History of North Port:
Incorporated in 1959, the city was originally called North Port Charlotte.  Starting with only 23 residents, the growth has been phenomenal over the past 48 years, especially the last 7 years.  People flocked to the area in large numbers even though it was necessary, in the early years, to travel to nearby Venice or Port Charlotte for food, clothing, banks and other consumer goods and services.
In a relatively short time, North Port’s population grew to over 2,500.  North Port is now 48 years old and it has a population of approximately 50,000.  Strategically located near the rapidly growing west coast of Florida, North Port is between Naples and Tampa.  Closer large cities being Sarasota and Ft. Myers and still in wonderful Sarasota County U.S. 41 passes through the center of town while I-75 is close by with two exists located in North Port, with a third exit just to the north of North Port.
Though still a small town, North Port is an extremely active community.  In addition to the activities of the performing arts groups; the Chamber, schools, churches and local service groups and organizations hold a variety of events throughout the year.  North Port has an unspoiled natural environment where wildlife flourishes among 95 miles of freshwater canals.  North Port is also the only city in Florida that contains a state forest (Myakka State Forest) within its corporate boundaries.  North Port offers a multitude of recreational opportunities such as golfing, fishing, horseback riding and canoeing.
  
  Weather:
North Port enjoys many sunny, balmy days perfect for the beach.  Although the city is located inland, the weather is still influenced by close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.  The annual average temperature of 76 degrees makes year-round living pleasurable.  The average temperature during the winter months is 63 degrees, while the summertime average rises to 82 degrees.
  Education:
New schools include North Port High School, Heron Creek Middle, Cranberry and Lamarque Elementary schools, in addition to Glenallen and Toledo Blade Elementary schools.  North Port is served by a top-notch public school system, a community college less than 5 miles away and three four- year institutions with a 60-mile radius.
  Shopping:
Recent business to open include:  Super Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Publix, Beef O-Brady’s, Applebees, storage and car care services, Sonic, pharmacies and much more to come.
  
  Important Telephone Numbers:
Sarasota County Emergency Management – 861-5000
Emergency – 911
Non- Emergency – 316-1201
American Red Cross – Sarasota – 379-9300
American Red Cross – Port Charlotte – 629-4345
Charlotte County Emergency Management – 505-4620
North Port Police – 423-3116
North Port Fire – 423-4353
Florida Power & Light (FPL) 1-800-375-2434
Englewood Community Hospital – 475-6571
Fawcett Memorial Hospital – 629-1181
Peace River Regional Medical Center – 766-4122
Sarasota Memorial Hospital – 917-9000
Venice Regional Medical Center – 485-7711
All numbers are 941 area code unless otherwise listed.