The moratorium would stop the city from accepting or processing new data center applications while leaders dig into the best ways to regulate these facilities. 

One important detail: commissioners amended the measure so that North Port’s single existing data center application could keep moving through the review process. Still, it can’t get final approval while the moratorium is in place.

The ordinance goes back to the commission for a final vote on September 22. In the meantime, the city has planned a data center workshop on September 3 at City Hall. They want residents to come out, get informed, and weigh in, as there’s clearly a lot of community interest. City officials said they appreciated the passion and thoughtful feedback at Monday’s meeting, especially from those who stayed until the end.

This moratorium isn’t just about hitting pause for the sake of delay. North Port wants time to study the impacts of data centers, issues like water and electricity demand, infrastructure strain, and environmental risks. The city’s also looking at how other communities, including Sarasota County, have tackled similar issues.

One of the more striking parts of the proposed ordinance is its retroactive aspect; it would apply to all data center applications, even those submitted before the effective date, regardless of whether they’re complete. Consequently, the data center application North Port, received late on July 20, just hours before this moratorium was raised, falls under the freeze. The applicant behind that project hasn’t been revealed, and city officials say state law protects the company’s confidentiality while expansion plans are under review.

Commissioners seem open to working with companies that want to invest in North Port, as long as they’re willing to engage with the city’s concerns and wait out a temporary pause. Commissioner Phil Stokes summed it up: he expects applicants to respect the city’s process and cooperate, not walk away just because things slowed down.

North Port’s situation mirrors what’s happening in other parts of the SWFL region, where cities are weighing the promise of big data projects against the need for careful oversight. Right now, the only data center with a green light in the area is a multimillion-dollar project in Fort Meade.

This conversation continues. The city’s next steps, another commission vote and ongoing public workshops, will determine what data centers look like in North Port’s future. The commission currently desires continued discussion and public involvement to shape the rules before making significant decisions.

The post North Port Pushes Forward with 18-Month Data Center Freeze appeared first on Englewood Review.

Cape Coral grabbed the fifth spot, North Port landed at ninth, and Jacksonville and Tampa also placed in the top ten. The Sun Belt dominated the rankings, snagging nine out of the ten top spots.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, took first place for momentum, while San Antonio and Houston followed close behind. San Antonio saw its software developer jobs soar, up 73% since 2022.

Coddy Tech ranked cities based on several factors: growth in software developer jobs, how often people searched online for coding topics, and a jump in hackathon activity.

The study didn’t just look at growth; it also scored metros on how established their coding communities are. For that, researchers checked search interest, how many developers use GitHub, the concentration of software developers, demand for coding boot camps, and how active the local hackathon scene is.

Austin topped that list, with San Jose and Seattle right behind. Both Austin and San Jose pulled ahead of the rest by over 20 points.

Coddy Tech adjusted the data to account for population differences, measuring how densely coding activity was clustered, not just which places are biggest.

One thing to keep in mind: The study ties coding activity to metro areas, but that doesn’t mean local conditions are always the driving force. Also, because GitHub users enter their location manually, the data isn’t perfect; there’s some over- or under-counting.

Click here to check out the full study and all the rankings online.

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This wasn’t just any season opener; it was the first football game ever played at Wellen Park, and the Eagles didn’t disappoint. They cruised to a 45-7 victory over their rivals from North Port, putting on a show for a packed stadium in Sarasota County.

The atmosphere after the game was electric. Wellen Park High took to social media to soak it all in: 

“We’re still taking in everything that was last night. What a way to finish our first week at Wellen Park High School. 

To our families and our Wellen Park community—thank you.

Thank you for showing up. Thank you for packing Wellen Park Stadium. Thank you for cheering on our kids, our cheerleaders and our band. And thank you for being part of a night that we’ll remember for a long, long time.

There are going to be a lot of ‘firsts’ this year, but last night felt different. Walking around the stadium and seeing our students, families, staff and community all together—it felt like Wellen Park High School became a little more real.

We learned some things, we’ll keep getting better, and we appreciate the patience and grace you showed us throughout the week.

And getting to finish it all with the first football win in Wellen Park High School history? Pretty special.

One week down.

We’re just getting started.

Go Eagles!”

Wellen Park High School officially opened its doors to students on August 10, 2026, kicking off the 2026–27 school year. Before that, the community celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on July 28. Now, with their first victory in the books, the Eagles are off and running.

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Each shift, the station fields a team: one lieutenant and four firefighters. They’ve got Engine 87, Brush Truck 87, and Rescue Truck 87 at their disposal. The developer built the facility, with funding routed through the West Villages Development District’s impact fees.

Station 87 is now the second fire station working right inside Wellen Park. For families in the new subdivisions spreading through the southern parts of North Port and Venice, this means faster emergency response times and extra peace of mind.

The post North Port Opens New Wellen Park Fire Station 87 To Support Growing Population appeared first on Englewood Review.

