Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Meeting Summary topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Port commission offers condolences for fallen firefighter, approves agenda and honors staff
Summary
At its Dec. 11 meeting, the North Port City Commission announced the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Frederick Cleveland, approved the meeting agenda 5-0, and recognized staff achievements including City Clerk Heather Faust's Florida certification and the Parks & Recreation 'Sugar Treat' event with 6,500 attendees.
The North Port City Commission opened its Dec. 11, 2025 meeting by announcing the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Frederick Cleveland and offering condolences to his family, then moved through routine business and a series of staff recognitions.
Mayor said, "North Port Fire Rescue solemnly announces the line of duty death of firefighter Frederick Cleveland who passed away on 12/11/2025 following an arduous and courageous fight against cancer," describing Cleveland's prior service with the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, the Florida Forest Service and nearly 17 years with North Port Fire Rescue. The commission expressed its condolences and recognized his service to the city and the fire service.
The commission approved the meeting agenda by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Stokes moved to approve the agenda; Vice Mayor Langdon seconded. Commissioners Duvall, Stokes, Petro, Vice Mayor Langdon and Mayor all voted in favor.
The commission used the rest of the meeting to welcome newly hired city employees and to recognize professional and community achievements. Scotty Lynn Kelly, Southwest District director for the Florida Association of City Clerks, presented an acknowledgment recognizing City Clerk Heather Faust for earning the Florida Certified Professional Clerk credential from the John Scott Daly Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University. Kelly noted the program’s curriculum and that Faust completed a capstone project on advisory board management. "Please join me in congratulating Heather Faust on her achievements," Kelly said. City Clerk Heather Faust thanked former Commissioner Debbie McDowell, her team and the commission for supporting her professional development.
Shelby Mendelson, Recreation Manager for North Port Parks and Recreation, reported that the city’s "Sugar Treat at City Center" event on Oct. 24 drew more than 6,500 recorded attendees, involved 45 Pumpkin Trail organizations and 10 sponsors. "This signature event presented by Suncoast Credit Union was a huge success with over 6,500 recorded attendees," Mendelson said, and she credited multiple city departments for their themes and participation.
Economic development staff introduced the new GEM award to recognize longstanding local businesses and presented the inaugural honor to Sam Aventencia of Sam’s Barbershop, identified in the presentation as the city’s longest continuously operated business. Sam Aventencia, who said he emigrated from Armenia and became owner on Dec. 1, spoke briefly about continuing the shop’s legacy: "Since December 1, I'm the new owner of the barbershop," he said.
The meeting also included a brief public comment read by staff in support of the city manager and a reminder from staff about reporting infrastructure concerns through the North Port "North Report" portal or Public Works customer service. Assistant City staff directed residents with drainage or neighborhood infrastructure problems to submit reports at the city’s portal.
Assistant City Clerk reported no additional public comment and the meeting concluded at approximately 4:23 p.m.
