North Port is a young, growing city located just north of Port Charlotte in Sarasota County.  It is the largest city in the county in both land mass  and population, which is roughly 57,000.  Since children make up nearly one fifth of the city's total population, there is not only a variety of schools from which to choose, but also several family-oriented events happening frequently.  Summer camps, Paddle Palooza, the Freedom Festival, and Movie Under the Stars are just a few of the activities offered by the city during the year.

Although North Port is not located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, its unique natural environment provides residents and visitors an abundance of recreational activities.  Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy more than 80 miles of freshwater canals,  accessing the Gulf by way of the Myakka River, and major beaches are about a 25-30 minute drive away.  Mountain  bike and horseback riders can spend an afternoon at the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park and camp onsite, while kayakers can launch from the Myakka State Forest and wind their way down the Myakka  River.  For a soothing and relaxing day, visitors can soak in the waters at Warm Mineral Springs, the only warm water mineral spring in Florida and the largest in the world.