All afternoon, you could hear the helicopter sweeping overhead, carrying water in its Bambi bucket from a nearby pond and dropping it onto the flames. Firefighters in brush trucks pushed their way deeper into the fire zone, joining crews from all over the region. Everyone was up against the same obstacle: relentless dry conditions.

As of 1:50 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Florida Forest Service said the fire had burned through 850 acres, and they’d contained 90% of it. That sounds like positive news, but with how dry the area’s been since last October, and barely any rain in sight, it’s difficult for everyone in the Southwest Florida area. The burn ban hasn’t let up, and the drought index keeps climbing.

Some firefighting teams attacked the flames directly, while others dug containment lines to keep the fire from spreading. Smoke drifted through the air all afternoon, making it feel as if the fire was never far away. Fire officials admitted that the dry conditions made it a stubborn blaze. There was no shortage of effort, as the North Port Fire Department coordinated a response that brought in crews from several agencies. 

The drought continues to test everyone, but the fight isn’t slowing down.

The post Smoke Swirls Over I-75 as Fire Crews Battle Stubborn Southwest Florida Wildfires appeared first on Englewood Review.

The celebration brought together residents, their families, community partners, and supporters, all gathered to share in the excitement and the vision for more accessible and dignified housing.

The Independence Villas sit at the front of the campus. They offer a quiet, supportive setting, close to everything Loveland Center offers: programs, amenities, and that sense of belonging. Each villa includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a private lanai, and accessibility features throughout. These homes are affordable for people earning about 60% of the area’s median income. 

But it’s not just about the walls and floors; residents find access to therapies, the performing arts, dining, recreation, and supported living services through Loveland’s partners. Residents also receive a significant benefit with provided transportation, featuring on-site parking and Breeze+ service that goes right to the door. Service and emotional support animals can come too, and regular community events tie everyone together.

At the heart of the campus, the Equality Lofts overlook the lake. With both one- and two-bedroom layouts, these apartments are all about community. Residents here live independently but always have social connections close at hand, whether through shared spaces, arts, or wellness programs. Like the Villas, the Lofts are fully accessible, with elevators to make moving around easy. Every building features laundry facilities and a private resident community room, made for get-togethers. With affordable rents, easy access to therapy, recreation, and a vibrant schedule of campus events, the Lofts are lively spots within the SNCDRC. They also meet transportation needs with parking and Breeze+ service, and they welcome animal companions.

Loveland Center doesn’t walk this journey alone. The expansion bears the names of Brent and Stacy Pinkerton (Building B) and Steven and Rendenta Picazio (Building A), honoring their support. Special thanks went to Boone Law Firm for pro bono legal services, Half-Acre Construction for building the lifts, and MPS Construction for their work on the Villas. The event also recognized the ongoing support from the Sarasota County Commission, Bob and Terry Lewandowski, several Florida legislators, and Governor Ron DeSantis.

No one received deeper appreciation than Senator Nancy C. Detert. Her vision and commitment made this community possible. She spent her life advocating for Loveland Center and other social service groups, making a difference that will last well beyond her time. Senator Detert passed away before the expansion was complete, but her family was there to accept the honor on her behalf.

Stories and laughter filled the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Residents like Sandy S., Ben K., Brianna W., and Vanessa F. were there to share the joy. Brianna’s shout, “Go Loveland!” captured the mood. Sandy said, “I’m so excited to be here in my new home, my new villa. I’m a VIP and everything is nice.” CEO Patrick Guerin III summed it up best: “The initial dream here was to do something different,” and Loveland Center has delivered, bringing to life a place where people can live with true independence and belonging.

The expansion of the Senator Nancy C. Detert Residential Community keeps pushing forward Loveland’s work, creating places where everyone can belong, grow, and lead self-directed lives.

Since 1962, Loveland Center has helped people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build life skills, pursue education, find jobs, and live independently. Their mission: help every individual live life to the fullest by promoting independence and self-advocacy.

To learn more about Loveland Center and its programs, visit www.lovelandcenter.org or email info@lovelandcenter.org.

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The second annual senior prom, themed “Palm Trees and Pearls,” gave older adults the opportunity to experience or relive a memorable milestone, featuring a luncheon, dancing, the crowning of a prom king and queen, and a special celebration offered at no cost.

A committee representing local health providers, churches, and community organizations organized the “Palm Trees and Pearls” Prom, which Cyndi Calk of Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, Trish Vitaletti and Linda Young of San Pedro Church, Tonia Olsen of Seniors Blue Book, Wendy Nolan of Archwell Health, and Alexis Raptis of The Gallery of North Port coordinated. Their shared goal was to create a meaningful and accessible experience for area seniors.

Thanks to community sponsors, attendees could enjoy the event at no cost. The Gallery of North Port provided a catered meal, while Grand Living at Wellen Park created a dessert table. Additional support came from local partners and volunteers, including San Pedro Church members who helped the event run smoothly. Additional sponsors include House of Hormones, ActivAge Senior Care, Truewood by Merrill, TNG Real Estate, Mortellaro Law, Amerilife, Assisting Hands, Encompass Health, and Archwell Health.

