Celebrating 65 Years of North Port, Florida

As June 18th approaches, the developing enclave of North Port anticipates its 65th anniversary. And with it, a stronger, more established identity as both a travel destination and a place to call home. Founded in June of 1959, North Port is considered a relatively new city, midway between the cities of Sarasota and Fort Myers. Since its incorporation, this area of Sarasota County has steadily grown from a rural ranching community into a thriving city with an unfolding culture and a promising future. 

A Legacy of Growth & Progress

The area traces its roots back to humble beginnings as a quiet outpost surrounded by lush forests, big ranches and pristine waterways. "At one point in time, people didn’t even know where North Port was," recalls Mayor Alice White, longtime resident of North Port and founder/chair of local nonprofit, People For Trees. "Back then, I was very limited in where I got gas and basic essentials, but that's definitely changed. I never have to explain where it is anymore. People will often say now, 'I hear you're really growing over there.'" 

North Port in the 1960s, courtesy of Mayor Alice White

Over the years, the location has experienced remarkable growth and development, evolving into a dynamic locale that now blends small-town charm with modern amenities. In 2023, North Port was named by Southern Living as one of the best cities on the rise for 2024 and was ranked the second-fastest growing U.S. city in 2023 by a recent study. 

And while North Port is one of the largest Florida municipalities in land area, it is only fractionally populated compared to its neighboring, more densely populated cities like Venice, Englewood, Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch. From its early days as a destination community for retirees to its current status as a rapidly growing residential and commercial hub—somewhere to grow your family and business—North Port has remained steadfast in its commitment to the environment as much as its progress and prosperity. 

Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Nature Trail, courtesy of City of North Port, FL

"What drew me here was its naturalness," shares Mayor White, who still lives in the same house that her then-husband and she built more than 30 years ago. In June of 1990, she first discovered the area after moving down from New Jersey to Sarasota and continued her work as a school teacher. "As you know, teachers have the summers off, so I was helping out with Mosquito Control, spraying the big fog machines, riding around in a Jeep, checking mosquito traps and answering calls," White says. "I thought to myself, 'This is the Florida I'm looking for.' Real Old Florida with its beautiful pine flatwoods in all their glory, sabal palms, live oaks and saw palmettos. Sarasota was already developed and manicured to where you didn't see as much of the natural Florida or wildlife there anymore. North Port has done so much to retain its natural landscape. The Myakkahatchee Creek still runs right through the city, which is just gorgeous, and I love that there's this culture of mountain bikers that come from all over wanting a challenging trail ride."

A Timeline of Milestones 

Throughout its 65-year history, North Port has shaped its own identifying character. From basic public services and the establishment of essential infrastructure, like post offices, schools and the North Port Library, to the creation of recreational amenities, like Warm Mineral Springs Park, and cultural landmarks, like the North Port Art Center, each milestone has laid the foundation for a bright and promising future.

In June of 1959, with a population of 178 people, the City of North Port was voted in to become the 3rd city in Sarasota County by 21 registered voters (all of which were employees of General Development Corporation, one of the largest home builders at the time). By referendum in 1974, the city's residents approved a change to its name, North Port Charlotte, to simply North Port, to clearly identify the city as a separate entity from its Port Charlotte/Charlotte County portion. Since 1980, North Port's population has grown 120%, making it one of the fastest-growing small cities in America. By 1990, the city grew to 76 square miles (now a total of 104 square miles) and after the year 2000, 64% of the total housing units would be built. 

L-R: Alice White and son Jake, North Port City Commissioners Tom Williamson, George Mullen, and Rue Berryman standing in front of where the City Hall building now sits today. Photo courtesy of Alice White.

The old City Hall building that White recalls back in the day has since become Fire Rescue Station 82 on North Port Boulevard. By 2006, the North Port Police Department Headquarters and City Hall got its new home on City Hall Boulevard. But due to the area's expansion and proliferation, the city is in the works of a proposal for a new police building and HQ complex. 

