Greetings!
Welcome to the March Edition of my newsletter and Happy Birthday to Florida! March 3rd our state turned 178 years old. 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.
Walt
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A look into the History of the Arcadia All-Florida Rodeo |
The Arcadia rodeo began back in the middle of 1928 when the American Legion wanted to raise money to help pay for a new building. A local businessman, who was a member of the American Legion, asked a prominent rancher (Zeb Parker) if a rodeo could be held to raise money. Mr. Parker agreed it could be done and offered to furnish the stock for free.
In preparation for this event, special arrangements were made to bring in a group of Seminole Indians. The American Legion and the Lion’s Club volunteered to sponsor a parade. Two thousand Shriners were expected to march in the parade. The Governor of Florida notified officials he would be attending the rodeo and the Wauchula band provided the music. The first rodeo was such a success that the American Legion was able to pay off the mortgage on the new building in four years.
During the early thirties (even though the local economy was devastated by the national depression) the rodeo continued as people struggled to simply earn enough to afford the necessities of life. During these years the rodeos were held in the Limestone Community of Desoto County, where the interest in rodeo was kept alive.
In 1938 at the urgings of his son (Billy Welles) and a friend (Gerald Taylor- a local rancher and businessman), Ed Welles agreed to promote and finance the rodeo. The Arcadia rodeo became an annual event at the Welles’ arena until the sudden death of Ed Welles on June 11,1950. However, the tradition of rodeo was so firmly entrenched in the hearts of so many Desoto Countians that on January 10, 1952, at a meeting of the Rotary Club, what would become the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. as we know it today was reactivated.
The rodeo continued at the Welles’ arena until 1959 when the arena was moved to its present location. In 1973 the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. joined the ranks of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. has evolved from its pioneer beginnings (when competing cowboys and ranchers matched their skills for the entertainment of local audiences) to a national sport drawing top cowboy athletes from all over the nation. Cowboys who compete for purses and points are aiming for the “Super Bowl” of rodeo: the National Finals held annually in Las Vegas.
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Did you Know?
Fun Facts About Rodeos
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Here are some fun facts about the history of rodeo.
• The word "rodeo” is loosely derived from the Spanish word for "round-up,” or literally, rodear, "to surround.”
• The English word "rodeo” was first used around 1834 to refer to a cattle round-up.
• Rodeo events are based on the real-life skills of working vaqueros and cowboys, first in Spain and Mexico, and later in the United States, Canada and Australia.
• Bull wrestling, practiced long ago in Mediterranean countries including Spain, may have been an Olympic event in ancient Greece.
• William F. Cody, also known as "Buffalo Bill,” created the first major U.S. rodeo and Wild West Show in 1882, in North Platte, Neb.
• Women joined the rodeo circuit in the 1890s.
• Before World War I, competitors couldn’t earn a living on rodeo winnings alone, so many were also Wild West show performers or performed entertainment acts at rodeos. Vaudeville hosted many of these acts during the rodeo offseason.
• In the era of non-standardized rodeos, cowboys and cowgirls often did not know the exact events being offered or the rules of competition until after they paid fees to enter the contest.
• Before the 1940s, the most popular competitions included trick riding and fancy roping. Also in demand were gymnastic feats performed on horseback at high speed, and Roman standing races, where riders stood upon a pair of horses, one foot on each horse.
• The harder a bull bucks, the higher the cowboy’s score, with 100 points being the highest.
• In 1991, Wade Leslie scored the only 100-point bull ride in the history of rodeo.
• Weighing 1,600 pounds and known to knock pro bull riders off in less than a second, Bodacious certainly earned his name! Bodacious is still known in the world of rodeo as the “rankest bull of all time”; he was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1999.
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Grandaddy of 'Em All Arcadia Rodeo
March 9-12th
Mosaic Arena
Arcadia, FL
More Info:
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CITRUS SPOTLIGHT
Drones for Pest Control Effective in Some Situations
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Technological advancements in recent years allow drones to perform precise agricultural work efficiently. One of the tasks in greatest demand is the application of phytosanitary products in a quick and timely manner. Drones can be used for extensive applications in a short time and are ideal for ultra-low-volume interventions.
With drones, very specific sectors, such as sources of disease or patches of weeds, can be treated. As a foliar application alternative, drones can provide practical, efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for pest and disease control.
However, there is not yet enough information to determine if the efficacy of treatment with agricultural drones is greater or less than conventional treatments. In an effort to make that determination, the Obispo Colombres Experimental Agroindustrial Station in Tucumán, Argentina, together with the companies Siner, Efficatia and Citromax, carried out a trial. Its objective was to evaluate the use of drones as a new tool for applying insecticides to control the citrus leafminer in young plants.
The use of this new technology is a good alternative for isolated lots with very steep slopes or close to urban areas.
Although the results were promising, it is necessary to continue with the evaluations on a commercial scale to test different ages of plants and plantation designs.
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10 Acres! Come build your dream home
3351 SW Martin Lane Arcadia, FL 34266
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10 acres perfect to build your dream home with lots of space for horses and livestock. Come enjoy your very own private sanctuary tucked away at the end of a deeded access cul-de-sac. Property is located with convenient access to Arcadia, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte or Sarasota with shopping, dining, medical and recreation available within route of Kings Hwy, Hwy 17 or Hwy 72. Great opportunity, call today for a showing!
Total Acres: 10.08
Listing Price: $230,000
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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: $4,200,000
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NEW LISTING!
Potential Housing or Industrial Opportunity Awaits!
5871 Hwy 31 #12 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.
Total Acres: 17
List Price: $5,000,000
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SOLD!
451 +/- Acres
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
Sold Price: $2,840,750
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PENDING!
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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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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52 Acres
SW Hull Ave. Arcadia, FL 34269
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52+ acres with close proximity to Hwy 17 in Ft. Ogden, zoned A-5. This property features one permitted 8” well with a quarter mile of road frontage plus an abundance of wooded area. A perfect spot to build your new estate home and still have plenty of land to graze your horses or cattle. The future land use zoning of Neighborhood Mixed Use also provides potential for residential development. Up to 3.5-5 units per acre. LOTS OF OPTIONS!! Call today for a showing!
Total Acres: 52
List Price: $777,000
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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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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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