NORTH PORT, Fla. — On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the City of North Port held a groundbreaking ceremony for the “Circle of Honor,” a new veterans memorial to be constructed adjacent to City Hall. This initiative aims to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans, both past and present.
The event drew a large crowd, including city officials, firefighters, police officers, and community members. Vice Mayor Pete Emrich, a U.S. Army veteran, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the memorial’s significance: “It’s a big deal for our community,” he said. “It’s a huge deal for our kids to learn and to respect the military and the veterans.”
The “Circle of Honor” is envisioned as a central gathering place for veterans’ ceremonies and public reflection. The project was initiated in response to the growing attendance at Veterans Park, located off U.S. 41, which has become insufficient for large events like Memorial Day observances. In 2021, the City Commission established the Veterans Park Advisory Committee to guide the development of the new memorial. In May 2025, the Commission allocated $1.69 million from Parks and Recreation Impact fees for the project’s construction.
Construction of the “Circle of Honor” is expected to be completed by July 2026. The memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have worn the uniform.
For more information about the project, visit the City of North Port’s official website at NorthPortFL.gov.
