Advice on moving to North Port (Hollywood, Sarasota: job, hospital, homes)

[KFSSSA]

My wife and I are looking at moving to North Port in the near future. We currently live in Missouri and are both in our early thirties and have 3 kids. We have never wanted to move from MO until we visited FL in 2004 (and have been to almost every other state). There are many factors as to why we want to move including the usual,the beach, weather, ect. We have 3 kids so we are not looking for a place with a happening night life, just a good place to raise our kids and have attractions close by to take them to. I am a Police Officer and my wife is a nurse. Both of us are planning on doing the same in FL. I was hoping someone on here could give me a little info about the NPPD and what kind of Dept they are, and any other info you may have. Also was curious as to what kind of demand there is for long term care nurses there such as in nursing homes. One other concern is how hard is North Port affected by Hurricanes? We are just looking for some information relevant to our circumstances and we appreciate any help you could give and look forward to the responses.

[SoFLGal]

Hi KFSSA,

I live in North Port and also have three children. I know quite a bit about the NPPD and the school system. I worked for several years in the Sarasota County jail and saw many of the guys go from the jail to the NPPD. There are several that came from being correction officers in the Sarasota jail-Officer Nick, Chippendale, Siriani and many more. From what I understand it is somewhat hard to get hired on with North Port but with prior experience it may be a little easier. I do know that Officers go through 16 weeks of training once they are hired and North Port police officers work 12-hour shifts. Their rotation allows for them to work three days, have two off, then work two days and have three off. A few years ago they had 57 sworn officers. I'm not sure what the number is now. They also have an interview, background check, drug test, psychological test, lie detector test, fitness test, references, and they talk to several neighbors.

My assistant's husband is trying to get hired on with NPPD so I hear from her what the process is.

Here's an article about the NPPD from the local paper:
Police in North Port seek pay hike

As far as your wife goes, she should have no problem getting a job around here. There are many medical facilities and private doctors offices and nursing home facilities. There a few nursing homes in North Port and several in Venice.

North Port was barley touched by Charley and the rest of the hurricanes that came through in 2004. We had a few branches fall off trees but nothing major. Keep in mind that just because we didn't have much damage in prior years that doesn't mean we will remain untouched. Port Charlotte never had a direct hot until Charley. If you live anywhere in Florida you are not immune to the storms.

I would highly recommend looking into Pine View School for your children. My older two children attend this school and we absolutely love it. Pine View is a full time public gifted school, I'm not sure if this school would suit your needs but it's great for our children.There are certain elementary schools in North Port that I prefer and could give you info on, right now there is only one middle school (starting next year there will be another middle school opening) and there is only one high school.

I would be happy to answer any more questions about the area if you'd like to Direct Message me.

[demogirl50]

Originally Posted by KFSSSA

My wife and I are looking at moving to North Port in the near future. We currently live in Missouri and are both in our early thirties and have 3 kids. We have never wanted to move from MO until we visited FL in 2004 (and have been to almost every other state). There are many factors as to why we want to move including the usual,the beach, weather, ect. We have 3 kids so we are not looking for a place with a happening night life, just a good place to raise our kids and have attractions close by to take them to. I am a Police Officer and my wife is a nurse. Both of us are planning on doing the same in FL. I was hoping someone on here could give me a little info about the NPPD and what kind of Dept they are, and any other info you may have. Also was curious as to what kind of demand there is for long term care nurses there such as in nursing homes. One other concern is how hard is North Port affected by Hurricanes? We are just looking for some information relevant to our circumstances and we appreciate any help you could give and look forward to the responses.

I have lived in North Port for 4 years and love it. One hurricane in 40 years.
NPPD is one of the best around.email me at bridget50@comcast.net for more information
Bridget

[demogirl50]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Hi KFSSA,

I live in North Port and also have three children. I know quite a bit about the NPPD and the school system. I worked for several years in the Sarasota County jail and saw many of the guys go from the jail to the NPPD. There are several that came from being correction officers in the Sarasota jail-Officer Nick, Chippendale, Siriani and many more. From what I understand it is somewhat hard to get hired on with North Port but with prior experience it may be a little easier. I do know that Officers go through 16 weeks of training once they are hired and North Port police officers work 12-hour shifts. Their rotation allows for them to work three days, have two off, then work two days and have three off. A few years ago they had 57 sworn officers. I'm not sure what the number is now. They also have an interview, background check, drug test, psychological test, lie detector test, fitness test, references, and they talk to several neighbors.

My assistant's husband is trying to get hired on with NPPD so I hear from her what the process is.

Here's an article about the NPPD from the local paper:
Police in North Port seek pay hike

As far as your wife goes, she should have no problem getting a job around here. There are many medical facilities and private doctors offices and nursing home facilities. There a few nursing homes in North Port and several in Venice.

North Port was barley touched by Charley and the rest of the hurricanes that came through in 2004. We had a few branches fall off trees but nothing major. Keep in mind that just because we didn't have much damage in prior years that doesn't mean we will remain untouched. Port Charlotte never had a direct hot until Charley. If you live anywhere in Florida you are not immune to the storms.

I would highly recommend looking into Pine View School for your children. My older two children attend this school and we absolutely love it. Pine View is a full time public gifted school, I'm not sure if this school would suit your needs but it's great for our children.There are certain elementary schools in North Port that I prefer and could give you info on, right now there is only one middle school (starting next year there will be another middle school opening) and there is only one high school.

I would be happy to answer any more questions about the area if you'd like to Direct Message me.

We had just moved to PC when Charlie hit us,We moved to North Port in December everyone in our family asks us to move back to Hollywood but I would not leave here for the world.
Love it .
And they are building the new ER on Toledo Blade and the hospital wi;; be ready next year.

[KFSSSA]

I just wanted to thank both of you for your responses because they are much appreciated and have been very helpful.