The City of North Port is a city located in Sarasota County, Florida, and has a population of around 71,000. Tucked beneath a thick oak and pine canopy, North Port is rich with archeological history, beautiful natural springs, and about 80 miles of freshwater and tidal canals.
With more than 800 miles of local roadways, North Port is home to the Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club, one of the largest in the Southwest Florida region. Adventurous canoeing and kayaking opportunities exist within the city’s estimated 80 miles of freshwater canals, the Myakkahatchee Creek during the summer months, and the Myakka River. North Port is the only city in the state of Florida that has an entire state forest inside its city limits, the Myakka State Forest. The city boasts several miles of horse trails, mountain bike trails, natural hiking paths, and bird watching opportunities. The city is known for its neighborhood parks and two indoor community centers, including Braves Stadium and Aquatic Center. It is also home to a robust arts community with the North Port Performing Arts Center and the North Port Art Center.
North Port is located at the low end of the Big Slough Watershed / Myakkahatchee Creek slough system, which causes flooding and water quality and flow conditions that are attributed not only to the city’s growth, but also to upstream runoff in the Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto County portions of the Big Slough Watershed. Additionally, the city is located in what is known as a storm surge zone, and is therefore affected by the additional flood hazards brought on by increased sea level rise.