Building on lessons learned from its inaugural year, organizers expanded the celebration with improved lighting, more decorations, and additional photo areas. A larger dance floor accommodated the crowd as guests enjoyed live music from “Andy’s 57 Chevy”, a five-piece band that kept attendees on their feet! Designated seating areas were also arranged for groups from communities such as Truewood by Merrill, The Gallery of North Port, Grand Living at Wellen Park, and local church groups.

The prom continues to hold special significance for many participants. Organizers noted that during the first year, 40 of the 180 attendees had never experienced a prom before. That impact remains central to the event’s mission.

Fellow attendees enthusiastically supported Frank and Honey Stroker when they crowned them this year’s king and queen, and they received crowns, sashes, and a gift basket.

The prom also featured emcees Trish Vitaletti and Tonia Olsen, while volunteers and sponsors, including bartenders Amber with ActivAge, Sidney Calk of Archwell Health and Brian of Truewood, contributed to the festive atmosphere.

Guests were each presented with a flower and a small gift as they departed, many expressing appreciation for the experience and plans to return next year. Organizers said roughly half of this year’s attendees had also taken part in the inaugural event, reflecting the prom’s growing popularity and lasting impact within the community.

The post You’re Never Too Old to Dance: ‘Palm Trees and Pearls’ Prom Celebrates Seniors appeared first on Englewood Review.

This free community expo pulls together over 60 local organizations, nonprofits, city departments, and businesses, so residents can see firsthand what’s available around town, including programs, services, and opportunities that make North Port tick.

It’s part showcase, part resource fair, and completely about connecting people. You have time to meet the folks who are helping our city thrive and learn how you can be a part of it, too.

Newcomer Day isn’t just an event; it’s your gateway to North Port. Offered in collaboration with the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, this expo brings together over 40 community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses at info tables, ready to share what they do. Whether you’ve just moved here or lived in North Port for years, it’s the perfect way to get plugged in.

Thinking about showcasing your organization or business? Don’t miss this chance to connect and show the community what you offer. Click here to register in advance.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to noon at the George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way. Spend your morning discovering what makes North Port a welcoming, connected community.

Want all the details? Head to NorthPortFL.gov/NewcomerDay.

The post Explore North Port: Free Newcomer Day Expo Showcases Local Gems appeared first on Englewood Review.

The students were riding e-scooters in a crosswalk, headed to Atwater Elementary, when a turning vehicle struck them, according to North Port Police. One child’s injuries triggered a trauma alert, bad enough that emergency crews responded quickly.

Ambulances took both kids to SMH. The weather was rough, so air transport wasn’t an option.

People who live nearby said they’re worried, and not for the first time. They’ve seen cars speeding down Atwater Drive, often pushing 50 or 60 mph where the speed limit’s only 40. It’s a problem that’s gone unaddressed for too long.

Police stressed that this is a wake-up call about e-scooter and e-bike safety. Brittany Kammerer, the police department’s public information officer, urged parents to teach kids that helmets aren’t optional; they’re required by Florida law. She pointed out that even a slow-speed fall can leave lasting injuries. Fun as it is to zip through town, kids need to slow down at intersections and pay attention to what’s going on around them.

This crash comes right after Charlotte County Public Schools announced a crackdown on speeding in school zones, rolling out cameras to enforce the limits. 

Atwater Elementary School distributed this letter to parents on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, in response to the incident: 

Dear Atwater Families,

This morning, two students were involved in a serious accident off campus on their way to school. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and both students were transported for medical care.

We understand that some students may have witnessed this incident. Our district student support team is on campus today to provide assistance to any students who may need it.

The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with local authorities as they review the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Please take a moment to remind your child about the importance of safety when walking, biking, or scootering to school.

We appreciate your support and understanding. If you feel your child may need additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mindy Long

The post Two North Port Elementary Students Injured After Car Slams Into E-Scooters at Busy Intersection appeared first on Englewood Review.

“Victor was kind of just a giant of a man. He had a large personality; he was unwavering,” said Fire Chief Scott Titus. “He worked very hard, brought on a lot of new guys, and he will be dearly missed.”

The ride started at City Center Front Green and wrapped up at Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson in Port Charlotte. Riders came from all over the Suncoast, a sign of how far Victor’s influence reached, both at the station and beyond.

Money raised from the event will go directly to Victor’s family. Some of it will also help fund a scholarship for future firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, a fitting tribute to a man who loved mentoring the next generation.

“It’s really amazing how many people have come out to support and help,” said Chief Titus. “The loss to our department was profound, and this is a great way to honor him.”

The organizers urged even people who don’t ride bikes to come out and be part of the final stop, just to show they cared.

Victor died on December 11, 2025, after what coworkers called a long, courageous fight. Nearly twenty years on the job, his dedication, compassion, and influence shaped the careers and lives of people all around him.

Looking at the crowd on Saturday, it’s obvious that Victor’s memory is still very much alive in the community he served.

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