The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced that 32-year-old Matthew Ryan Cross died after a confrontation with deputies near Hillsboro Boulevard.

The incident began around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, when CCSO deputies responded to a shooting on Malone Avenue, where they discovered one victim dead. Cross, identified as the shooter, fled the scene, sparking an intense, hours-long manhunt in the Port Charlotte area that caused multiple schools to go into lockdown and encouraged residents to stay inside.

Around 1:20 p.m., while tracking Cross through a wooded area near Hillsborough and Yorkshire, law enforcement officials received reports of another shot fired. Cross eventually emerged from the woods and, according to Sheriff Bill Prummel, pointed a firearm at himself before turning it toward CCSO deputies and a North Port police officer aiding in the search.

Seven law enforcement officers, two from CCSO and five from North Port Police, returned fire, killing Cross.

“We have kids… you always hear about these things, but nobody wants it in their neighborhood,” said a local resident following the incident.

Sheriff Prummel noted in a press conference that the suspect was “full of holes” after the confrontation, bringing an abrupt end to the incident.

The incident has significantly affected the broader Southwest Florida (SWFL) region, drawing multiple agencies to assist in the search. The investigation into the original homicide and the officer-involved shooting is ongoing, with officials working to determine the full sequence of events on Monday.

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A Sarasota County jury found Darryl Wayne Dye, 64, guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a five-day trial. Shortly after the jury returned the verdict, Circuit Judge Donna Padar handed down the life sentence.

The Incident

The case dates back to August 7, 2023, when North Port police responded to a non-emergency call from Dye reporting a dead body in his home. According to prosecutors:

Dye told dispatchers that the situation was “beyond” attempting CPR.

Arriving officers found 57-year-old Kim Szymaszek deceased from multiple gunshot wounds to her head and neck.

Investigators later discovered a firearm, magazines, and ammunition inside a silver briefcase in Dye’s bedroom.

The Verdict

During the trial, which began on March 16, 2026, the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office presented evidence uncovered through a joint investigation by the North Port Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

While the charge of second-degree murder with a firearm carries a minimum of 25 years, the judge opted for the maximum penalty of life in prison. State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office announced the final sentencing details on Tuesday, March 24, following the initial reports of the conviction.

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The new K–12 Imagine School campus in North Port will open for the 2026–2027 academic year. Based on standard Florida school opening schedules, this typically indicates a start date in early-to-mid August 2026. 

Spanning 139,500 square feet and built for 1,500 students, this modern campus will bring together the current upper and lower schools under one roof, offering upgraded sports facilities, two gyms, two cafeterias, a playground, and a full athletic field with a track.

The campus design features two main buildings: a two-story wing for grades K-5 and a three-story section for grades 6-12, all set on a 20-acre parcel just about two miles from the existing campuses. 

Everyone celebrated the start of construction, with students, staff, and local leaders gathered and cheering while the Imagine Young Marines marched in to start the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance. You could hear construction noises in the background, tangible evidence of progress.

Imagine Upper Campus Principal John Halcomb took to the podium, reflecting on how Imagine School has grown since it opened in North Port back in 2008. “We’re thriving,” he told the crowd. The school boasts an A-rating, and Halcomb gave credit to faculty, parents, students, and the wider community, with a special nod to North Port Police.

“This is the future,” Mark Pedro, president of the Imagine Governing Board, declared. He thanked everyone who worked to turn the vision into reality. “We’re on a tight schedule and can’t wait to open.”

Lower Campus Principal Aleischa Coover was visibly moved. “I really can’t believe we’re standing here right now,” she said. She recognized students and staff, some of them Imagine graduates, then pulled out a piece of paper from a January 2018 board workshop, when the idea for a unified campus first appeared. “We have been talking about this for years. It is surreal to be standing here today,” she said.

Standing before the crowd, Coover pointed out that what was once a vision: one campus, one central office, now exists. “Well, you are standing in that shared office right now,” she told everyone.

