Greetings!
Welcome to the Fall Edition of my newsletter. This last month definitly been one for the books. Our strong community has come together once again to help one another and our federal, state, and local resources have been there each step of the way. I know there are still many that need our help and it will take some time, but we will get through this.
Below find some local resources. 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.
Walt
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A common misconception in Florida is that there are parts of the state that do not get hurricanes. Since 1850, all of Florida’s coastline has been impacted by at least one hurricane. With its long coastline and location, Florida frequently finds itself in the path of these intense storms.
Florida sits at the intersection of winds and currents connecting the Atlantic and Caribbean. This made it an attractive place for Spanish explorers and English pirates, but also a perfect storm (pardon the pun) of ingredients needed to generate dangerously inclement weather, particularly in southern regions. Let's look at a few particularly famous ones prior to them being named:
Key West Hurricane of 1919
Let's start with the Hurricane of Key West in 1919. In that year, a massive storm swept along the southern coast of Florida, with winds up to 110 mph. This hurricane was also significant because the American government was undergoing some changes in this time, and the devastation of the storm demonstrated a lack of preparedness to deal with such catastrophes.
The Miami Hurricane of 1926
Almost a decade later, another massive hurricane struck southern Florida, this time centered over Miami. It was the most destructive storm the US had seen up to that point, and is still remembered as one of the most devastating hurricanes in US history.
The Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928
In 1928, a major hurricane passed over central Florida, and then unexpectedly turned north, heading straight up the unprepared inland portions of the state. The hurricane itself was bad, with winds up to 125 mph, but what was worse was the flooding. Massive rains overpowered the dikes around Lake Okeechobee and the lake drained into nearby farms.
The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935
A few years later, in the middle of the Great Depression, the Florida Keys were again hit by another gigantic storm. 408 people died, but what is most remembered about this storm were the winds. With gusts up to 250 mph, this was the strongest hurricane in US history. People at the time reported that the skies filled with sand from the beaches, turning the air into essentially a giant piece of sandpaper that shredded anything in its path.
Hurricane Donna of 1960
The first of Florida's extreme hurricanes to be named (the National Weather Service formally began the practice in 1953) was Hurricane Donna. In 1960, 'Deadly Donna' swept over southern and eastern Florida, causing 13-foot waves along the coast. Donna is also remembered for holding the record of longest-sustained hurricane force winds.
In the period between 1975 and 1999, 83 tropical or subtropical cyclones affected the state, which collectively resulted in $51.1 billion (2017 dollars) in damage, primarily from Hurricane Andrew.. The 1985 season was the year with the most tropical cyclones affecting the state, with a total of eight systems. Every year included at least one tropical cyclone affecting the state. The strongest hurricane to hit the state during the period was Hurricane Andrew, which was one of only four Category 5 hurricanes to strike the United States. Andrew, at the time, was the costliest tropical cyclone in United States history and remains the seventh-costliest.
The period from 2000 to the present has been marked by several devastating North Atlantic hurricanes; as of 2017, 79 tropical or subtropical cyclones have affected the U.S. state of Florida. Collectively, cyclones in Florida over that period resulted in over $123 billion in damage, most of it from Hurricane Irma. The strongest hurricane to hit the state during the period was Michael, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 5 hurricane–the strongest since Andrew in 1992. Additionally, hurricanes Charley, Jeanne, Dennis, Wilma, Irma, and Ian made landfall on the state as major hurricanes. And we know the cost from Ian is still being calculated.
Even after those storms though we have learned recovery takes time — especially if we want it done well. Homes aren’t rebuilt overnight or even after several months, as folks wait for insurance claims to be processed and assistance programs are managed. But we will get to the other side!
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Did You Know?
Quick and Easy Site to Verify A Contractor's Florida License
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Before you hire a contractor to repair storm damage, check the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website at MyFloridaLicense.com to see if they are licensed.
What projects require a licensed contractor?
• Air-Conditioning
• Building Contractor
• Electrician
• General Contractor
• Home Inspection
• Mold-Related Services
• Plumber
• Pool/Spa
• Residential Contractor
• Roofer
• Sheet Metal
• Solar
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Turkey in the Hole Thanksgiving Celebration
November 19, 2022
9:30AM-2:00 PM
Gator Wilderness Camp's annual Thanksgving Celebration meal and Fundraiser! Games, food, tours, and auction!
More Info:
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CITRUS SPOTLIGHT
Florida citrus industry squeezed by Hurricane Ian
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Hurricane Ian’s toll on Florida was high. From damaged infrastructure to wiped-out homes and flooded roads, the storm’s path left wreckage and ruin in its wake. While recovery is proceeding and relief is in progress, the Florida Department of Agriculture’s preliminary report on industry damage puts Hurricane Ian’s cost at nearly $2 billion for Florida farmers and agriculture.
“While today’s assessment is a preliminary snapshot of the losses to Florida agriculture, it is a critical first step in the process of securing federal disaster aid for our hard-working producers,” Florida Ag. Commissioner Nikki Fried said.
