North Port Game Changer

North Port Newsbreak

Karima Habity, CareerSource Suncoast

We had the opportunity to sit down with Karima Habity, Business and Economic Development Director for CareerSource Suncoast. Seven years ago, she joined the Sarasota/Manatee Workforce Board.? In?her current role with CareerSource, Karima is leading the efforts in those counties to assist job seekers with scholarships and job placements and businesses with recruiting, training, and retaining their workforce.

Take the pledge: North Port holding at first place

Wyland Foundation National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation

City of North Port Mayor Barbara Langdon is joining mayors across the country who are asking residents to make a commitment to reduce pollution and manage water resources more wisely. ?There is still time for North Port residents to take the pledge committing to smart water use throughout the month of April at?MyWaterPledge.com.

Residents who take the pledge have an opportunity to win over $50,000 in eco-friendly prizes from the Wyland Foundation. ?Other prizes include $3,000 toward their home utility payments, water saving fixtures and hundreds of other prizes.

There are only a few more days remaining to take the pledge.?Our City is currently in first place, with your participation, we can keep it that way. ?Act fast!

What's new in North Port

North Port, Florida has always been a great place to live, work and play.?The City boasts a vibrant community and an excellent quality of life, and it's only getting better. The Develop North Port Facebook?page is a great source of information for new businesses that are coming to the area.

Bayside Pet Resort

Let's not forget about North Port's pets – Bayside Pet Resort 's fourth location is coming to Wellen Park. This freestanding 16,000-square-foot building on U.S. 41 will offer overnight accommodations for up to 100 dogs and 18 cats, two doggie day cares for large and small dogs, grooming, and obedience and agility training. For our exotic pet owners, Bayside Pet Resort also accepts turtles, fish, bearded dragons, guinea pigs, rabbits and snakes. Look forward to an early 2023 opening date.

Learn more about the new Bayside Pet Resort location by clicking here.

Costco

In addition to these new restaurants, North Port will also be getting its very own? Costco Wholesale . This popular membership warehouse club will be opening a new location in the Wellen Park, one of 850 existing Costco locations worldwide.? Costco is known for its high-quality products, excellent customer service and affordable prices, making it a popular destination for savvy shoppers.

Learn more about Costco by clicking here.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites

The City of North Port is thrilled to welcome its second multi-story hotel, a? Holiday Inn Express?at the intersection of Aiden Lane and Salford Boulevard.? Holiday Inn is known for its clean, modern rooms, excellent amenities and friendly staff, making it a great choice for travelers to North Port.

Learn more about Holiday Inn by clicking here.

These new businesses are just a small sample of the development that is coming to North Port.? Our City is experiencing an unprecedented period of growth and development, and it's an exciting time to be a part of the community. ?Whether you're a business owner looking to set up shop or a resident looking for new places to eat, shop, and play, there's something for everyone.

North Port breaks ground on Sumter Blvd.

The City of North Port has initiated a major $3.8 million infrastructure project, primarily funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, to bring sewer and water services to the I-75 corridor along Sumter Boulevard, dubbed the "Gateway Corridor." This area is expected to see significant development, including the City's first hospital, with Sarasota Memorial currently in the planning phase.

The project, utilizing trenchless technology, includes 1.5 miles of water and 2.2 miles of sewer mains, with Spectrum Underground Inc. expected to complete the work within a year. The City anticipates the expansion will create up to 4,000 new jobs, reducing the current trend of 90% of North Port residents commuting to work outside the City.

View the articles below for more information about the Sumter Boulevard water and sewer extensions.

Small Business Week and Economic Development Week

The U.S. Small Business Administration ’s (SBA) National Small Business Week and the International Economic Development Council ’s (IEDC) Economic Development Week are right around the corner.? This year, National Small Business Week runs from April 30 to May 6, and Economic Development Week runs from May 8 to 12.

These annual holidays provide an excellent opportunity to recognize the role that small businesses and economic development play in our communities. ?Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and economic development helps create jobs and spur growth in our community.

Be sure to follow our LinkedIn and Facebook pages as we roll out some highlights and features over the course of the upcoming weeks.