
Local news
North Port
Sarasota County, Florida


North Port acepta la renuncia de su administrador municipal Jerome Fletcher
North Port aceptó la renuncia de Jerome Fletcher como administrador municipal. La decisión pone fin a su gestión al frente de la administración de la ciudad; no se ofrecieron más detalles sobre los motivos de la…
City manager gets payout for leaving role; deputy city manager temporarily takes job
Jerome Fletcher has officially resigned from his position as city manager of North Port, Florida, effective this past Friday. Following his departure, the deputy city manager has been appointed to temporarily oversee…

VIDEO: North Port Police officer saves infant who wasn't breathing
A North Port police officer helped save an infant who was not breathing, according to video posted by the department on Facebook. The footage shows the officer giving the child several back blows while checking whether…

WITH VIDEO: Officer saves choking baby
North Port Police Officer Dain Wagy rescued a choking baby boy at a home on Nov. 7, using an infant-specific Heimlich maneuver after responding to a report that the child was not breathing. The baby began crying and…

VIDEO: North Port officer saves life of baby who stopped breathing
A North Port police officer is being hailed as a hero after successfully saving the life of an infant who had stopped breathing. The officer arrived on the scene and performed life-saving measures, effectively clearing…
North Port city manager to resign
North Port’s city manager plans to resign. The announcement concerns the leadership of the Florida city, but no further details about the timing or circumstances of the departure are provided.

Woman with machete causes lockdown at Lamarque School
Lamarque Elementary School went into lockdown Wednesday morning after a woman carrying a machete caused concern near the campus. The school secured its grounds while authorities responded. The available report…

Veteran oncologist, patient find trust in cancer treatment
Retired Navy Master Chief Scott Fusco says he feels particular trust in his prostate cancer treatment because his radiation oncologist, Brian Lawenda, is also a military veteran. Lawenda, who served 13 years on active…

City Manager Jerome Fletcher confirms he's leaving North Port job
El administrador municipal de North Port, Jerome Fletcher, confirmó que dejará el cargo tras cinco años. Su salida se produce después de que un comisionado pidiera investigar una posible interferencia electoral y de que…
Wellen Park High School Swim Team
Wellen Park High School swimmer David Hanin placed third in the 200-yard individual medley and fourth in the 500-yard freestyle. The results highlight his performance in two events for the school’s swim team.
Wellen Park's 2nd Annual Spooktacular
Hundreds of children and families attended Wellen Park’s second annual Spooktacular on October 30 in Downtown Wellen Park. More than 20 local businesses hosted booths, while children collected candy, decorated pumpkins…
Wine Festival returns to Wellen Park
The third annual Wellen Park Wine Festival is scheduled for Nov. 14 in Downtown Wellen Park, featuring nearly 40 vintners, food pairings from local restaurants and live jazz and blues. A separate five-course wine dinner…
Area news briefs for Nov. 10, 2026
Area organizations in North Port, Englewood and Port Charlotte have announced upcoming community events and services. The Friends of Shannon Staub Library will hold a three-day book sale Nov. 12–14, while the Lemon Bay…

'Election interference': Commissioner files complaint against city manager
North Port City Commissioner Demetrius Petrow has asked police to open a criminal investigation into city manager Jerome Fletcher over alleged election interference. The request raises questions about possible conduct…
GROWING TOGETHER: Pet treat company, North Port Market find balance
A local pet treat company and the North Port Market are collaborating to find a sustainable balance for their operations. This partnership highlights the growth of small businesses within the community and their efforts…

Familia de Gabby Petito apoya búsqueda de Bryan “Vladek” Hasel cinco años después de su desaparición
Cinco años después de la desaparición de Bryan “Vladek” Hasel, la familia de Gabby Petito ha expresado su apoyo a la búsqueda continua para esclarecer los hechos. El caso, que ha mantenido el interés público durante…

Gabby Petito's family 'determined' to help in search for Bryan 'Vladek' Hasel 5 years after disappearance
Five years after the disappearance of Bryan 'Vladek' Hasel, who vanished following an encounter with Florida police, the family of Gabby Petito has expressed their continued determination to assist in the search…
FDOT: Sumter northbound ramp to close at night
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced that the northbound on-ramp at Sumter Boulevard and Interstate 75 in North Port will be closed nightly from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. between November 9 and November…

PREP BOYS SOCCER: North Port ruins Wellen Park's debut in 1-0 win
North Port High School defeated Wellen Park High School 1-0 in a boys soccer match on Tuesday night. The game marked the inaugural season opener for the Wellen Park Eagles. Shane Dunn scored the decisive goal in the…

Peace River water levels expected to top 16 feet
Water levels in the Peace River are expected to reach a peak of over 16 feet following recent flooding. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office reported that the rising waters have already impacted local roadways as of…

NORTH PORT: Allen-Emrich, Lisitsyn win seats
The North Port City Commission is set for a leadership change following the results of the 2026 midterm elections. Candidates Allen-Emrich and Lisitsyn have successfully won their respective seats on the commission.

How gas prices have changed in North Port in the last week
Gas prices in the North Port area have dropped by 33 cents over the last week, according to AAA statistics released on November 2. The current price for gas is $3.77, while diesel is currently at $5.98. Although the…

NORTH PORT: Price Boulevard flooded, closed
Price Boulevard in North Port has been temporarily closed to traffic between Cranberry Boulevard and Salford Boulevard due to significant flooding near the MacCaughey Waterway. City officials have advised motorists to…
NORTH PORT: Two seats up for grabs on North Port City Commission
Two seats on the North Port City Commission are up for election, drawing attention to the local municipal race. Voters in the area will decide who fills these positions, which are critical for shaping city policy and…

Local teachers seek financial help from community for all-terrain wheelchair for student
Teachers at North Port High School have launched a crowdfunding campaign to purchase an all-terrain wheelchair for freshman student Landon Swihart. Born with spina bifida, Swihart has struggled to access rugged outdoor…

NORTH PORT: Plans submitted to demolish shutdown Wendy's
Plans have been submitted to demolish the former Wendy's restaurant located at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Sumter Boulevard in North Port. The property, currently owned by MidFlorida Credit Union, is slated for…

PREP FOOTBALL: North Port ends season with a win over Kathleen
North Port High School concluded its football season on a high note with a decisive victory over Kathleen. The team delivered a strong performance, particularly during a near-perfect first half that set the tone for the…

COLUMN: North Port University: Learn today, lead tomorrow
This column explores the essential, often unseen operations that keep a city functioning, from water infrastructure to road maintenance. It highlights the importance of understanding local government processes…

North Port man convicted of second-degree murder in 2025 fatal shooting
A North Port man, Michael David Reinel, has been convicted of second-degree murder following a three-day trial in Sarasota County. Prosecutors stated that Reinel shot the victim five times during an argument at a North…