North Report

This week on North Port Now, we preview the City’s annual Freedom Festival, presented by Dragonfly Dental, as North Port celebrates America’s 250th birthday with live music, family activities, food vendors and a fireworks finale at CoolToday Park on July 4.We also provide important fire safety updates following two large brush fires in the area. Learn about the current outdoor burn ban, what activities are prohibited and how residents can help protect the community during these extremely dry conditions.In recognition of Lightning Safety Awareness Week, we share important reminders about staying safe before, during and after thunderstorms, along with resources to help you prepare for severe weather.Plus, in this episode’s Commission Meeting Highlights, City Manager Jerome Fletcher discusses recently approved not-to-exceed assessment rates for several City districts, the latest decisions regarding the future of Warm Mineral Springs Park and a discussion about commissioner compensation, benefits and responsibili