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Hello Walt,
Welcome to the February Edition of my Monthly Newsletter. This month, we're diving into the rich history of Arcadia Municipal Airport, a cornerstone of our local heritage. Known as "Aviation City" during World War I, Arcadia played a pivotal role in military aviation training at Carlstrom and Dorr Fields. These airfields were instrumental during both World Wars, training countless pilots and contributing significantly to the war efforts. We'll explore the fascinating stories behind these historic sites and their lasting impact on our community. Additionally, don't miss out on my latest property listings.
As always, I appreciate your feedback.
Walt
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Arcadia Municipal Airport: A Hidden Gem in Florida’s Aviation History | |
Situated in DeSoto County, just a mile southeast of downtown Arcadia, Arcadia Municipal Airport (FAA LID: X06) is more than just a public-use airstrip—it’s a gateway to Florida’s rich aviation heritage. Positioned along State Road 70, Arcadia is conveniently located 51 miles east of Bradenton, 64 miles west of Okeechobee, and 28 miles northeast of Port Charlotte via U.S. 17.
Aviation City: A Legacy Born in the Skies
During World War I, Arcadia earned the nickname "Aviation City" due to the extensive military flight training that took place at Carlstrom and Dorr Fields. These training facilities helped shape the future of military aviation, preparing pilots for aerial combat and reconnaissance missions.
In 1934, the City of Arcadia took a bold step in aviation development by purchasing 225 acres through delinquent tax sales. With the help of a $10,000 federal grant, the city constructed a hangar and airfield, which served as a secondary support field to the bustling Carlstrom Military Airfield just south of Arcadia. The original airport featured two grass runways, each about 2,500 feet long, laying the foundation for what would become a key general aviation hub.
A Flight Training Hub with Legendary Pilots
Following World War II, Arcadia Municipal Airport became home to a flight school around 1946, training aspiring pilots in both powered aircraft and gliders. The airport gained further recognition in the 1970s and 1980s when Pat Hange and Harriet Hamilton operated Lennox Flight School. The duo, later inducted into the Soaring Hall of Fame, trained a generation of pilots, making Arcadia a prime location for aviation enthusiasts.
Growth, Community Involvement, and the Fly-In Culture
In 2009, the City of Arcadia formed a seven-member Airport Advisory Committee to spearhead improvements. By 2012, a group of passionate aviation supporters created the Friends of Arcadia Airport, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and enhancing the airport’s role in the community. They introduced fly-in pancake breakfasts, attracting pilots from across Florida and beyond. These gatherings not only boost tourism but also support local businesses by encouraging pilots and visitors to explore Arcadia’s charming downtown.
A Unique Destination for Aviation Camping
Recognizing the growing appeal of airplane camping, the Friends of Arcadia Airport launched an ambitious project in 2014—the creation of a Fly-In/Camp-Out Center. This one-of-a-kind facility allows pilots to taxi directly to their campsite, set up tents under sprawling oak trees, and enjoy amenities such as:
- A 20x30-foot pilot shelter with picnic tables
- A fire pit with brick pavers
- Running water and portable restrooms
Designed for pilots who love the outdoors, this site has become a favorite for fly-in events, pilot seminars, and weekend getaways. The facility is fully funded by the Friends organization and was later donated to the City of Arcadia, ensuring its availability for aviation-related use. Pilots can reserve the site exclusively through the Friends of Arcadia Airport.
Arcadia Municipal Airport Today
Today, Arcadia Municipal Airport continues to serve general aviation pilots, offering both paved and turf runways for a variety of aircraft. Whether you're a weekend flyer, a student pilot, or an aviation enthusiast looking for a scenic getaway, Arcadia remains a hidden gem in Florida’s aviation landscape.
For reservations or event details, visit Friends of Arcadia Airport, Inc. and experience the magic of aviation in Aviation City!
| Genetically Modified Trees Could Save Florida’s Dying Citrus Industry | |
Florida's citrus industry has been grappling with citrus greening disease, a bacterial infection spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, leading to significant declines in orange production. In 2024, the state's orange yield plummeted to its lowest in nearly a century, producing only 12 million boxes compared to Brazil's 378 million.
To combat this, researchers have developed genetically modified (GM) citrus trees designed to resist the disease. These GM trees have successfully eliminated the disease-causing bacteria in laboratory settings. The critical test will occur over the next three years as these trees are planted in citrus groves to assess their real-world effectiveness.
The success of these GM trees could revitalize Florida's citrus industry, offering a sustainable solution to a problem that has plagued growers for decades. However, the industry faces additional challenges, including consumer acceptance of genetically modified organisms and the time required for regulatory approvals and widespread adoption.
Despite these hurdles, the development of disease-resistant GM citrus trees represents a promising advancement, providing hope for the future of Florida's iconic citrus groves.
Source: News.WfSu
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Arcadia Municpal Airport
Pancake breakfast and young eagle flights.
Come out and watch the volunteer pilots take the 10 young eagles take flight for the first time.
Plus, every Tuesday is Touch N Go Tuesday with Food Trucks.
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During the Great Depression, Arcadia used Federal Emergency Relief Act (FERA) funds to build a municipal airport and a beef cannery at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) contributed to local infrastructure by constructing a U.S. Post Office in 1937, featuring WPA artwork, and repurposing the old Arcadia Public School into a cafeteria and gymnasium.
Arcadia also played a key role in military aviation history. During World War I, the U.S. Army established Carlstrom and Dorr Fields as aviation training camps southeast and east of the city. Named after aviators who died in 1917, these fields later became sites for testing early unmanned aircraft, including the "Kettering Bug," a precursor to smart bombs.
Before the U.S. entered World War II, the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Corporation reactivated both fields as training schools, with British Royal Air Force cadets receiving instruction at Carlstrom Field. Twenty-three cadets who died during training are buried in Arcadia’s Oak Ridge Cemetery and honored annually by the Rotary Club.
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JUST LISTED!
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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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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JUST LISTED!
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
List Price: $2,832,500
Click here for more info
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Industrial/Housing Opportunity Awaits
5871 SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
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**SELLER WILL OFFER FINANCING WITH 20% DOWN**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
Click here for more info
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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
Click here for more info
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PENDING!
517+ Acres
2260 County Rd 731 Venus, FL 33960
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Spanning 517 acres in Venus, Florida, this adaptable land presents a variety of opportunities. Whether you wish to farm, embark on a new agricultural project or use for recreation, the property is well-equipped with several wells to support your vision. Located just south of Lake Placid, it offers a convenient retreat accessible from both the east and west coasts of Florida.
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21,000+ sqft Building
5673 Hwy 31 #G, Arcadia, FL
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**SELLER WILL OFFER FINANCING WITH 20 % DOWN**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
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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