North Port commissioners pledge to keep senior center, food pantry in community; direct staff to study repair, replacement and interim options

At a City Commission workshop on Oct. 6, 2025, North Port commissioners said they would work to keep services provided by the city-owned community services facility at 4940 Pan Am Boulevard in the community while staff studies repair and replacement options.

The commission opened discussion after public commenters, including volunteers and nonprofit leaders, urged the city to preserve the senior center and the Awaken Outreach Center food pantry, which operate from the building. City Manager Fletcher told the commission the structure, built in 1977 with additions through 1982, shows extensive corrosion, noncompliant roofing and life-safety deficiencies and that immediate repairs were estimated at roughly $574,956 with an additional $202,000 needed in about five years; a full renovation estimate ranged up to about $2,000,000 in the city memo.

Commissioner Langdon, who led the push for formal direction, said the organizations “are integral parts of this community” and urged the commission to “find money for this, whether we keep the building patched for the next few…