April 2026 Newsletter

Greetings!


With Easter just around the corner, take a moment to enjoy the season’s simple joys. Look up at the pine trees and you might spot fresh spring shoots forming tiny cross shapes. And don’t forget the table: creamy, spiced deviled eggs are a classic Southern tradition, symbolizing renewal and family gatherings. From the blossoms of Florida’s historic orange trees to the little joys of Easter Sunday, this season is full of beauty, history, and flavor worth savoring.


As always, I appreciate your feedback and you following along as we explore both Florida’s history and today’s opportunities.


Walt

Nature’s Quiet Easter Message

Every spring, right as Easter arrives, something quietly fascinating shows up high in the tops of certain pine trees. I noticed it myself just last week while taking a photo, fresh yellow green shoots reaching upward, with small side buds extending out like arms, forming what looks like a tiny cross.


Over time, this has inspired a familiar story that pine trees somehow “know” it’s Easter and reveal these cross shapes to mark the season. Some even say the tallest shoots begin forming weeks before, becoming more defined by Easter Sunday. It’s a beautiful idea, even if nature isn’t working on a holiday schedule.


In reality, this pattern is simply part of how pine trees grow each year. The main vertical shoot forms first, followed by side buds that develop into branches. Depending on the climate, this can happen before or after Easter, making the timing more coincidence than design.



Still, the resemblance is hard to ignore, especially in certain pine species where the shape stands out clearly. Whether you see it as a meaningful symbol or just one of nature’s small wonders, it’s a reminder of what this season represents. Growth, renewal, and the quiet beauty that often appears when we take the time to look up.

Citrus Spotlight

In 1909, the Florida House of Representatives officially designated the orange blossom (Citrus sinensis) as the state flower. Florida, or La Florida—Spanish for “land of flowers”—was named by Ponce de León in 1513. Choosing a state flower wasn’t easy; both the camellia and gardenia had strong support. Ultimately, the native orange blossom won for its fragrance and widespread appeal. It’s a fitting symbol for Florida, reflecting centuries of orange cultivation. Spanish explorers first brought orange trees to the state in the 1500s, and by 1909, the United States had more orange trees than any other country, even though oranges originally came from Southeast Asia.


Source: MyFloridaHistory

NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBOR

Smith's Ranch and Garden


Family-owned and locally trusted for over 100 years, Smith’s Ranch & Garden has been Arcadia’s go-to destination for agriculture, ranch, and garden needs.


More Info:

Smiths Ranch and Garden

HISTORY SPOTLIGHT

Southern Rebirth



In the South, deviled eggs are more than a dish—they’re an Easter tradition. Eggs have long symbolized rebirth and renewal, and after Lent, Southern families celebrate with tables full of creamy, spiced deviled eggs. Their bright yolks echo the colors of spring, while the dish itself connects generations, faith, and flavor. Every bite is a nod to history, a symbol of new life, and a beloved Southern Easter ritual.

 
Featured Listings

SOLD!

38+ Acres

SE Co Rd 763 Arcadia, FL 34266

38+ 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.



Sold Price: $557,000

Click here to view more

JUST LISTED!

30+ Acres

SE Hwy 31 #30 Arcadia, FL

Walk through 30 acres of Florida woodland where tall pines and wide-spreading oaks cast shifting shade across your own stretch of land. Deer trails weave through the property, the air feels quieter, and the pace slows the moment you arrive. Set back with a private feel, yet close enough for a quick 5 minute run into Publix/Walmart or local restaurants when needed. Electric nearby keeps future plans within reach, whether that’s a cabin, campsite, or something more permanent. With both Hwy 70 and Hwy 31 nearby, travel across the state or south toward Ft. Myers stays simple and convenient. Property may require approval from County to be split from parent parcel. For weekend use or future plans, it’s ready when you are!

Total Acres: 30

List Price: $575,000


Income Producing Opportunity

2525 Bobcat Village Center Rd. North Port, FL 34288

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

FOR LEASE

25,000sqft Warehouse

SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

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

2.48 Acres Zoned CG

12280 SW Country Rd 769 Arcadia, FL 34269

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

PRICE REDUCED!

Industrial/Housing Opportunity Awaits

5871 SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

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

Development Opportunity on 73+ Acres and 34+ Buildings

6000 SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

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

2.93 Acres CG Zoned w/ Buildings

5241 Hwy 17 Arcadia, FL 34266

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

 
About Walt Bethel

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®

 
Walt Bethel | RE/MAX Harbor Realty| 863.990.1748 | wbethel@waltbethel.com| www.waltbethel.com