“Agricultural losses might result from situations such as fruit drop in a citrus grove, a flooded field of vegetables, dumped milk at a dairy farm due to cold storage not being available during a power outage,” the report says, “or even a lower sales price for a rancher that had cattle that were not able to get the appropriate nutrition due to stress or flooded grazing lands.”
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453 Acre Farm
13505 Sugarbowl Rd. Myakka City, FL 34251
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453 acre farm currently in Watercress production. This extremely well kept property could also be utilized for limitless produce production in addition to the watercress. This property features a combined 25,000 sqft+ of packing facilities, walk-in cooler, quality control area, warehouse, barns, and office space. There are 4 pump house stations with a central 12” well. This farm is located less than 2 miles to Hwy 70 in Manatee County with easy access to I-75. Call today to hear more about this lucrative opportunity.
Total Acres: 453
List Price: Call for Price
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PENDNG!
451 +/- Acres DeSoto County
5038 Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
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451+ Acres in Desoto County. Currently planted in Citrus, this property is ideal for farmland, sod farm or can be cleared for pastureland. Two permitted wells, 1-12” and 1-16” are on site. Offering 1 mile of Hwy 31 frontage. Only 30 minutes to Fort Myers and I-75. An additional 435+ acres MLS#C7461877 adjoins this land and is also for sale. Call today for a showing!
Total Acres: 451.13
Listing Price: $3,384,000
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204+/- Acres Manatee County
42055 Parks Rd. Myakka City, FL 34251
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204+ Acres of Valencia Orange grove in Manatee County. This property includes a manufactured home and two permitted 12 inch wells. Located centrally between Hwy 64 and Hwy 70 off of Wauchula Rd near Myakka City. CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Total Acres: 204.66
Listing Price: $2,000,000
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Potential Industrial-Residential Opportunity
5871 Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
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POTENTIAL INDUSTRIAL OR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT! Multiple buildings with dozens of individual rooms, bathrooms, office space, gymnasium, and cafeteria. Located in South DeSoto County directly off Hwy 31. Water and sewer are already on site. This property was previously a part of the state owned juvenile justice center. ONLY 20 -30 minutes to Babcock Ranch, Ft Myers, Punta Gorda and Interstate 75.
List Price: Call to Inquire
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Five Parcels Ranging 6-20 Acres Charlotte County
Neal Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33982
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Mutiple 6-20 Acres of desirable land is waiting for YOU! Offering a quiet and private setting, yet within minutes to Hwy 31 with convenient access into Arcadia, Punta Gorda or Ft. Myers. Ideal building site for your dream home with plenty of space for a barn or animals. Zoning is AG which allows for agriculture and residential and NO deed restrictions.
Listing Price: $149,000-$298,000
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223+ Acre Hamlin/Valencia Grove
9 J Whitaker Rd. Venus, FL 33960
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223.25 Acre Hamlin/Valencia Grove in Venus, Florida. This property could continue as a producing grove or be converted to farm land. A mobile home, two barns and one permitted 12” well are already in place. An additional 900+ contiguous grove acres are also available.
Total Acres: 223.25
List Price: $1,900,000
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11+ Acre Parcels
SE Rice St/ Co Rd 763 Arcadia, FL 34266
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11+ acres offering a quiet and private setting. This is the ideal building site for your dream home with plenty of space for a barn, pond, and animals. Located right off Hog Bay Extension (County Road 763) with quick access to downtown Arcadia. Just 30-40 minutes to Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte and Fort Myers. Seller also has additional adjoining parcels available. Survey available, parcel split/parcel ID pending DeSoto County approval.These beautiful properties won’t last long!!
Listing Price: $200,000/parcel
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IDEAL COMMERCIAL LOCATION!
433 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33953
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IDEAL COMMERCIAL LOCATION located on US-41 between Port Charlotte and North Port. 150ft of road frontage on Tamiami Trail PLUS an additional 160ft of road frontage and access on Bowman Terr. Come be part of this growing area with the approved West Port 218 residential lots and planned Murdock Village just down the road. Just minutes to the Tampa Bay Rays Spring training stadium and the Atlanta Braves Cool Park training stadium. This property is zoned Commercial General allowing for a vast amount of uses! Electric and public water/sewer nearby. CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFO!
Total Acres: .97
Listing Price: $340,000
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SOLD!
Warehouse with Loads of Potential
5673 Hwy 31 #W Arcadia, FL 34266
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13,000 SqFt Warehouse located off Hwy 31 with LOADS OF POTENTIAL. Warehouse features two roll up doors with loading ramp, walk-in cooler, and office space. Less than 10 minutes to Hwy 70 intersection, 25 minutes to new Babcock Ranch development and only 35 minutes to Ft. Myers and I-75 off Florida’s West coast. separately.
Total Acres: 2.14
Sold Price: $635,000
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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, Peyton and Truman.
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