Upper Campus Assistant Principal Tony Graham chimed in, echoing the sense of excitement: “It’s a great time to be a Shark!” Plans for the $50 million facility are solid. The school sits about 1.7 miles from Toledo Blade Boulevard and will draw students from the rapidly growing North Port area.

Currently, the Toledo Blade divides the existing campuses. Soon, they’ll unite in a U-shaped campus designed for learning and growth. Drop-off and pickup will be easier thanks to a dedicated car-stacking loop. The athletic facilities, playgrounds, and classrooms will serve students from kindergarten through high school, all in one place.

North Port’s city leaders formally approved the development in June. Imagine Schools, the nonprofit network behind this project, operates 54 public charter campuses nationwide and serves around 32,000 students. With this new campus on the horizon, the future looks bright for Imagine and for North Port.

Click here for more information on Imagine Schools.

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The city decided not to pour money into fixing an aging building, choosing a full-scale $17.5 million reconstruction on the City Hall campus instead. The plan is to finish by December 2026. 

This isn’t just about replacing a building. The new station will tackle serious space shortages, boost emergency response, and meet modern storm-hardening standards. So, when the next hurricane rolls in, firefighters will still be ready to act.

The old station couldn’t keep up with code requirements or the demands of a growing community. It simply wasn’t up to the task. By going for a complete rebuild, North Port ensures a facility that’s tougher, safer, and ready to stick around for the long haul. 

The new station will house updated technology, better workspaces for emergency staff, and improved amenities for the expanding team. A city official summed it up well: This project is a direct investment in public safety. It means more efficient operations and better service for North Port residents.

Money for this rebuild comes largely from county surtax and fire district fees, underscoring a regional push to upgrade essential services. While construction is underway, fire rescue teams moved into temporary quarters. Once it opens, the new Fire Station 81 will serve as a lasting cornerstone for North Port, lifting emergency services to a new standard.

As the city’s population keeps climbing, this project is more than just a new building; it’s proof that North Port is serious about keeping up with residents’ needs. The city is making sure its first responders have a secure, modern, and efficient space to do their jobs. This grounded investment reflects what the community expects: strong, reliable public safety when it matters most.

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Drought conditions won’t let up, and now the reservoir, crucial for Sarasota, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties including North Port, is only half full. That’s a big drop from the usual 70 to 80 percent capacity seen this time of year.

Every day, these communities draw about 30 million gallons from the reservoir. But with water levels sinking, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority are getting serious about conservation.

Richard Anderson, executive director of the water supply authority, doesn’t sugarcoat the problem. “Right now we’re at 50% capacity. That might sound like a lot, but with three months left in the dry season, that’s really not that much water on hand.” He’s urging everyone to be careful with how they use water until the rains return.

When full, the reservoir holds about 6 billion gallons and reaches 35 feet deep. Anderson puts it in perspective: if the reservoir were full, you’d be standing in 15 feet of water at the current spot.

But that’s not the situation now. The region is facing a 13-inch water deficit, and the steady, soaking rain needed to refill the system rarely arrives until June. Until then, the rivers, lakes, and aquifers remain dry.

This drought is not solely a local problem. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports these dry conditions affect 18 million people in Florida. The warning is clear: water isn’t endless, and this year, it’s running short.

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James R. Prante, 65, lives on Creek Nine Drive. Police say he was behind the wheel Sunday night around 8 p.m. near the intersection of Creek Nine and Waterview. His wife, Margaret P. Garven, was riding with him when she suddenly fell out, hit her head, and lost consciousness.

Prante called 911 himself. The police report said he slurred his speech during the call.

When officers got there, they found Prante near his 2021 Club Car golf cart. He told them he and his wife had been “partying at the club since noon” before heading home.

Paramedics flew Garven to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for trauma care.

Prante agreed to a field sobriety test. Officers observed he struggled to keep his balance, slurred his speech, and noticed a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. The breathalyzer showed blood-alcohol content of .197% and .194% which is well over twice Florida’s legal limit.

