City breaks ground on new Emergency Operations Center

City breaks ground on new Emergency Operations Center

Published on February 12, 2026

The City of North Port marked a major milestone in its commitment to public safety and resiliency with the groundbreaking of a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Thursday.

The new EOC is planned to provide a safe, purpose-built facility with a large coordination room, breakout rooms, dedicated GIS mapping and IT space, a call center, a Joint Information Center and wraparound resources to support round-the-clock operations. Estimated completion is April 2027.

In addition to serving as the City's central hub during emergencies, the facility is expected to offer year-round benefits, including additional workspace, training space, continuity of government functions and a large meeting room for advisory boards and community partners.

Recent storm seasons, including Tropical Storm Elsa and Hurricanes Ian, Debby, Helene and Milton, underscored the importance of greater self-sufficiency and better preparedness for both no-notice events and large-scale disasters in North Port. The current use of a City Hall conference room as the EOC limits space, staffing and 24/7 operations, and does not provide the storm protection and backup systems needed for extended activations.

"As we turn the soil today, we're not just breaking ground on a building, we're laying the foundation for resilience, collaboration, and service to our community," Emergency Manager Stacy Aloisio said during the ceremony. "This Emergency Operations Center will stand as a symbol of preparedness and teamwork, ready to serve our residents when they need us most."

The $13.8 million project was primarily funded through infrastructure surtax and building funds, with furnishings and equipment expected to be supported in part by state appropriations and other grant opportunities. Moving forward now helps the City avoid significant cost escalation in future years.

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