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Full-time ER nurse, mom and published author? Chelsea Whetsel has a lot on her plate! Join us on North Port Stories as we talk with this North Port author about her debut medical thriller, They Should Have Listened, finding time to pursue her passions and showing her kids that anything is possible.

In this episode of North Port Now, we’re sharing important reminders about City facility closures, upcoming community events, fire safety and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We’ll let you know which City facilities will be closed for Columbus Day and what to expect from Solid Waste collection. We’ll also highlight the Household Hazardous Waste collection event on October 17, Fire Prevention Week safety reminders, and North Port Fire Rescue’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month efforts. Plus, we’re diving into the Pumpkin Plunge at the North Port Aquatic Center, happening October 17. Registration is required, so be sure to check the details before you go. Learn more: Household Hazardous Waste: NorthPortFL.gov/HHWPumpkin Plunge: NorthPortFL.gov/PumpkinPlunge

In this episode of Voices of Fire Rescue, Fire Chief Scott Titus sits down with Community Outreach Coordinator Jay Sousa to talk about his unique role within North Port Fire Rescue and the story behind how the position came to be. Jay shares how he found his way into the fire service later in his career, the importance of connecting with the community, and his work building relationships with local schools and residents. He also discusses what community outreach looks like from the fire service perspective, the experiences that shaped his career, and much more.

In this episode of North Port Now, we’re covering several important updates for North Port residents and businesses. We’ll break down the City Commission’s 18-month moratorium on new data center development, including what it means for the City’s existing application and how residents can stay informed about future discussions and engagement opportunities. We’ll also share an update on extended water restrictions across the region, a reminder for local businesses to renew their Business Tax Receipt by September 30, and new business activity in North Port, with 34 new businesses opening in August. Plus, we’re highlighting an important reminder about Florida’s Move Over Law after a North Port Police Department patrol vehicle was struck while an officer was assisting at a crash on I-75. When emergency crews are working on the side of the road, slow down, move over and give them room to work. Learn more: Data Center Information: NorthPortFL.gov/DataCenterInfoWater Restrictions: swfwmd.state.fl.usBusiness Tax Receipts: NorthPortFL.gov/BTREconomic Development: developnorthportfl.gov

n this episode of North Port Living, we are covering all the events happening this Fall in North Port. We are joined by Aquatics Manager Dévon Poulos and Recreation Manager Shelby Mendelson of North Port Parks & Recreation who share details of all the events happening around town in the next couple of months.  They also share insight into the many programs happening in our Community Centers and the process of creating a new program for residents to enjoy. Featured dates: Concert in the Park: Sept. 18Community Yard Sale: Sept. 19Mother and Son Night at NPAC: Sept. 25Sweetheart Ball: Oct. 9Pumpkin Plunge: Oct. 17Trick or Treat: Oct. 30Newcomer Day: Nov. 7 Featured links: All events: NorthPortFL.gov/EventsPlaybook: NorthPortFL.gov/PlaybookPrograms and Activities: NorthPortFL.gov/ProgramsNPAC: NorthPortFL.gov/PoolDrug-Free Youth Program: NorthPortFL.gov/DFyParks and Recreation Master Plan: https://www.northportfl.gov/Community-Recreation/Parks-Recreation-Master-Plan

What goes into preparing a police officer for the moments when our community needs them most? In this special Behind the Badge episode, we sit down with Corporal Peer of the North Port Police Department to take a closer look at the training and preparation behind the uniform. From the skills officers practice to the decisions they learn to make under pressure, we explore the work that happens behind the scenes to help keep both officers and residents safe.

This is North Port Now, where we bring you everything happening in and around our city. From hurricane season to a new population milestone, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know this week. \We’re talking with Deputy Emergency Manager Mike Nevarez about the latest weather forecast, what to expect locally, where we are in hurricane season and how residents can prepare. We’re also celebrating North Port reaching a population of 100,652 residents, according to preliminary estimates from the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, and looking at what this milestone means for a city that is still growing. Plus, we have important information about the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste collection event, updated multi-visit pass discounts at Warm Mineral Springs Park and the deadline to renew your Business Tax Receipt. Helpful links: Population & community engagement: NorthPortFL.gov/Engage Household Hazardous Waste: NorthPortFL.gov/HHW Warm Mineral Springs Park: NorthPortFL.gov/WarmMineralSpringsPark Business Tax Receipts: NorthPortFL.gov/BTR

In this episode of Voices of Fire Rescue, Fire Chief Scott Titus sits down with Lieutenant John Willis to talk about his journey to the fire service and the experiences that have shaped his career. John reflects on his career before becoming a firefighter, the mentors who helped guide him along the way and the lessons he has carried into leadership roles within North Port Fire Rescue. He also discusses his involvement in building and growing the department’s Peer Support Team and the importance of supporting fellow firefighters both on and off the job.

This week on North Port Now, we cover upcoming opportunities to learn more and have your voice heard on the future of data centers in North Port, including a public workshop and two City Commission hearings. We also preview the City’s annual Patriot Day Service on September 11, share an opportunity for residents to serve on the Auditor Selection Committee and congratulate North Port Fire Rescue on maintaining its ISO Class 1 rating, placing the department among the top 1 percent of rated agencies nationwide. Plus, learn how North Port Fire Rescue’s Class 1 rating can potentially benefit local property owners through homeowners insurance. Links and Resources: Data Center Information: NorthPortFL.gov/DataCenterInfo Public Comment: NorthPortFL.gov/PublicComment Auditor Selection Committee: NorthPortFL.gov/Advisory City Finance and Audits: NorthPortFL.gov/Finance ISO Rating and Homeowners Insurance: NorthPortFL.gov/Insurance Thanks for tuning in to North Port Now. Stay informed, stay engaged and stay connected.

