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Greetings!
As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts turn to the rhythms of family and the traditions that anchor us. In our family, that includes the ritual of cutting swamp cabbage, a simple act that connects us to generations past and brings a uniquely Floridian flavor to our table.
Also below, I highlight the Farmer’s Almanac, a guide that has shaped American agriculture and seasonal life for centuries and whose influence remains a part of our history today. Though its original form may be gone, its influence endures as a reminder that traditions, old and new, continue to bring us together.
Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.
As always, I appreciate your feedback.
Walt
| | The Last Forecast: How the Farmers’ Almanac Grew with America's Fields | |
For more than two centuries the Farmers’ Almanac served as a seasonal guide for people who worked the soil, tended livestock, gardened for their families, or simply paid close attention to the rhythms of weather and time. When poet and astronomer David Young and publisher Jacob Mann released the first edition in 1818, the young United States was still powered by agriculture. Early farmers relied heavily on the Almanac’s blend of long-range weather predictions, sunrise and sunset tables, planting advice, fishing tips, and bits of homegrown wisdom to make decisions that shaped their harvests and their livelihoods.
As the nation expanded and farms grew, the Almanac grew with them. Its readers used it to choose planting days, anticipate frosts, time haying and harvesting, prepare for storms, and organize seasonal chores around the farmyard. Even as agricultural science modernized, many growers continued to keep a copy in the kitchen or barn, treating it as a reliable companion that combined tradition with practical insight.
The Almanac reached millions under the leadership of editor Ray Geiger, who began his tenure in the 1930s. His ability to promote the publication on radio and television introduced it not only to farmers but to gardeners and rural families across the country. By midcentury its circulation soared into the millions, and generations of growers continued to use it for planting schedules, poultry and livestock care tips, and home-farming guidance. In later decades, as industrial farming rose and many Americans moved to cities, a new wave of readers discovered the Almanac as a source for backyard gardening, small-scale homesteading, and the renewed interest in growing food at home.
By the 2010s, editors noted that a large portion of the audience was made up of home gardeners and people seeking a more sustainable, self-reliant lifestyle. Even so, the book remained especially meaningful to small farms and rural communities that had consulted it for lifetimes. It continued to offer long-range weather predictions that many growers watched closely, especially in regions where late freezes, drought patterns, or early storms could make or break a season.
In November 2025, after two hundred and eight years, the team behind the Farmers’ Almanac announced that the 2026 edition would be the final one. Rising production costs, shifting media habits, and the declining economics of print made continued publication impossible. The decision was described as heartbreaking for readers who had used the Almanac not just as a book, but as a seasonal companion and a link to the knowledge of past generations.
Although the publication itself will no longer appear in print or online, its influence remains alive in the people who still plant by the phases of the moon, track seasonal weather patterns, or seek a deeper connection to the land. For them, the final lesson of the Almanac is a familiar one and if it could offer one final forecast, it might read like this: expect change, expect nostalgia, and trust that its legacy will endure as faithfully as the sunrise it charted for more than two centuries.
Source: Farmer's Almanac
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Punta Gorda Light Up The Night Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5, 2025
5:00PM
An evening filled with holiday magic, live entertainment, and unforgettable moments. From the very first sparkle to the final celebration, the Punta Gorda Tree Lighting is packed with festive fun for all ages.
More Info:
Light Up the Night PG
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A Family Tradition Rooted in Florida History
Swamp cabbage, made from the tender heart of the sabal palm, is a true Florida tradition with roots stretching back to the Indigenous tribes who first relied on it as a sustaining food. For centuries, the Calusa, Seminole, and Miccosukee harvested it from the wild, valuing it for its flavor and dependability, and early settlers later adopted it as a humble Southern staple. Though it’s not a common Thanksgiving dish for most, our family keeps the tradition alive—serving swamp cabbage each year as a way to honor its long history and stay connected to the heritage and land that shaped it.
Source: HeritageandTraditions
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SOLD!
3 Days to Contract! 101+ Acres
Goosepond Rd. Ona, FL
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101+ Acres in Ona, FL-Newly Platted into Ten 10-Acre Tracts. Formerly a producing citrus grove, now cleared and ready for multiple uses. Includes a 12" well, A-1 zoning, and Flood Zone X designation. Newly approved plat with Hardee County divides the land into ten individual 10-acre tracts, offering options for farming, livestock or rural residences.
Total Acres: 101.74
Sold Price: $1,650,000
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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: $820,000
Click here to view more
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Barndominium on 5+ Acres
2593 NW Genes Little Acres Arcadia, FL
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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 partially finished 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 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. 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. If you've been searching for flexibility, freedom, and a property with potential already in motion-this is it.
Total Acres: 5.05
List Price: $485,000
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
Click here for more info
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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
Click here to view more
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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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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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