When you toss fertilizer on your yard before a big rain, it doesn’t have time to soak in. Instead, it washes down the storm drains, heads for the water, and loads it up with nutrients that spark algae blooms and choke out fish and other life. Stormwater Manager Elizabeth Wong put it simply: “We all need to step up and keep excess fertilizer out of runoff.” That’s the only way for the whole region to see cleaner water.

Let’s break down what’s allowed. The ban is strict for turf grass, but you can still fertilize your landscape plants if you use something with at least 50% slow-release nitrogen. Still, officials want people to cut back year-round if possible. It always helps the ecosystem.

A few ways you can help: Don’t fertilize right before storms, as this is a waste since the rain just washes it away. Keep a 10-foot buffer zone around all ponds, streams, canals, and wetlands, and never let fertilizer get into those areas. If you use a rotary spreader, put a deflector shield on it so you don’t spray product where it doesn’t belong. And don’t dump grass clippings in the drains or waterways, as those become fertilizer, too.

The City Commission updated this rule last year, moving the start date up to April to better match the rainy season and that big turf growth spurt. If you break the law, expect a fine; up to $500 for each offense.

This isn’t just about rules. The city wants a real regional impact: less nitrogen, less phosphorus, and fewer nasty algae blooms in Southwest Florida’s waterways.

Need more details or want tips for a healthy lawn without fertilizer? Check out NorthPortFL.gov/Fertilizer.

The post North Port’s Fertilizer Ban Is Back: What You Can’t Put On Your Lawn Until September 30 appeared first on Englewood Review.

Santa Claus will trade his sleigh for swim trunks to greet families for a morning of swimming, games and holiday activities. Children and parents can enjoy holiday-themed crafts, poolside games and a tropical holiday setting.

Guests are encouraged to bring cameras to capture photos with Santa. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be served at the concession stand.

“Swim with Santa is a wonderful way for families to come together, share in the joy of the season and create lasting holiday memories,” said Aquatics Manager Devón Poulos. “We are proud to offer events like this that bring the community together in a fun, family-friendly environment.”

Admission is 15 dollars per child and includes activities. Adults supervising children under age 10 are admitted free but must monitor their child in the water. Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited. Registration is available at NorthPortFL.gov/SwimWithSanta or by calling 941-429-PARK (7275), option 2.

The North Port Aquatic Center is seeking donations of new, unwrapped presents and gift cards so each child attending can take home a gift. Donations can be dropped off at the center during regular operating hours through December 12. For more information, contact Kimberly Lencki at 941-429-7143 or KLencki@NorthPortFL.gov.

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The hearing is set for 9 a.m., August 27, in the County Commission Chambers at 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Commissioners will consider an unsolicited public-private partnership proposal under Florida Statute 336.71 to design, permit, and construct a new segment of the road.

The proposed project would run about 2.7 miles from roughly a half-mile east of State Road 776 eastward to the city limits of North Port. According to county maps, the extension would be built in two segments:  0.6 miles to connect from the existing Manasota Beach Road, and another 2.1 miles extending into undeveloped land toward North Port. The route passes through areas of wetlands, residential neighborhoods, and county-owned land.

A new engineering estimate prepared for the county puts the project cost at $15.7 million, including a 30% contingency. Major expenses include $2.73 million for underground pipe culverts, $2.31 million for embankment work, $1.26 million for mobilization, and more than $1 million for asphalt paving. Other costs cover stormwater inlets, sidewalks, sod, signage, landscaping, a mid-block crosswalk, tree removal, and traffic safety features. 

Public comments will be allowed, but speakers will be limited to five minutes each, in accordance with county rules. The commission chair may adjust time limits to ensure everyone has a chance to speak.

Residents should note that the county will not provide a court reporter for the meeting. Anyone planning to appeal a commission decision will need to arrange for their own verbatim record of the proceedings.

For more information, click here.

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Located at 6205 W. Price Blvd., the geo-thermally heated competition pool will stay open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While the full water park amenities will scale back to weekends only, they’ll remain available on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility will be closed on Mondays during the fall season.

Despite the reduced hours, the center is launching a variety of programs to entice residents back into the water this fall:

• Sunflower Hour: Aimed at young children, this gentle playtime in the Pelican Playground is available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon between Aug. 20 and Sept. 19. Children 4 and under are welcome to join for $8 per class or $40 for an eight-class pass.
  
• Relax-A-Float: Tailored for adults 18 and older, this tranquil session invites guests to float around the Relaxahatchee Lazy River on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. (Aug. 19 – Sept. 11). Admission is included with a daily pass or membership.
  
• Dive into Fall: These special family events will feature extended hours in the water park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 30, Sept. 20, and Sept. 27. Entry is included with daily admission or free for passholders.
  
• Hydro-Fitness: This low-impact water exercise class runs Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. for ages 11 and up at just $4 per session.
  
• Waves Bootcamp: A high-energy aquatic workout held in the dive well on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. welcomes participants 11 and older, also for $4 per class.
  

City officials emphasized that the aquatic center remains a cornerstone of North Port’s recreational life, offering opportunities for fitness, relaxation, and family bonding well into the fall months.

More information about programs and scheduling can be found at NorthPortFL.gov/PoolPrograms or by calling 941-429-7275, option #2.

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