Police charged Prante with DUI causing serious bodily injury, which is a third-degree felony. He spent the night in the Sarasota County Jail and got out Monday after posting a $500 bond. The court set his next court date for April 4.

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Circle February 21 on your calendar. That’s when Atlanta hits the field for their first Grapefruit League game, squaring off against the Rays over in Port Charlotte. The Braves’ training facility sits in the heart of Wellen Park, North Port, and it’s buzzing with energy.

There’s more to look forward to: big spring matchups against the Twins on February 22, and the Pirates on February 25 and March 20. Plus, the team’s got a special exhibition lined up—they’ll take on Team Colombia in a World Baseball Classic warmup on March 4.

To mark their return, the Braves are pulling out all the stops with Welcome Week at CoolToday Park. They’ve got an Open House and Party on the Plaza coming up February 14, a Cosmic Beer Run the next day, and then the Braves Country Block Party on February 16. Fans can catch open workouts, happy hours, and live music all week, leading up to the home opener against the Twins on February 22. That night brings a pregame ceremony and a concert after the final out. It’s shaping up to be a great start to the season.

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Woofstock is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Butler Park, 6203 West Price Boulevard. The department is inviting businesses and organizations that offer products or services for pets, including accessories, grooming, training, wellness items, specialty treats and other dog-centered offerings.

Participating vendors will have the opportunity to connect directly with pet owners, showcase merchandise, demonstrate services and engage with a large audience of dog enthusiasts. The event is designed to draw strong community participation, providing vendors with high visibility throughout the day.

Businesses interested in securing vendor space can apply by visiting NorthPortFL.gov/Vendor-Opportunities and completing the online vendor application.

Woofstock is also open to the public and will feature activities such as a best-dressed dog contest, K9 demonstrations, food vendors and opportunities to meet adoptable dogs in need of homes. The event is intended to provide a family-friendly environment where residents can explore pet-related resources and enjoy time outdoors with their dogs.

Additional event information is available at NorthPortFL.gov/Woofstock.

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The City’s Economic Development Division presented the inaugural GEM Award to Sam the Barber of North Port, formerly known as Tom’s Barbershop, during a special City Commission meeting held December 11 in the Commission Chambers.

The GEM Award recognizes local businesses that have become integral to the community, demonstrating stability, character and long-term contributions to North Port’s economic and cultural life.

Located at 13615 Tamiami Trail, the barbershop has served residents since the early 1960s. Despite multiple ownership changes and rebranding over the decades, the shop has remained in the same storefront, serving generations of North Port families for more than 60 years.

“This barbershop is a true North Port original,” said Michael Meerman, the city’s economic development manager. “Honoring them with our first GEM Award is a perfect way to celebrate both tradition and the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps North Port thriving.”

The award was accepted by Sam Avetisyan, who recently assumed ownership of the barbershop. Avetisyan moved to North Port about two years ago from New York, where he spent more than 30 years working as a barber.

“I was very surprised to learn it is the oldest business in North Port,” Avetisyan said. “I’m honored to continue this legacy and bring the barber shop to a higher level and serve my community.”

City officials said the Economic Development Division plans to present the GEM Award quarterly, highlighting businesses that contribute to North Port’s distinct character and long-term growth.

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Cleveland began his career as a volunteer with the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department and later served nearly four years with the Florida Forest Service before joining North Port Fire Rescue. Officials said he was widely respected for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to protecting the public.

“His contributions on and off the emergency scene reflect a legacy of honor and perseverance,” the department said in a statement. “Through the exercise of his duties, he ultimately made the supreme sacrifice as a result of occupational exposures inherent to the firefighting profession.”

Cleveland is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, Delaney and Alton; and his granddaughter, Felicity. The department said his family “will always remain a part of our fire family” and that it will continue to support them as arrangements move forward.

Details about memorial services will be released once plans are finalized, officials said.

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