While the area tends to keep a low-key profile, North Port is probably best-known nationally for its state-of-the-art facility, CoolToday Park. The newly built complex is now the official spring training home of MLB's Atlanta Braves. "Getting CoolToday park and securing the Braves was a big ordeal for us," White recalls. The stadium was completed and opened in 2019, welcoming not only baseball players and fans of the sport, but an entire community looking to enjoy year-round events and activities. 

CoolToday Park aerial, courtesy of City of North Port, FL

By 2023, the long-awaited master-planned community and entertainment hub of Wellen Park opened. Formerly used for ranching and agriculture in the 1930s and known as Taylor Ranch, the property was eventually sold by the family and annexed by the city in the early 2000s to be developed into what is today. The Downtown Wellen Park area now includes expansive outdoor recreation areas, including the Great Lawn, Grand Lake and The Yard food and entertainment park. Throughout the years, the remaining portion of the land was parceled out to build up the residential community with several new neighborhoods as well as a shopping center, now known as the Marketplace.

Aerial of Wellen Park, courtesy of City of North Port, FL

"Today I see North Port as energetic and vibrant," shares White. "There are things that didn't exist before that do now. We're seeing nice, exciting small businesses open that are up on the newest things, that never would have entertained the idea of coming here before. Great things are happening and moving forward here."

Looking Forward: The Future of North Port

As North Port commemorates over six decades of growth and evolution, the city looks to the future with even more of the same. “We want to see people come here for more than just a day or a night, to feel like they have enough to do here that makes them want to stay here for a week or longer," says White. "I’m happy that we’ve started to coordinate those things that give people another reason to stay in North Port for more than just a day.” 

Eco-Adventures through Deer Prairie Creek, courtesy of City of North Port, FL 

While much of the community wants to preserve the area's rural nature and less-developed locality that sets it apart from Sarasota County's busy barrier islands and downtowns, there are discussions about there not being a centralized location yet in Nort Port to call "downtown." City officials are considering initiatives for creating a downtown North Port to encourage more jobs for residents and a stronger workforce within the city while welcoming new businesses and facilities to move in that are nowhere to be found yet here in this fast-growing area.

"When I first moved here, it was like, 'Let’s keep everything the same,' but we have to move along here to create an exciting community for a newer generation," says White. "We’d love to become a place where people come here for one thing and end up staying longer to explore other things."

Catching a baseball game at CoolToday Park, courtesy of City of North Port, FL

With a strong commitment to sustainable growth, protecting the natural environment and quality of life for its residents, North Port is poised for further economic growth and a new tomorrow, with changes for the better. From neighborhood development and building improvements to long-awaited projects beginning in 2024, including widening Price Boulevard and breaking ground on highly anticipated medical facilities, North Port hopes to build a future that honors its past while embracing new opportunities for those who live here, vacationing or just passing through.

"North Port still offers so many different things for people, "says White, "from farms and winding roads and nature to nice restaurants to eat at, gathering places to sit and fun spots to take the kids.” 

Explore North Port 

Leading up to North Port's 65th Birthday Celebration on June 18, the City of North Port will be sharing 65 moments from North Port's past, present and future on its website as well as on its Facebook. Use the hashtag #NP65 to view or share other anniversary moments through social! 

The free, family-friendly event on the 18th will be held from 4pm–6pm at the City Center Front Green (4970 City Hall Blvd). Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities and treats at the birthday bash, including taking a photo with a replica hot air balloon representing the city’s history and a community art project.

We also invite residents, visitors and friends of the city to explore all that this area of Sarasota County has to offer—including its many green spaces and parks, dining, shopping, and arts and cultural experiences. Our detailed itinerary of North Port is as much of a local's guide as it is for an aspiring traveler. Use it for inspiration to plan an upcoming trip this summer to celebrate the past 65 years and the next 65 ahead!