NORTH PORT — Sept. 30 marked the end of fiscal year 2011-2012, and a few days later, the city issued data that confirmed what motorists on U.S. 41 might have surmised: Business is growing in North Port.

Although only one commercial permit was pulled in September — for a $400,000
remodel at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church by Magnum Builders of Sarasota Inc. — the year saw a total of 49 commercial permits distributed, with a total value of $33,855,717. The last quarter had the most permits, 17, given out, but the second quarter had permits of a higher value, $15,503,725.