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Greetings!
March is here, and with it we celebrate Florida’s 181st birthday-a milestone in the story of a state built on agriculture, rivers, and railroads. This month, we take a closer look at Tater Hill Bluff in Arcadia, named for the potato shipments that once lined the Peace River, and reflect on the historic arrival of the first train into town.
As always, I appreciate your feedback and you following along as we explore both Florida’s history and today’s opportunities.
Walt
| | Tater Hill Bluff: Where Riverboats, Potatoes, and the First Train Met |
| |  | Every spring along the Peace River, the quiet waterway hides the memory of a time when it served as the main road for farmers in what would become Arcadia. In the early 1880s, before railroads carved their iron path through DeSoto County, wagons creaked toward a high bluff above the riverbank where farmers unloaded sacks of freshly harvested potatoes. The produce was stacked in small mounds along the rise while everyone watched the river for the arrival of a steamboat. Locals began jokingly calling the spot “Tater Hill Bluff,” a name born from the hills of potatoes waiting to be shipped downriver toward markets near Charlotte Harbor. The river itself functioned as the region’s lifeline. Traders like Harris Raulerson operated side-wheel steamboats that moved supplies upriver and carried farm harvests back toward the coast. In springtime the bluff would buzz with activity as farmers brought potatoes, timber, and hides to the landing, turning the quiet riverbank into a seasonal hub of agricultural trade.
That rhythm changed dramatically on March 4, 1886, when the first train of the Florida Southern Railway steamed into Arcadia. For a short time the town became the end of the line, and the arrival of the locomotive marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s agricultural story. Where steamboats once carried sacks of potatoes down the Peace River, railcars now waited to haul produce, cattle, and lumber north to expanding markets. The whistles of the train gradually replaced the chug of riverboats, but the legacy of those early harvest days remained etched in local memory. Each March, when spring crops begin to emerge again across Southwest Florida, it’s worth remembering that Arcadia’s farming roots were once piled high on a bluff above the Peace River, waiting for the next boat or train to carry them into the wider world.
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Scientists have developed a new citrus variety designed to better withstand citrus greening disease, one of the most serious threats to Florida’s orange industry. The plant, called NuCitrus, contains a gene that produces a natural protein known as NPR1, originally found in another plant species. This protein strengthens the tree’s own immune system, allowing it to tolerate infection from the greening pathogen while still producing healthy, high-quality fruit. Unlike resistance, tolerance means the plant may still become infected but shows few symptoms and maintains yield. The protein occurs naturally in common vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower and is considered safe and easily digested.
Source: News.UFL
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Pioneer Day
March 28, 2026
9am-3pm
Turner Center
A fun family friendly day of education about Arcadia, DeSoto County and Florida's rich pioneer history.
More Info:
Pioneer Day
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Happy 181st Birthday to Florida!
March marks the birthday of Florida. On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state in the United States after years as a Spanish territory and then a U.S. territory. At the time, much of the region was still frontier wilderness of pine forests, cattle ranges, and small river settlements.
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SOLD!
93+ Acres
73rd Ave. Myakka City, FL
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93+ Acres ideal for farming, agricultural ventures, or recreational activities. Situated along the Hardee / Manatee County line with easy access to Highway 64 just 5 minutes to the North.
Total Acres: 93.48
Sold Price: $280,440
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PENDING!
40+ Acres
SE Co Rd 763 Arcadia, FL 34266
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40+ acres with an 8" well already in place. This property is ideal for an agricultural venture or hobby farm. If you wish, come build your dream home and enjoy living in the country while being less than 10 minutes away from town.
Total Acres: 40.99
List Price: $655,000
Click here to view more
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SOLD!
188+ Acres
73rd Ave. Myakka City, FL
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188+ Acres ideal for farming, agricultural ventures, or recreational activities. Situated along the Hardee / Manatee County line with easy access to Highway 64 just 5 minutes to the North.
Total Acres: 188
Sold Price: $1,250,000
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Income Producing Opportunity
2525 Bobcat Village Center Rd. North Port, FL 34288
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| | | Exceptional income-producing property offers a rare opportunity to invest in the rapidly growing North Port/I-75 corridor. Situated in Sarasota County within the Bobcat Village Center and adjacent to the Sarasota Memorial Emergency Room, the property consists of two Key West-style buildings totaling approximately 12,100 heated square feet. Building #1 includes five units (approx. 5,800 sq/ft), and Building #2 includes six units (approx. 6,200 sq/ft). All units are currently leased, offering a 100% occupancy rate and immediate cash flow for the new owner. The site features 50 on-site parking spaces and is zoned PCD (Planned Community Development), a highly flexible designation that allows for a variety of uses including medical, office, daycare, and more. These buildings are to be sold together and cannot be separated. Ideally located just 3 miles from I-75, 2.5 miles from US-41, and directly across from a premier golf course community, this well-maintained property presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking stable income and long-term growth in a high-demand area
List Price: $2,800,000
Click here to view more
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307+ Acres
7019 SE Prairie Creek Rd Arcadia, FL 34266
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307.05 acre property located in Desoto County south of Arcadia. This large tract of land is well-suited for a wide range of farming and agricultural operations. With one 10-inch well and two 12-inch wells this property has the capability to irrigate a wide variety of agricultural crops. Easy access to Highway 31 South to Fort Myers.
