North Report

Retired North Port Police Chief Victor Costello is the latest guest on the Voices of North Port podcast. He was at the department's helm when they switched to computers, which was a pivotal time for NPPD. He also worked undercover for a time. He is also a dedicated music advocate who helped to start the North Port Orchestra and continues to support the arts. Listen to this and more, like when someone brought a live alligator to his office. Eek! We hope you enjoy it.

The City's urban forester, Ryan Pieper, is back to discuss green spaces in our community. From micro forests to wildlife corridors, the Natural Resources Division is ramping up its efforts to create new habitats and build back forests. Check it out!

In this episode, City Arborist Jeremy Rogus stops by to talk about protecting the endangered, threatened, listed or protected species in our City. From the well-known gopher tortoises to lesser-known species of bats, the City employs various ways to track these species and ensure their safety. Check it out!

If you're a longtime resident of Nort Port, you've probably heard Karen Arlington's name. Since moving to the City decades ago, she's seen it grow and evolve, all while participating in many different committees and groups in the area. Learn from Karen about what North Port was like, the committees she served on and the familiar names she worked alongside, and more. 

On this episode, City Arborist Shawn Ruff discusses Native Plant Landscaping in the City. Many of you have likely heard of Florida-friendly landscaping. the University of Florida-IFAS Extension has plenty of resources to learn about what is Florida-friendly and how to plan for your yard. Shawn also discusses how to plant these specific species alongside other non-native plants and how to help them coexist. Learn how to plant a garden that will thrive in Southwest Florida! Florida-Friendly Landscaping via UF-IFAS Extension: https://loom.ly/7jWsku4

In the next episode of the Natural Resources series, Urban Forester Ryan Pieper joins the pod to talk about tree protection. This topic is of utmost importance in North Port, given the rapid growth the city is experiencing. Listen in to learn more about how the City helps to protect and maintain our tree canopy and work with developers to build responsibly. 

Have you heard of a wildlife corridor? In this episode of the North Port Newsbreak, Environmental Specialist Joe Mansuetti talks about wildlife corridors and how they benefit both humans and animals. Listen in to find out how you can help!

On this episode of Voices of North Port, Jane sits down with long-time City advocate and local journalist Elaine Allen-Emrich. Elaine has firmly planted herself in North Port, actively participating in the local Kiwanis Club and contributing to many local initiatives. Listen in to learn more about her!

Do you ever wonder about invasive species in North Port, whether it's a plant for animal? In this episode of North Port Newsbreak, Natural Resources Manager Stefan Kalev chats about invasive species management and what the City is doing to mitigate the issue. Listen in to learn more!

In this episode of Voices of North Port, we interview retired police officer and longtime resident Howard Henriksen. He shares his experience protecting the City in the earlier years and what it took to get a traffic light there. Brooklyn-born Henriksen tells it like it is, and is a great storyteller. We hope you enjoy.

In this week’s podcast, Michael McLellan shares about his work in business retention and expansion. Mike works with the Economic Development Division, and his mission is to make sure businesses want to stick around in North Port, and to help them grow and achieve more. Check it out for yourself by clicking below.

In this Voices of North Port episode, we chat with Deputy Police Chief Chris Morales. He spent nearly his entire life in North Port and has watched the City evolve and grow. Learn about his family's history, his law enforcement career and even his favorite restaurants from back in the day. Uncle Guido's anyone? We hope you enjoy the conversation.

In this Newsbreak podcast, Solid Waste Manager Frank Lama shares helpful recycling tips and information about the City of North Port's program.

This week’s Voices of North Port podcast features the original pilot of the iconic North Port hot air balloon, James Henry. What started as a promotional opportunity became a passion for flying over North Port and bringing others along. Listen in to learn about the history of the endeavor and Mr. Henry’s view from the skies. 

Voices of North Port features longtime residents and long-term employees who discuss the City's history and what it means to them. Our goal is to create a recorded oral history to preserve the voices that helped to shape the City.This episode's guest is Assistant City Manager Julie Bellia. Julie has worked for the City of North Port for nearly 45 years and has lived there since 1969. She knows the ins and outs of her community and how it formed. Listen in to learn more!

Synonymous with North Port, Joan Morgan has spent decades helping shape our City, whether as a City Commissioner or a dedicated resident. You may have heard of the Morgan Family Community Center? Listen in as Joan tells her story and shares her passion for advocating for North Port. The views and opinions expressed in the "Voices of North Port" series do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the City of North Port.

North Port is turning 65 on June 18, and the City is throwing a birthday party. Listen in as Marketing & Engagement Manager Laura Ansel chats about what to expect at the party and why this is such a big deal for our City.

In this episode, Urban Forester Ryan Pieper discusses his new position, what his duties are and what his goals are for the future. He's passionate about protecting the environment while supporting sustainable and responsible development. Listen in to learn more!If you have comments or questions for Ryan, please email NaturalResources@NorthPortFL.gov.

On this episode of North Port Newsbreak, we sit down with City of North Port Emergency Manager Stacy Aloisio to discuss National Hurricane Preparedness Week and the upcoming hurricane season. Take a listen to know how to prepare for this year and what to expect.