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Hello Walt,
As summer settles in and the fishing season kicks off here in beautiful Charlotte Harbor, I’m excited to share some stories and reflections that connect us to this incredible place we love. From the rich history of tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass to the thrilling pursuit of snook in the mangroves, these waters hold a legacy of adventure, skill, and community that continues to inspire anglers of all ages.
With Father’s Day upon us, I want to take a moment to wish all the dads, granddads, uncles, and father figures out there a very happy Father’s Day.
As always, I appreciate your feedback.
Walt
| | Silver Kings and Salty Legends: The History of Tarpon Fishing in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass | |
Each summer, like clockwork, I find myself drawn back to Charlotte Harbor and the storied waters of Boca Grande Pass - a place where the past clings to the tides as tightly as the silver-scaled tarpon that run through them. This stretch of Southwest Florida has been called the “Tarpon Capital of the World,” and for good reason. While indigenous peoples like the Calusa fished these waters for centuries, the frenzy surrounding tarpon didn’t take off until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With the extension of the railroad to Boca Grande in the early 1900s, wealthy Northerners - industrialists, politicians, and sportsmen - began descending on this quiet fishing village, lured by tales of 100+ pound gamefish leaping clear out of the water. What followed was the transformation of a working port, originally built for shipping phosphate around the globe, into one of Florida’s most legendary sport fishing destinations.
By the 1920s and ‘30s, Boca Grande Pass had become a seasonal playground for the elite, rivaling Palm Beach and the Keys in status, but not in spectacle. Here, the action was raw and wild. Tarpon, dubbed the “silver king,” were hunted with tackle that tested both angler and guide. Legendary figures like baseball’s Ty Cobb and President Herbert Hoover came to try their luck, and fishing lodges flourished. It was here that the first tarpon were ever caught on rod and reel in saltwater, giving birth to modern big game fishing. Even today, when anglers anchor up with the tide swinging and the dawn mist rising, they’re stepping into a living history -part sport, part tradition more than a century in the making.
As tarpon fever took hold in the early 20th century, a distinct local culture emerged around the sport. Skilled fishing guides, not only piloted boats but read tides, tracked migrations, and preserved the hard-earned knowledge of these waters. Their reputations were built on instinct, skill, and grit, often passed down through generations. By the 1930s, organized tarpon tournaments had begun to formalize the seasonal spectacle, drawing national media coverage and cementing Boca Grande’s place in the angling world. Trophies, photos of acrobatic leaps, and even taxidermied tarpon became symbols of prestige. The community’s identity fused with the fish itself - part sport, part seasonal ritual, part living legacy. Much of that heritage remains intact today, from the traditional methods of drifting live bait through the Pass to the continued respect for tarpon as a catch-and-release species, celebrated for the fight, not the filet.
Source: Boca Grande Historical Society
| From Silver Kings to Snook Runs | While tarpon may rule the legacy of Boca Grande Pass, the memories made right here in Charlotte Harbor with a good friend and a snook on the line are just as legendary in my book. These photos are from recent days on the water — the same waters where generations have cast, laughed, and chased the thrill of the fight. A tradition that never gets old. | | |
KNAPP-Outdoor Expeditions
Join seasoned guide Tom Knapp for a personalized fishing experience in Charlotte Harbor. Explore inshore, offshore, and freshwater spots while targeting tarpon, snook, redfish, and more-all tailored to your skill level and goals.
More Info:
https://fishingpuntagorda.com/
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The Elusive Snook of Charlotte Harbor
While tarpon often steal the spotlight, the snook holds a special place in Charlotte Harbor’s fishing heritage. Known as the “grey ghost,” snook thrive in the estuaries and mangroves that define the Harbor’s unique ecosystem.
Long before sport fishing began, the native Calusa people depended on snook and other coastal fish for food, developing fishing techniques passed down through generations. By the mid-1900s, snook had become a favorite among anglers for their fierce strikes and acrobatic fights — offering a thrilling challenge in the calm, sheltered waters of Charlotte Harbor.
Today, snook fishing remains a vital part of the region’s tradition. Every cast connects anglers to a centuries-old coastal legacy that continues to define the spirit of Charlotte Harbor.
Source:
Florida Museum
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4 Days to Contract! 5+ Acres
7416 SW Hwy 72 Arcadia, FL 34266
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5.32 acres of possibility! Fenced with a gated entrance, the property provides both peace of mind and flexibility. Zoned A-5 making it perfect for those looking to build a custom home, keep horses, or simply enjoy a rural lifestyle. With direct frontage on Hwy 72, access is effortless. Arcadia is just minutes away, while Sarasota’s beaches and Punta Gorda’s waterfront dining are all within comfortable 40 minute drive. I-75 is approximately less than 20 minutes away in Charlotte County, offering a convenient connection to the rest of Southwest Florida. If you’ve been waiting for the right blend of privacy, accessibility, and potential, this is your blank canvas.
Total Acres: 5.32
List Price: $175,000
Click here for more info
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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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485+ Acres
73rd Ave E Myakka City, FL
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485 acres in Myakka City, Florida. This versatile property offers a wide range of potential uses. Ideal for farming, agricultural ventures, or recreational activities. Permitted deep water wells are in place. Situated along the Hardee / Manatee County line with easy access to Highway 64 just 5 minutes to the North.
