Commission splits on elevating communications and IT; ordinances move unevenly toward second reading amid procedural confusion

The North Port City Commission on Sept. 4 split 3–2 on ordinances to elevate the communications division (Ordinance 2025-26) and the information technology division (Ordinance 2025-27) to full departments. Both measures drew public support and praise from several commissioners but fell short of unanimous adoption at the meeting.

Under Section 5.05 of the North Port charter, the commission must adopt an ordinance to activate or deactivate city departments. City Manager Fletcher presented both proposed ordinances and recommended continuing each to a second reading on Sept. 18, 2025. The motions to continue each ordinance passed on a 3–2 recorded vote; the mayor initially stated the measures failed because adoption requires unanimous vote. The city attorney then clarified that a 3–2 vote is sufficient to move an ordinance to second reading, while final adoption would require the unanimous vote mandated by the charter.

The communications item drew repeated public comment in support of making the division a standalone department. Michelle Moore, a local business owner, said creating a single communications department would “make our city stronger” and help the city “build more public trust.” Lance Broke and Kathy…