North Port, Florida, is a growing city in Sarasota County and a key part of the North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota Metropolitan Area. Originally developed in the 1950s by General Development Corporation as part of Port Charlotte, it became an independent city in 1959 and was renamed North Port in 1974. The city is home to Little Salt Spring, an important archaeological and paleontological site, and Warm Mineral Springs, a natural artesian spring. North Port features extensive residential communities, environmental parks, and a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.