March 2020 Newsletter
Greetings!

Welcome to the March Edition of my newsletter. Please feel free to reply with a comment. I am always looking to improve on the content for my subscribers.

Also, visit my website waltbethel.com to view my listings, search for properties, or to enjoy one of my archived newsletters and stories on Florida History.

Thank you,

Walt
CITRUS SPOTLIGHT
New study reveals that 100% orange juice is just as good as sports drinks and water for recovery after exercise
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences reports that drinking 100% orange juice following exercise contributes to hydration equally as well as water and sports drinks, positioning the beverage as a viable alternative for post-exercise recovery. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas and funded by the Florida Department of Citrus, found no differences between 100% orange juice, sports drinks, or water with respect to taste preference, thirst level, hydration, or gastrointestinal distress following exercise.

Researchers conducted a five-day exercise study with 26 healthy young adults who were moderately trained for endurance exercise. Each day they cycled on a stationary bike for 80 minutes and then consumed approximately eight fluid ounces of commercially available 100% orange juice, orange-flavored water, or an orange-flavored sports drink. Participants rated the taste of the beverages, thirst levels, and measures of gastrointestinal distress such as reflux or intestinal cramps immediately after the exercise, after drinking the beverages, and after one hour of rest. The researchers measured participants’ hydration status immediately after exercise and after a one-hour rest period. 

These findings suggest that 100% orange juice is a viable post-exercise rehydration strategy, with the beverage receiving positive palatability ratings from study participants when used as a post-exercise rehydration beverage. Additionally, 100% orange juice was able to satisfy thirst while helping to achieve or maintain hydration following exercise without causing gastrointestinal distress. 

“The study showed that people consuming 100% orange juice were hydrated as well as the participants consuming a sports drink or water. There were no symptoms of serious GI distress with the orange juice despite the carbohydrate content and acidity of the beverage. The results indicate that people can drink orange juice to aid in their rehydration and recovery after exercise,” said Dr. Dawn Emerson, Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas and principal investigator on this study.  

An eight-ounce serving of 100% orange juice provides carbohydrates and is a good source of potassium, an electrolyte, that may provide rehydration and recovery benefits post-exercise. The naturally occurring sugar in 100% orange juice keeps good company with these and other vitamins, minerals and the antioxidant properties that are all part of the nutrition package 100% orange juice delivers.

According to the U.S. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, one cup of 100% orange juice counts as a fruit serving meaning the naturally sweet taste of 100% orange juice can contribute to an overall healthy diet. Just one-in-ten Americans meet their daily fruit intake as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines, missing out on important nutrients. A glass of 100% orange juice can help close that gap in a convenient, quick way, while also serving as a viable option for post-exercise rehydration.

HISTORY SPOTLIGHT
I enjoy reading many Florida History Books and one that I wanted to share was "A Land Remembered" by Patrick Smith.

A Land Remembered focuses on the fictional story of the MacIveys, who migrated from Georgia into Florida in the mid-19th century. After settling, this family struggles to survive in the harsh environment. First they scratch a living from the land and then learn to round up wild cattle and drive them to Punta Rassa to ship to Cuba. Over three generations, they amass more holdings and money, and move further from their connection to the native, untamed land.
NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBOR
Highlands Hammock State Park

Get out to some fresh air in nature!

5931 Hammock Rd.
Sebring, FL 33872

More Info:

DID YOU KNOW?
Like Christopher Columbus, Dr. John Gorrie is either revered or reviled for his dramatic role in the development of Florida.

He invented something without which the place would still be, in the words of a 19th-century senator, “a land of swamps, of quagmires, of frogs and alligators, and mosquitoes″ that no one would want to emigrate to, even from hell.

What did Gorrie do? He made the ice maker and led the way to that remarkable creation called air conditioning.

People believed cooling a room would improve or control malaria. He rigged a machine to cool air and within a year had built a mechanism that produced 8 to 10 blocks of ice.

Gorrie got a Patent for his invention in 1851 but was never able to market it, perhaps because the concept of artificially produced ice was too fantastic for investors.
FEATURED LISTINGS
NEW LISTINGS!
Gorgeous 5 Acre Tracts with Golf Course Views
SW Cypress Bend Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266
Three gorgeous 5+ Acre properties with golf course views in Desoto County. Parcels have privacy with ample space to build your dream home.
You will have convenient access to the newly upgraded public boat ramp with entry onto the Peace River and be just a short drive to Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Arcadia or I-75. 
Come bring your animals and build on these beautiful pieces of land! 

*Parcels pending DeSoto County approval* 

Parcel 1:    5.25 Acres   $94,500  PENDING!
Parcel 2:     5.80 Acres   $92,800
Parcel 3:    5.79 Acres   $81,500

Total Acres: 14.9 Acres
Sold price: $1,000,000
PENDING!
30+ Acres
SW Co Rd 760 Arcadia, FL 34266
Serene 30 Acre wooded property just off Kings Hwy abundant with wild game including hogs, deer and turkeys. A perfect place for a secluded, getaway cabin or your next home. Located in the much sought after Kings Highway (State Road 769) area with quick access to Port Charlotte, Interstate 75, or to the downtown Arcadia area. Sarasota and Gulf Beaches are just an hour away. CALL TODAY!

