North Report

This week Madison chats with Mike Davey, Grants Coordinator with the City. In his past lives he was an English professor and in middle school administration. He's a big fan of 19th century literature, and also plays in a legitimate garage band. We had a great chat, and we hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Destiny Garraus, the Economic Development Marketing Strategist, sat down with John Dalton and Terry Cramer, mentors with the Port Charlotte Chapter of SCORE Mentors.SCORE nurtures North Port's local entrepreneurial community with access to business planning tools, subject matter experts, business mentors, and more. Area businesses are well served by SCORE throughout North Port and Port Charlotte.

The city has come a long way since Hurricane Ian crossed our path in September 2022. While there are still residences and buildings with damage we are working hard to rebuild. During the rebuilding process, there have been questions about the FEMA 50% rule. Please tune in to learn more about the FEMA 50% rule and who it affects within the city.

A lot of work goes into making sure North Port has the right people protecting and serving our community. In the latest episode of the North Port Newsbreak podcast, North Port Police Department Public Information Officer Josh Taylor sits down with Chris Krzos, who leads recruiting and backgrounds for the NPPD. We’re hopeful it will bring some insight into the process and how the department is facing the national challenge of filling the law enforcement void.

Like so many in North Port, our Utilities Department has also faced some obstacles in 2022. In this Newsbreak, listen in as we speak with North Port Utilities Director, Nancy Gallinaro and Applications Systems Administrator, Alex DiRamio about how the department has recovered from a harrowing 2022, and what the future holds for 2023.

This week Madison sits down with Public Records Technician II Mike McDonnell. He's a former police dispatcher with some very interesting hidden talents, like riding a unicycle and juggling tennis racquets. Listen in as they talk about that and much more. Mike also turns the tables and quizzes Madison on a few things. It's a fun listen. Enjoy!

Kaitlyn Stelzer is destined for great things. She works for the Economic Development Division at the City, and has ambitions to work in public service leadership in the future. She and Deputy Communications Manager Madison Heid chat about that, Irish dancing, TV shows and more. We even threw in a couple holiday questions. Check it out. It's a fun one!

This week, we're talking with Human Resources Director Christine McDade. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Christine has firsthand experience. Listen in to learn about her cancer journey, how she persevered and what to do to keep up with your health.

North Port Emergency Manager Mike Ryan talks about why Hurricane Ian was so devastating, the work the City did to prepare, and the resiliency and altruism of the community in the aftermath.

Hurricane Ian caused devastation in North Port, Florida, but there's help for those who need it.

This week, Madison chats with Security Administrator Rosalie Sanders. She's originally from France and moved here in 2006 with her family. Listen in to learn about how her family ended up overseas, her career in cybersecurity and her favorite movie called "Donkeyskin," or "Peau d'Âne." Check it out... it's a good one!

This week Madison is talking with Devón Poulos, Aquatics Supervisor with North Port Parks & Recreation. Having grown up partially in the foster care system, he developed a passion for helping kids reach their full potential. Listen in to find out about his family history, current family of his own, and his passion for aquatics.

This week we're talking with Senior Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Anna Duffey. She's a farm girl who has a varied work past that prepared her for her current job. Listen in as we chat high school boyfriends, college degrees and more. It's a fun one!

North Port Fire Rescue Chief Scott Titus joins Madison to talk about his surprising past. He was a lead singer in a band called "Rude Awakening" in high school, was involved in competitive downhill skiing, and of course, has spent many years in the fire service. Listen in to learn more!

Listen in to learn more about Sergeant Strejcek and his policing career, love of movies, and love of cruising. It's a fun one!

This week Madison Heid is chatting with the City’s new Communications Manager/PIO, Jason Bartolone. We talk all things communications, his love for New Jersey style pizza, and even a bit about Star Wars. Listen in to learn what Jason envisions for Communications in the City while getting to know him a bit better.