North Port News

North Port Forward is holding a fundraiser at Culver’s of North Port, 5648 Tuscola Blvd., North Port the week of June 23-29.

Culver’s hosts North Port Forward fundraiser

North Port Forward ( northportforward.com ) — a nonprofit organization that seeks to inform, educate and inspire citizens so that they’ll become more involved in making the city a great place to live, work and raise a family — is holding a fundraiser at Culver’s of North Port, 5648 Tuscola Blvd., North Port ( only at this location). For the week of June 23-29, 10% of sales will be donated to North Port Forward when you mention you are supporting the fundraiser. There is no limit to how many times you can patronize the restaurant. So, enjoy a meal and support North Port Forward.

North Port welcomes 70 new businesses

Celebrating its tradition of fostering a thriving business community, the city of North Port once again played host to the successful Business Welcome in the first quarter of 2024, for new businesses that joined the city in January, February and March. The city celebrated the addition of 70 new businesses during this quarter at Saturday’s event at City Hall (see the list at content.govdelivery.com/attachments/FLNORTHPORT/2024/05/06/ file_ attachments/2869221/q1%2024%20 businesses.pdf).

The city of North Port hosted Business Welcome at City Hall for new businesses that joined the city in January, February and March.

The newly inducted members of North Port’s flourishing entrepreneurial scene were all publicly acknowledged, each receiving signed certificates, taking part in a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony and meeting community partners committed to their growth and success.

North Port’s successful blend of affordability, quality of life, economic opportunities and good governance has elevated this city into the Top 10 Best Places to Start a Business and the No. 1 City for Job Seekers in the country.

The event also served as a platform for the newcomers to introduce their business concepts, mingle with city staff, dignitaries and local partners, and meet with business development organizations. These included representatives from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida (SBDC Tampa Bay), CareerSource Suncoast and the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, among others. These organizations provide essential resources, tools and support that contribute to the dynamic growth of North Port’s emerging business landscape.

Businesses in North Port are invited to engage with the city’s Economic Development Division by calling 941-429- 7029 or emailing EconomicDevelopment@ NorthPortFL.gov .

North Port gets kudos from Communicators Association

The city of North Port and the North Port Police Department have once again achieved the Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications from the Florida Municipal Communicators Association (FMCA), and the city’s Communications Division earned two statewide awards from the professional organization.

This is the second straight year the city and NPPD have been awarded the Certificate of Excellence, which recognizes those local governments and agencies whose communications staff have established and are utilizing different tools, resources and technology to effectively and efficiently communicate with their residents.

“In an era where communication channels are constantly evolving, it’s imperative for local governments too adapt to disseminate information on to their residents effectively,” said FMCA President Kevin Hogencamp, deputy city manager for the city of Atlantic Beach. “Achieving the Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications highlights municipal communications teams’ commitment to leveraging diverse tools and technologies to effectively engage and inform their communities.”

The Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications Program also includes certificates for individual local government communicators who demonstrate exemplary work, training and participation in FMCA programming, including ethics courses and professional development. Three City employees — Police Chief of Staff/Public Information Officer Josh Taylor, Deputy Communications Manager Madison Ingalls and Communications Manager/ PIO Jason Bartolone — earned their individual certificates this year.

The city also earned 2024 Outstanding Awards in two categories, as selected by a judging panel of communications peers from other Florida cities or towns:

• Annual Report for “A Pathway Forward,” a digital publication (www.northportfl. gov/ City- Government/ City-Leadership/City-Manager/Annual Report-FY22-23) highlighting the city’s achievements in Fiscal Year 2022- 23 and the first citywide annual report North Port has produced (watch the award vvideo at www.youtube.com/ watwatch?v=DSmDiTqPBWY).

• Communications Plan for its annual communications strategy (watch the award video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nLVciLm-ORQ ).

“These awards demonstrate North Port’s commitment to the highest levels of professionalism and expertise in our communications with the public,” Bartolone said. “We are honored to be recognized among the top communications teams and professionals in the state.”

For more information on the FMCA Certification Program and the 2024 Outstanding Award winners, see fmcaonline.com .

NP Parks & Rec named award finalist

North Port Parks & Recreation Department has announced it has been selected as a 2024 American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration National Gold Medal Award Program Finalist for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in Class III (population 75,001–150,000).

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year.

“We are extremely proud and honored to be selected as a finalist for this prestigious award,” said Director Sandy Pfundheller. “This remarkable accomplishment is especially significant for our team as it is unusual for first-time applicants to achieve finalist status. It speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication our team demonstrates in their work and their daily service to the community.”

The department is currently collaborating with the city’s communications team to create a five-minute video that will be part of the final phase of the award process, submitted to a panel of park and recreation professionals who will review and judge all application materials. This year’s finalists will compete for the Grand Plaque Award honor and be announced at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in October in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information about the 2024 Gold Medal Award official announcement, see NorthPortFL.gov/ParksAndRecreation.

Dallas White Park undergoes maintenance

The North Port Parks and Recreation Department announced the commencement of work on Project #P23DWM for temporary Park Maintenance facility at Dallas White Park. This project is anticipated to run through November, and will establish much-needed temporary operational facilities after the permanent facility on Pan American Boulevard was severely damaged during Hurricane Ian.

Key components of the project include the placement of temporary trailers to serve as administrative offices, along with associated infrastructure improvements. These improvements will provide designated space for maintenance operations, including workshop and secured storage for equipment, vehicles and supplies. In addition to the main project area, a portion of the parking lot that serves the park off Greenwood Avenue will be closed to public access and marked with construction fencing. Access to the park’s amenities such as pavilion, playground, courts and boat ramps will remain open to public access throughout the construction period.

Additionally, the Scout House, Fire Station 82, Utilities Temporary Administration and the North Port Art Center will remain accessible as per established operations/schedules. Park patrons are encouraged to utilize the parking lot located off Sam Shapos Way for convenient access to Dallas White Park during this period.

The post North Port News first appeared on Town Chronicle .