North Port Game Changer

North Port's Q Ice Cream Feature

Ray and Briana Peters

In a recent interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Ray Peters, the North Port entrepreneur behind The Q Ice Cream Truck and its forthcoming brick-and-mortar extension, “The Q Too.”?

This conversation offers a look into the origins of Briana's Ice Cream Dream, details the journey of turning The Q Ice Cream Truck from a concept into a community favorite and highlights Peters' approach to developing new flavors.??

Best of all, Peters provides us an exclusive on The Q Too's opening date.

Show the Peters some love on Facebook, or stop by The Q Ice Cream Truck for a homemade scoop.

North Port Receives $75,000 State Grant for Master Planning in Major Development Area

Community Planning Technical Assistance Program

Exciting developments are on the horizon for North Port as the City gears up to create a master plan for Activity Center 3, also known as the Gateway Activity Center.? Thanks to a $75,000 grant from the state's Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) program, City staff are now well-equipped to shape the future of this vital area located at the intersection of I-75 and North Sumter Boulevard.

The master plan will also serve as a blueprint for what will complement the incoming Sarasota Memorial Hospital, further underscoring the significance of Activity Center 3 as a pivotal development area for the City.

The City extends its appreciation to FloridaCommerce ?and Gov. Ron DeSantis for recognizing North Port as a grant recipient, part of a broader $1.2 million initiative aimed at stimulating local economic development across the state.?? FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly emphasized the importance of proactive planning for community growth in his statement, resonating with the City's mission to foster a vibrant, sustainable future.

Develop North Port’s NEW Business Registry

We're ecstatic to announce a new feature on our website: the North Port Business Registry.

Visit DevelopNorthPortFL.gov/About/Registry to explore a comprehensive list of local businesses with a registered Business Tax Receipt (BTR). This tool aims to connect consumers with local enterprises, fostering economic growth.

If you require a Business Tax Receipt with the City of North Port, click here.

As a reminder, the Sarasota County Business Tax is due on Sept. 30. Both the County and City Business Taxes are required to do business in North Port. Visit the Sarasota County Tax Collector to learn more.

North Port in the News

Reflecting on Hurricane Ian, One Year Later

"This government like many governments kicked the can of infrastructure improvements down the road for far too long," City Manager Jerome Fletcher remarked, reflecting on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian.

As the City works to rebuild and reinforce, North Port has issued more than 19,000 permits and connected over 1,200 local businesses with recovery resources.

Despite the challenges we face, 349 NEW businesses have opened their doors in our City.? North Port's entrepreneurial spirit is alive and flourishing.

Our City needs federal recovery funds to come through via Sarasota County Resilient SRQ. ?The continued involvement of North Port’s residents and businesses as this crucial funding becomes available is key.

Don't Take Your Eyes Off North Port

North Port's Innovation Corridor at Toledo Blade Boulevard and I-75, is one of 10 sites selected for the Florida First Sites Program by Florida Power & Light (FPL) in conjunction with Global Location Strategies – an acclaimed site selection and economic development firm for manufacturing and industrial companies.

This competitive recognition brings national focus to North Port, the largest municipality in Sarasota County.

According to Erin Silk, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County , “The Innovation Corridor is a cutting edge “nerve center” of prospective business park development along I-75 at Toledo Blade Boulevard. The plan opens 515 strategically located acres of land, including flexible zoning that allows 600,000 square feet of light industrial development and 800,000 square feet of business park office, which are expected to support over 1,900 new jobs.”

Hurricane Idalia Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers

In response to the ongoing needs of our community, the Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRC) will be accessible at various locations throughout Sarasota County.? These centers aim to offer support and resources to individuals affected by recent events.

Schedule and Locations

MDRC 2A

Location: St. Armands Public Parking, 58 Fillmore Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236

Dates: Sept. 22-24, 2023

Time: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

MDRC 2B

Location: Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., South Venice, FL 34285

Dates: Sept. 25-27, 2023

Time: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

MDRC 2C

Location: North Port Library, 13800 Tamami Tr., North Port, FL 34287

Dates: Sept. 28-30, 2023

Time: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

MDRC 2D

Location: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 5394 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

Dates: Oct. 1-3, 2023

Time: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

This is a valuable opportunity for residents to gain direct assistance and information.? We encourage everyone who needs support to take advantage of these resources.

For more information, please contact Interim Emergency Manager Scott Montgomery at (941) 232-2012.