North Port

North Port is a city in Sarasota County, Florida, made up of residential neighborhoods, parks, and a network of canals that runs through much of the area. The waterways connect to Myakkahatchee Creek and divide the streets into sections, while green spaces and recreation areas break up the developed zones.

The settlement began in 1959 when General Development Corporation laid out housing for employees and built the canal system for drainage. Over the following decades the community grew steadily and later gained status as an independent city.

The name derives from North Port Charlotte, referring to the location north of neighboring Charlotte Harbor. Residents today use the canal system for fishing and boating, making the waterways a visible part of daily routines and neighborhood life.

The city lies between Sarasota and Fort Myers and provides access to Myakka River State Park and several public green spaces. Visitors can explore the waterways on foot or by boat and find rest areas along the banks.

Little Salt Spring on the edge of the city preserves archaeological finds from pre-Columbian times, managed by the University of Miami. Collectors occasionally discover fossil remains along Myakkahatchee Creek, where they emerge from limestone layers along the banks.

Location: Sarasota County

Inception: 1959

Elevation above the sea: 3 m

Website: http://cityofnorthport.com

GPS coordinates: 27.06611,-82.17194

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08