North Port Game Changer

Unlocking Growth in North Port's I-75 Innovation Corridor

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Welcome to the I-75 Innovation Corridor, the new nerve center of growth and development in North Port. Thanks to the extension of water and sewer infrastructure, the City has now unlocked 3,000 acres of prime real estate for development, setting the stage for a surge in commercial and industrial expansion, job growth and increases to our tax base.

Situated strategically with unobstructed access to Interstate 75, the North Port Innovation Corridor is ideally placed to serve the diverse markets spanning Southwest Florida. In an effort to provide flexible land use, the City has allocated 600,000 square feet for light industrial development along with 800,000 square feet for business park office spaces. All of this is nested within an eclectic mixed-use campus and an innovation park, fostering a rich environment for economic growth.

Watch the video above to learn more about your potential North Port opportunity in the Innovation Corridor. Thank you to the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County for partnering with us and Florida Power & Light for sponsoring the virtual tour.

Boosting Workforce and Economy: North Port Advocates for Expansion of Suncoast Technical College

Officials from North Port are making strides to address the City's workforce needs and boost economic development by urging the Sarasota County School District to commence plans for programmatic and building expansions at Suncoast Technical College in North Port. City Manager Jerome Fletcher and Mayor Barbara Langdon represented North Port, presenting alongside Dr. Ron DiPillo, the District Executive Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education and Michael Endee, Assistant Director of Suncoast Technical College ’s (STC) North Port Branch.

This initiative is seen as preparations to meet the imminent need for a skilled workforce in the City, where two hospitals, an emergency care unit, a behavioral health facility and steady demand for home and business construction projects are in the pipeline. The STC expansion would focus on equipping students with the necessary skills for these highly valued industries, thereby creating a robust local workforce and contributing to the City's economic growth.

Currently, the existing branch of the Suncoast Technical College (STC) in North Port is running at full capacity, and there is a strong demand for technical education in the City. Plans for the expansion of the facility intend to meet this demand while focusing on the needs of the local job market. The proposed programs would potentially be shaped by partnerships and input from North Port's businesses and community partners, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and focused on in-demand job skills.

The anticipated cost for the expanded 20,000-square-foot facility - which includes four labs and six classrooms - is approximately $22-24 million. Various funding avenues, including community partners and governmental grants, have been suggested to meet these costs.

Overall, the proposed expansion of Suncoast Technical College is positioned to be a significant catalyst for economic development in North Port, ensuring that our community has the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the 21st century economy.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Committed to the Health of Our Community

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System , a long-standing beacon of health and wellness in the Sarasota County community, has recently been highlighted in a video spotlighting the hospital's exceptional quality of care and deep-seated community values.

The video showcases the hospital's enduring commitment to providing the highest standards of patient care, evident in the testimonials of staff and patients alike. It presents an in-depth look at the hospital's state-of-the-art facilities, expert medical staff and the unwavering dedication that has made it a cornerstone of the community.

This feature comes at an excellent time, where the City of North Port is slated to welcome two new Sarasota Memorial medical facilities.

"Everyone wants to have a comfort level that if something were to happen, they can be responded to quickly," said City Manager Jerome Fletcher. "If we keep growing and we don't grow our resources or our amenities - and I look at the hospital as a necessary amenity to match that growth - we won't have people that are getting the care and the services that they need."

Through stories of individual care and the powerful voices of these community leaders, the video paints a vivid picture of Sarasota Memorial Hospital's defining values: patient-centered care, community partnership and educational enhancement.

North Port in the News

North Port made it to the top 10 fastest-growing metro areas in the nation, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau population data analyzed by Business Insider. Seven out of these 10 spots were claimed by Florida, showcasing our state's undeniable appeal.

North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area was highlighted as one of the Top 5 Hottest Housing Markets in 2023 according to a study by Bankrate . The area's superb performance is mainly due to ranking second in home price appreciation and 12th in population growth.

Sarasota County has made it to the list of Florida's wealthiest counties. Out of 67 counties, Sarasota County lands in the top 10. According to a recent study by SmartAsset , factors such as investment income, property value and per capita income were taken into consideration.

With a median income of $69,490, investment income of $82,509 and a median home value of $460,560, it's clear why our county ranks among the richest in Florida.