MLS: C7413115
Total Acres: 30.90
Listing Price: $356,000
         
SOLD!
Three Retail/Office Units--Veterans/Peachland Intersection
701 J C Center Ct. Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Premium retail property located at the intersection of Veterans Boulevard and Peachland Boulevard in The Vines Commercial Condominium. The units are 1,044 sq.ft. and ideal for quality retail or office space near the Kings Highway & I-75 interchange. Surrounding units are occupied with retail, office, fitness center, and a barber shop. There is tremendous opportunity for annual rental income. High traffic area with Publix, new Peachland Promenade Shopping Center nearby. All units for sale separately but can be combined for a total of 3,000+ sq.ft.

BACK ON THE MARKET!
Move-In Ready 3/ 2 Waterfront, pool home in the heart of Punta Gorda
310 Caicos Dr. Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Move-In Ready 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom waterfront, pool home in the heart of Punta Gorda. Great location in Punta Gorda Isles within moments to Fisherman’s Village, the new Library, Hounds on Henry Dog Park, History Park, walking trails and more! You will have quick boating access to Charlotte Harbor with water and electric-ups at dock and a 13,000lb boat lift steps from your back door. Home features over 2,000 sq. ft. with a bright and open floor plan and tile throughout main living area. Gourmet kitchen offers breakfast bar, wood cabinetry, granite counters and an adjoining breakfast nook overlooking the pool. Cathedral ceilings, French doors, decorative built in shelves and arched windows are perfect architectural enhancements. Master Suite has private access to the lanai, a large bath with separate walk-in shower, dual sinks and an oversized walk-in closet. Formal living room, a dining room, separate family room, and two guest rooms complete the home with pool/canal views from almost every room. Plenty of space for outdoor entertaining with 12x12 brick paver decking, a heated pool with waterfall features and solar cover, outdoor shower, raised sun deck, and an enclosed screen pool cage. Lush landscaping leads you down to the water and surrounds the home. Your ideal Florida retreat awaits!

Total Sq Ft: 2,088
Listing price: $549,000
**HUNTING LAND AVAILABLE**
VARIOUS ACREAGES

200-1600 ACRES

Call me 863.990.1748 for more info
Kings Hwy "Old Florida Village" 1/2 Acre Lot
12687 County Rd 769 Lake Suzy, FL 34269
Just over a Half Acre commercial lot located in Old Florida Village on Kings Hwy. Relocate or start your own business adjacent to established professional office buildings that include a law firm, accounting offices, and wellness center. Located less than 1.5 miles to Interstate 75, just across the Charlotte County line. This property offers a 250 feet waterfront view of Allegiant Air’s recently purchased Kingsway Golf Course.

MLS: C7406153
Total Acres: .54
List price: $75,000
32+ Acres Kings Hwy-Quick Access to I-75
10692 SW Co Rd 769 Arcadia, FL 34269
32 beautiful wooded acres located on Kings Highway near I-75. This property would make an ideal recreational property or a fantastic homesite with room for horses and cattle. This property is already divided into four buildable parcels . LOTS OF WILD GAME-Deer, Turkeys and Wild hogs. Only 2 minutes from the Nav-A-Gator Bar and Grill and County boat ramp with access to the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. Call today to explore this unique opportunity!

Total Acres: 32.06
Listing price: $800,000
Little Gasparilla Bayfront 3/2 Home
8538 Little Gasparilla Island Placida, FL 33946
By boat or water taxi, arrive at the 100'+ private, newly refinished dock that leads you straight to the front of the house on the oversized lot. The split stairwell welcomes you taking you to the second floor patio that is a perfect place to drink your morning coffee and watch the sunrise. As you enter the home, the spacious living area with a wood-beamed ceiling opens to the kitchen. The large kitchen with walk-in pantry and island are ideal for entertaining. The bedroom windows are adorned with plantation shutters. At the end of the hallway, the master bedroom is complete with its own bathroom. Below the home, features a large lower deck with an enclosed storage area. From there, it's just a short walk down the path to enjoy the amazing sunsets on the beach! There is plenty of the best Florida fishing right from your dock into Placida Harbor and onto the Gulf waters. Just minutes from the back waters of Bull Bay, Whidden creek, Turtle Bay and the world’s greatest Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass.

MLS: C7408868
Total Sq. Ft: 1,360
Listing price: $749,000
About Walt Bethel
Walt Bethel is a fifth generation Floridian, born and raised in Arcadia, with a vast knowledge of all areas of Florida Real Estate and an ardent appreciation for Florida history.  
The purchase and development of his first orange grove when he was just sixteen years old fueled Walt's passion for real estate.  
Since then, he has bought, owned, and sold a wide variety of properties throughout a successful business career. His investments have included acreage, agricultural properties, residential homes, condos, and commercial properties. 
Walt's marketing and sales experience was cultivated over time at his family's business, Bethel Farms, where he marketed, managed, and sold products to "Big Box" retailers across the Southeastern and Midwestern United States.
From an early age, Walt's dad instilled in him the values to work hard and always have a goal, to look for a better way of doing things, and to constantly improve on them.  
The daily implementation of these principles, coupled with his enjoyment of networking with new people and his experience in business, sales, and marketing, have contributed to Walt's success as a Realtor.
 Walt has served on various boards and committees throughout the years. He has coached and actively supports local youth athletic programs and leagues. 
He and his wife Jill, also a fourth generation Floridian, reside in Punta Gorda. They have two children, a daughter Peyton and a son Truman.
Walt Bethel | RE/MAX Harbor Realty| 863.990.1748 | [email protected] | www.waltbethel.com