In this episode of North Port Living, we sit down with Carol in the Social Services Division to discuss local resources available to North Port residents, just as our students are heading back to the classroom. We also talk about the inaugural Supply Squad program that began this year. It's a program all about working with schools in the City to proactively identify and assist those who could benefit the most from Social Services. Helpful links: NorthPortFL.gov/SocialServices: https://www.northportfl.gov/City-Services-and-Safety/Residents/Social-Services Social Services Programs: https://www.northportfl.gov/City-Services-and-Safety/Residents/Social-Services/Programs Family Service Center: Family Service Center

In this episode of North Port Now, we’re covering an upcoming Town Hall focused on infrastructure, a new City Commission workshop on data centers, and how residents can make their voices heard during Commission meetings. We’ll also highlight the official opening of Fire Station 87 in Wellen Park, including how the new station will support North Port Fire Rescue as the community continues to grow. Plus, with school back in session, we’re breaking down the City’s new School Zone Safety Program, including the August warning period and when enforcement begins. With temperatures staying high, we’ll also share important heat safety reminders to help keep you, your family and your pets safe. Learn more: • Infrastructure Town Hall: NorthPortFL.gov/Meetings • Data Center Information & Survey: NorthPortFL.gov/DataCenterInfo • Public Comment: NorthPortFL.gov/PublicComment • School Zone Safety: NorthPortFL.gov/SchoolZone • Heat Safety: NorthPortFL.gov/HeatSafety Thanks for listening to North Port Now—and don’t forget to stay informed, stay engaged and stay connected.

In this episode of Voices of Fire Rescue, Fire Chief Scott Titus sits down with Chief Scott Lane to reflect on a career dedicated to leadership, mentorship and developing the next generation of firefighters. The two discuss their shared history, including Chief Titus's early days in the fire service under Chief Lane's mentorship at Nokomis Fire Rescue. They also talk about Chief Lane's role in building the training program at Englewood Fire Control District, his transition to North Port Fire Rescue and the philosophy that has guided his career. Throughout the conversation, Chief Lane shares his passion for teaching, mentoring others and creating opportunities for firefighters to grow both personally and professionally. He reflects on the lasting impact of investing in people and the responsibility that comes with leading by example.

This week on North Port Now, we're giving you the latest information of what's happening in our community.  We provide an update to the City's burn ban, which was lifted earlier this week. Please note our area is still under a Phase III water restriction, set by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. This restriction applies to all homes and businesses in the area, regardless if you're on City or well water.  Plus, we discuss the latest updates with Warm Mineral Springs Park and the Hats on for Progress, a Hard Hat ceremony launching the renovation of the Warm Mineral Springs Park historic buildings on Monday, July 27.  Finally, we end the episode with Commission Highlights alongside City Manager Jerome Fletcher. The Commission discussed data centers, how this could impact North Port and what to look to moving foward.  Links and Resources: Water Restrictions and Water Conservation: NorthPortFL.gov/ConserveWildfire conditions & Burn Ban FAQ: NorthPortFL.gov/BurnBanFire Safety & Prevention Webinar: NorthPortFL.gov/WebinarWarm Mineral Springs Park: NorthPortFL.gov/WMSPHats on for Progress EventNorth Port City Commission Meetings and Agendas: NorthPortFL.gov/Meetings

In this episode of North Port Living, we're joined by North Port Fire Rescue EMS Division Chief Nick Satterly and North Port Deputy Emergency Manager Mike Nevarez to talk about heat safety. We'll be discussing all the hot topics with it being the middle of summer, including the types of heat illness, how to prevent heat illness, weather resources for you to bookmark and more.  Further resources: NorthPortFL.gov/HeatSafetyNorth Port Hazards We FaceNational Weather Service HeatRisk

This week on North Port Now, we share important reminders for staying safe during extreme summer heat, including simple ways to protect yourself and your family as heat index values climb across Southwest Florida. We also provide an update on Warm Mineral Springs Park after the City Commission approved funding to move forward with the next phase of the park's rehabilitation project. Learn what's included in the planned improvements and where to follow the project's progress. Plus, we highlight the latest episode of North Port Stories, featuring City employees who share firsthand accounts of resilience during natural disasters and the extraordinary ways they served the community when it mattered most. Finally, don't forget that many disaster preparedness supplies are tax-free in Florida year-round. We cover some of the essential items to have on hand as hurricane season continues.In this episode's Commission Meeting Highlights, City Manager Jerome Fletcher discusses key actions and decisions from the July 7 City Commission meeting. Links and Resources: Heat Safety: NorthPortFL.gov/HeatSafety Warm Mineral Springs Park Master Plan: NorthPortFL.gov/WMSPMasterPlan Emergency Preparedness and Alerts: NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts North Port Stories: Stories of Resilience: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/north-port-stories-stories-of-resilience--72794163 City Meetings and Agendas: NorthPortFL.gov/Meetings