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North Port proclaims career‑development and small‑business months, hears public concern over River Road redesign
Summary
The North Port City Commission on Dec. 9 proclaimed November career‑development and small‑business recognition months, heard presentations on local entrepreneurship and workforce programs, and received an e‑comment criticizing a River Road intersection redesign; the meeting approved the agenda 5‑0 and adjourned at 4:36 p.m.
The North Port City Commission on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, adopted proclamations recognizing November as Career Development Month and Small Business Saturday, heard presentations from local business support organizations and parks staff, and received an e‑comment criticizing a proposed redesign of River Road and the Center Road intersection.
Vice Mayor (recorded during the meeting as the motion maker) moved to approve the agenda, a motion seconded by Commissioner Langdon; the commission voted and the motion "passed 5 to 0." Mayor Stokes called the special meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and adjourned it at 4:36 p.m.
The meeting’s public comment period included an e‑comment from Ron Orlikowski, who questioned plans to add a third southbound lane on River Road and described the Center Road intersection design as inefficient. "The southbound lane was never meant to be in for an evacuation route, so a 3rd lane is a waste of time and money," Orlikowski wrote, and he criticized a planned sequence that would require drivers to make a right onto River Road, travel about 100 yards to a traffic light, then make a U‑turn to proceed north.
Commission presentations emphasized local efforts to support entrepreneurs and workforce development. Kim Richmond, executive director at the 26 West Entrepreneurship Center at the State College of Florida, said entrepreneurship is "the currency of entrepreneurs" and noted that 74 new businesses started in the city in the last quarter. John Chicatano, business and research analyst in the city’s economic development office, introduced new outreach efforts and recognized local startups.
Representatives of technical assistance organizations outlined available services. Scott Carpenter of the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida described no‑cost consultations offered in North Port and encouraged entrepreneurs to develop and peer‑review business plans. Terry Kramer of SCORE described local mentoring resources and said a business plan is a common need for startups and existing firms seeking growth or an exit.
Parks and Recreation staff reported community engagement events: Shelby Mendelson, recreation manager, presented a Pumpkin Trail trophy and said the event drew an estimated 6,300 attendees, featured 35 partner booths and a city booth competition that received nearly 300 votes (the North Port Police Department won with 144 votes). Dylan George, recreation supervisor, said he completed the Florida Master Naturalist program and will apply that training to environmental education programs.
Victoria Witkoski, who manages employee benefits and wellness for the city, accepted a Well‑Being Works recognition for the city’s commitment to workforce health and said the city will use the award feedback to improve its program.
The meeting included routine staff roll call and no new hires were announced. After proclamations and presentations, the clerk reported no additional public comments and Mayor Stokes adjourned the special meeting at 4:36 p.m.
No formal ordinances, contracts or budget votes were taken during this special meeting beyond the procedural approval of the agenda.