Total Acres: 307.05
List Price: $2,610,000
Click here for more info
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2.48 Acres Zoned CG
12280 SW Country Rd 769 Arcadia, FL 34269
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| | | Prime 2.48-acre commercial property in Lake Suzy, FL, offering an exceptional investment opportunity with unmatched visibility and accessibility. Strategically located on Kings Hwy (Co Rd 769), less than two miles from Interstate 75 (Exit 170), this property sits in a rapidly expanding commercial corridor. With an average daily traffic count of 15,600 vehicles, and planned road expansion to four lanes, the site is positioned for significant growth and increased customer flow. Zoned Commercial General, with future land use designated for commercial development. The surrounding area is within minutes to major retailers such as Walmart and Publix, popular restaurants, and a planned residential neighborhood, ensuring a steady consumer base. Additionally, public water and sewer are available at the road. With Lake Suzy experiencing expansion, this is the perfect time to capitalize on the area’s growth. The combination of high traffic, strong market demand, and strategic location makes this a rare and valuable investment opportunity.
Total Acres: 2.48
List Price: $649,000
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FOR LEASE
25,000sqft Warehouse
SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
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Now available for lease, this 25,000+ square foot warehouse is located in the DeSoto Business Park just off Highway 31. The property offers a large amount of space suitable for a variety of uses and is ideally positioned with easy access to Arcadia, Fort Myers, Highway 70, and Interstate 75.
Lease Price: $5,000/month
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PRICE REDUCED!
Industrial/Housing Opportunity Awaits
5871 SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
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POTENTIAL INDUSTRIAL OR HOUSING OPPORTUNITY AWAITS! Multiple buildings with dozens of individual rooms, bathrooms, office space, and cafeteria. Located in South DeSoto County directly off Hwy 31 on approximately 17 acres. 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. **POSSIBLE SELLER FINANCING **
Total Acres: 17
List Price: $3,950,000
Click here for more info
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Development Opportunity on 73+ Acres and 34+ Buildings
6000 SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
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Exceptional development opportunity just 5 minutes South of Arcadia Florida. Featuring 34+ mixed-use buildings on 73+ acres with over a half mile of direct Hwy 31 frontage. Convenient access to Fort Myers, Interstate 75 and the Gulf Coast. Only 25 minutes to Babcock Ranch. This property’s designated Future Land Use is URBAN CENTER, allowing for multiple zoning designations including commercial, residential, and mixed-use expansion.
List Price: $4,500,000
Click here to learn more
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2.93 Acres CG Zoned w/ Buildings
5241 Hwy 17 Arcadia, FL 34266
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Well-positioned Commercial Property Desoto County Florida. This 2.93-acre Commercial General zoned property is located along Hwy 17 and consists of two buildings totaling approximately 7,034 square feet combined. This flexible offering provides strong visibility and is suitable for a range of commercial uses. Both buildings feature restrooms, new roofs installed in 2023, and are connected by sidewalks. The main building includes handicap-accessible ramps. Currently used for religious purposes, the property is well suited for conversion to retail, office, or educational use. Conveniently located just minutes from Arcadia and approximately 20 minutes to I-75 or Punta Gorda, with easy access to Hwy 31 and Kings Highway
List Price: $975,000
Click here to learn more
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SOLD!
2593 Genes Little Acres Arcadia, FL 34266
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| | | Looking for land, space, and a head start on a Barndominium? This 5+ acre property in scenic DeSoto County offers all that and more. Set behind a gated entrance, the unfinished barndominium is 60’x80’ and is thoughtfully designed with a 10-foot wraparound porch-perfect for soaking in the peaceful views of your private pond and scattered oaks. The interior is a blank canvas, ready for Buyer to finish and add your personal layout and finishing touches. With electric and well already in place, much of the heavy lifting is done. Need extra space? A seperate 30x70 detached building with multiple roll-up doors and an 8’x70’ covered overhang offers storage for RVs, boats, equipment, or whatever your lifestyle demands. The property is fenced, with open pasture and beautiful perimeter trees-ideal for animals, family play, or simply enjoying the wide-open space. Zoned for Residential Mixed Use, this is your opportunity to build the life you want. Plans are attached. Tucked between Hwy 70 and Hwy 72, you're just minutes from Arcadia and within easy reach of Port Charlotte, Sarasota, and Bradenton-rural charm without sacrificing convenience.
Sold Price: $425,000
Click here to learn more
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As a fifth-generation Floridian from Arcadia, I possess extensive knowledge of Florida real estate and a deep passion for its history. At the age of sixteen, my first venture into owning an orange grove ignited my enthusiasm for the real estate industry. Since then, I've engaged in a successful career purchasing, managing, and selling diverse properties such as acreage, agricultural lands, residential homes, and commercial spaces.
Growing up in a family-owned business, Bethel Farms, I honed my marketing and sales skills by handling products for major retailers across the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. My father instilled core values in me—to work diligently, strive for continuous improvement, and seek innovative approaches in all endeavors.
Implementing these principles daily, coupled with my enjoyment of networking and my extensive experience in business, sales, and marketing, have been pivotal to my accomplishments as a REALTOR®
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