protecting the City in the earlier years and what it took to get a traffic light there. Brooklyn-born Henriksen tells it like it is, and is a great storyteller. We hope you enjoy.

In this week’s podcast, Michael McLellan shares about his work in business retention and expansion. Mike works with the Economic Development Division, and his mission is to make sure businesses want to stick around in North Port, and to help them grow and achieve more. Check it out for yourself by clicking below.

In this Voices of North Port episode, we chat with Deputy Police Chief Chris Morales. He spent nearly his entire life in North Port and has watched the City evolve and grow. Learn about his family's history, his law enforcement career and even his favorite restaurants from back in the day. Uncle Guido's anyone? We hope you enjoy the conversation.