TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida, Transferring Real Property Located on Manila Avenue and Described as Lot 25, Block 734, 12th Addition to Port Charlotte Subdivision, Sarasota County Property Appraiser Parcel Identification Number 1144073425, to the North Port Road and Drainage District; Incorporating Recitals; Providing for Filing of Documents; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability, and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2025-R-74 as presented.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the transfer of property located on Manila Avenue to the Road and Drainage District through Resolution No. 2025-R-74.
• Pros: Enables the Road and Drainage District to move forward with a land exchange that secures permanent access to critical stormwater infrastructure without a financial purchase.
• Cons: If the exchange is not finalized, the City’s property is transferred without a guaranteed return, potentially limiting its future use.
Option 2: Deny the transfer of property located on Manila Avenue to the Road and Drainage District through Resolution No. 2025-R-74.
• Pros: Retains City ownership of the Manila Avenue parcel, preserving flexibility for alternative uses or future negotiations.
• Cons: Without a property to offer in exchange, the Road and Drainage District loses a viable path to acquire the Pilgrim Road parcel, which may delay or prevent essential access to the stormwater pond.
Background Information
The City of North Port currently owns a parcel of land located on Manila Avenue, Parcel Identification Number 1144073425. Staff recommends transferring this property to the North Port Road and Drainage District to facilitate a proposed property exchange with property owners, Cleopatra and Edward Davis for their property located on Pilgrim Road, Parcel Identification Number 1147201414.
The purpose of acquiring the parcel located on Pilgrim Road is to provide essential access to a stormwater pond. This parcel, originally permitted as part of the City’s stormwater infrastructure, is one of several that were incorrectly sold by General Development Corporation as a residential parcel. The parcel is not eligible for residential development but is critical for the City’s long-term maintenance and operation of the stormwater drainage system.
Rather than sell their Pilgrim Road parcel, the owners have expressed their preference for a land exchange. They have agreed to convey their property to the City in return for a City-owned parcel of equal value. The Manila Avenue lot has been identified as a suitable match for this purpose.
Approval of Resolution No. 2025-R-74 will authorize the transfer of the Manila Avenue property to the North Port Road and Drainage District. The Road and Drainage District will subsequently bring forward a separate Resolution to formally accept the transfer and proceed with the exchange for the Pilgrim Road property.
Resolution No. 2025-R-74 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Resolution No. 2025-R-74 was provided to the City Clerk's Office on October 9, 2025, for signature, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan
Infrastructure & Facilities Integrity
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Transfer of property will be pursuant to Chapter 2 Administration, Article VIII Procurement, Sec.2-403 Exemptions, (a)(3)c - Real property, real estate brokering, or appraising of the Code of the City of North Port.
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Property Information Sheet
3. Map
Prepared by: Rita Puglise, Real Estate Coordinator
Department Director: Chuck Speake, Public Works Director