North Port Now: Feb. 27, 2026 | Boca Chica Neighborhood Park & Cranberry Blvd. Construction

This week on North Port Now, we’re covering exciting park news, important road improvements, regional watering restrictions and the latest decisions from City Commission. We begin with the grand opening of Boca Chica Neighborhood Park, North Port’s newest passive park. Join Parks & Recreation for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at 1601 Boca Chica Avenue. Designed with community input, the park features walking paths, shaded areas, preserved native vegetation, a playground and a Story Stroll — while protecting 27 on-site gopher tortoise habitats. Funded through Park Impact Fees, this project ensures growth pays for growth.We also recap the City’s first Town Hall of the year, where more than 50 residents gathered to learn how City government makes decisions. Missed it? Watch the recording on the City of North Port’s YouTube page. Stay updated on future quarterly Town Halls by following the City on social media or subscribing to the twice-monthly CommUNITY e-newsletter at NorthPortFL.gov/Subscribe.Road work is underway on North Cranberry Boulevard between Lucaya Avenue and Barry Road. Crews are using a Full Depth Reclamation process to rebuild and strengthen the roadway for long-term durability. Construction is expected to last about one month. Learn more at NorthPortFL.gov/RoadRehab.Due to extremely dry conditions, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage. Residents are now limited to one day per week lawn watering between 12:01–8 a.m. or 6–11:59 p.m. The restriction remains in effect through July 1 and applies to City water customers and private well users. Get details and conservation tips at NorthPortFL.gov/WaterRestrictions.Finally, City Manager Jerome Fletcher joins us for another installment of Commission Meeting Highlights, breaking down key items from the Feb. 24 meeting. Topics include an ordinance allowing the City to assess cleanup costs for hazardous trees and overgrown lots, discussion on Commission salary adjustments, proposed administrative safeguards for permit processing, and a letter of support for state funding of the Teen Court program. You can review meeting agendas or watch recordings anytime at NorthPortFL.gov/Meetings.