North Port, Florida: A Growing Community!

Greater North Port Area

[General Information] [Culture] [Schools] [Area Services] [Commercial Development] [Various Stats]

General Information

The North Port Market Area contains the City of North Port, the community of Warm Mineral springs and other developments from the eastern banks of the Myakka River to the north west corner of Charlotte County. The area is a part of the Sarasota Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

The State of Florida has recently developed the Myakka Flatwoods State Forest, 8,000 acres of land off South River Road. Horse trails and walking trails are being installed as well as other amenities.

Incorporated on June 16, 1959, North Port is the third largest municipality, in land size, in the state of Florida. It offers unlimited potential for growth over the next ten years. The undeveloped land in the area adds to the opportunity for commercial development. The North Port area has been overlooked for years and is now becoming a viable prospect for commercial development.

The strategic location of this area on the rapidly growing West Coast of Florida makes it an ideal terminus for servicing markets from Naples to Tampa. US 41 passes through the center of North Port and there are three exits for I-75 within this market area. The major airports of Sarasota/Bradenton and Ft. Meyers are just a short 30-40 minute drive. The Area Comprehensive Plan developed by Sarasota County and the City of North Port ensure a positive pattern of growth in the residential and commercial communities of this marketplace.

[General Information] [Culture] [Schools] [Area Services] [Commercial Development] [Various Stats]

Culture

Area residents have a great deal of pride in their community and they are active in shaping the growth of the North Port area. The cultural and environmental aspects add to the desirability of this community. The world famous Ringling Museum, Asolo Theatre, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center and the famous sandy beaches of Florida's west coast are close by. 

[General Information] [Culture] [Schools] [Area Services] [Commercial Development] [Various Stats]

Schools

North Port has two elementary schools. Secondary students attend nearby Venice Middle School and High School. Manatee Community College is located four miles north of the city on US 41. This college has been designated a school of excellence in the field of computer sciences. Sarasota County is planning to build a Vocational Center adjacent to the college campus. North Port High School is currently under construction (as of October 2000).

[General Information] [Culture] [Schools] [Area Services] [Commercial Development] [Various Stats]

Area Services

There are excellent medical facilities located in North Port and hospitals in nearby Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. A new hospital is being planned two miles from the Vocational Center.

The city of North Port has all municipal services, fire and police protection, government planning and city utilities. A new Municipal Complex is under construction on Sumter Blvd., just north of Price Blvd.

Sarasota county has a South County Administration building at Jacaranda Blvd. in Venice. A new Administration Building is being planned close to the Junior College.

Newspapers serving the area include The North Port Sun Herald, The North Port Opportunity, The Sarasota Herald Tribune, and The Tampa Tribune.

[General Information] [Culture] [Schools] [Area Services] [Commercial Development] [Various Stats]

Commercial Developments

Recent major construction projects include an 85,380 sq. ft. shopping plaza on 13.3 acres, with Publix as the anchor tenant. Sarasota County has built a $1,200,000 library on US 41 in the center of the city. There is another plaza, just completed with a total of 36,200 sq. ft. of retail space. The Panacea Development of 2,400 acres at I-75 and Toledo Blade Blvd. will be host to commercial business and a planned public golf course.

[General Information] [Culture] [Schools] [Area Services] [Commercial Development] [Various Stats]

Various Stats

This is truly the sleeping giant of Florida's West Coast! Based on over 87,000 platted residential lots, North Port has a projected future population of 250,000. Only 7% of North Port's 76 square miles is currently developed. There are approximately 900 miles of roadways and some 200 plus areas available for commercial development.

Within the City of North Port there are over 600 Occupational Licenses issued to businesses with store fronts, and over 1000 Certificate of Competency issued to contractors.

Based on Building Permits during 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996, there was an average of 393 starts per year. As of July 1997 there were approximately 350 permits issued.

1996 Residential Population was 16,500, Seasonal Population was approx 20,500. These numbers represent a growth rate of 137.81% as of 1996. The median age as of 1996 was 46.6.

[General Information] [Culture] [Schools] [Area Services] [Commercial Development] [Various Stats]

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Mailing Address:  13355-C Tamiami Trail, North Port, Florida 34287
Phone:  (941)426-1489       Fax:   (941)423-2403