North Port presents key to the city to family of longtime community volunteer Bud Cortek

The City Commission of North Port presented a key to the city on Jan. 8 to Jason and Wanda and the family of longtime community volunteer Bud Cortek, honoring decades of local service and volunteer work.

The mayor opened the remarks by recounting how Cortek ‘‘always wanted to do things right’’ and noting that Cortek completed numerous city certifications and frequently helped residents and local organizations, including permitting and rebuilding efforts. The mayor then invited family and community members to speak and presented the key to Jason and Wanda.

Residents and colleagues described practical acts that, they said, showed Cortek’s devotion to the community. A speaker identified in the transcript as a commissioner said Cortek routinely offered advice to city leaders and ‘‘reached out to me when I was in office.’’ Another resident recounted receiving $500 in emergency scholarship help arranged with Cortek’s assistance and described how the Cortek family provided informal childcare at their business, North Port Aluminum. A family member said, ‘‘He would thoroughly have enjoyed this,’’ and multiple speakers praised his volunteer work for local groups such as Kiwanis, the Boys and Girls Club and area churches.

The mayor announced a public celebration at the Scout House on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to mark Cortek’s contributions.

The presentation was ceremonial; no formal policy action was taken. The commission concluded the item and proceeded with the remainder of the agenda.