Total Acres: 485.79
List Price: $4,615,000
Click here for more info
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PENDING!
Industrial Facility with Office
2845 Commerce Pkwy North Port, FL 34289
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Strategic Industrial Facility with Office. Located in a high-demand industrial corridor, this well-positioned property offers 8,916 total square feet of functional space, ideal for manufacturing, distribution, or service operations. The building features 7,560 sq/ft of warehouse and office space, all situated on .93 acres with 152 feet of road frontage. Built in 2004, the building is equipped for a variety of industrial uses, featuring four at-grade overhead doors, one dock-high loading bay, and 3-phase, 480V power. The site is secured with a 6 foot chain link fence and powered gate, providing both privacy and controlled access. Strategically located just 1 mile from I-75 and one block from Toledo Blade Blvd, this property ensures outstanding connectivity for distribution, logistics, or service-based operations.
Total Heated Sqft: 7,560
List Price: $1,700,000
Click here for more info
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Old Florida on the Peace River
1,324 Acres
SW Addison Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266
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"The moment I stepped onto this land, I felt a connection to Florida's history—it’s a place where time stands still, and nature speaks." This ranch isn’t just a piece of property; it’s an invitation to step back into the untamed wilderness of Old Florida, while still enjoying the comforts and conveniences of the modern world. For the first time in its storied history, this 1,324-acre legacy ranch in DeSoto County, Florida is being offered to the market. Hidden away just off the highly sought-after Kings Highway area, this rare property has been a generational treasure for one Florida family, preserved in its natural beauty and rich with heritage. As you set foot on this land, you're immediately transported back to the days when Florida’s original cattlemen rode through these very woods on horseback, shaping the landscape that has remained untouched for decades. Stretching over three miles of stunning river frontage along the peaceful Peace River, this ranch is a remarkable reflection of what Florida once was and what it still could be. Imagine waking up to the sound of the river, surrounded by oak hammocks, expansive pastures and a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wild quail, white-tailed deer, Osceola turkeys, and more. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or someone seeking a retreat from the modern world, this property offers everything an adventurer could desire. The river provides not only recreational opportunities like fishing for snook and tarpon, but also supports an abundant wildlife habitat, making it ideal for hunting or recreational ventures. Located just 30 minutes from Sarasota and adjacent to the Peace River State Forest, this secluded sanctuary balances the best of both worlds—rural peace and quiet with easy access to city life and the Gulf Coast. This ranch is more than just land; it’s an opportunity to create a legacy, one that honors Florida’s past while looking ahead to the future. With its prime location, unmatched natural beauty, and vast potential, this is not just a purchase, but an investment in the future. Beyond its pristine landscapes, this property is perfectly positioned for those looking to for the possibilities of conservation easements, mitigation, or long-term development opportunities along the Peace River. Its unencumbered title and first-time availability make it a truly rare find in the world of high-end land investments. Whether you envision it as a thriving cattle ranch, a hunting haven, or a conservation project, this land offers a rare chance to own a piece of Florida's legacy—one that will stand the test of time. This is your opportunity to make this once-in-a-lifetime property yours and to carry on its story for future generations. Don’t miss your chance to own a true hidden gem in Southwest Florida—a place where land stewardship meets long-term generational investment, wrapped in the beauty and wonder of the Florida wilderness.
MLS: C7498337
Total Acres: 1,324
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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SOLD!
188+ Acres
SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
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Versatile 188-Acre Development Opportunity in DeSoto County. This expansive property offers a range of possibilities with over three-quarters of a mile of Highway 31 frontage and an ADOT traffic count of 8,700 vehicles per day. Previously a citrus grove, the land includes three wells, making it well-suited for farming or future development. Zoned A-5 with public utilities nearby, the property also benefits from a Future Land Use designation of Neighborhood Center, allowing for industrial, office, or institutional opportunities. Property strategically situated on both sides of Highway 31 and near Arcadia Municipal Airport. Conveniently situated just minutes from Highway 70 for seamless east-west travel across Florida and Highway 31, providing direct access to Fort Myers and I-75, this property presents a valuable opportunity for investors, developers, or agricultural ventures
Total Acres: 188.83
Sold Price: $$2,454,750
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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
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SOLD!
80+ Acres
Hunter Rd. #80W Arcadia, FL 34266
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Explore this 80-acre property in Desoto County, just south of Arcadia off Highway 31. This active grove is ready for transformation into productive farmland. With an irrigation system and a 12” well, the property ensures a consistent water supply for various agricultural ventures. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or an aspiring agricultural entrepreneur, this property presents a practical and promising opportunity for development.
MLS: C7495664
Total Acres: 80
List Price: $720,000
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21,000+ sqft Building
5673 Hwy 31 #G, Arcadia, FL
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**POSSIBLE SELLER FINANCING**
21,000+ SqFt space located in South DeSoto County directly off Hwy 31. This was formerly used as a gymnasium for the state owned juvenile justice center, but could be a warehouse/shop conversion. Building includes office space and shop area. 5 minutes to Arcadia and only 35 minutes to Ft. Myers, Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte and I-75. If you desire more buildings, adjacent property for sale separately.
List Price: $850,000
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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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