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Greetings!
August has a way of reminding us that some of Southwest Florida's greatest stories aren't always found in history books. Sometimes they're hidden beneath the surface of Charlotte Harbor, woven into the communities we call home, or quietly waiting to be rediscovered. This month, I thought I'd share a few stories that celebrate the history, wildlife, and places that continue to make our corner of Florida so unique.
As always, thank you for following along and for your continued support.
Walt
| | Charlotte Harbor's Hidden Giant: The River Still Holding Secrets | |
When a friend recently shared that they had accidentally caught and carefully released a smalltooth sawfish along the Peace River, it immediately caught my attention. The story itself became a reminder that beneath the familiar waters of Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River swims one of Florida's oldest and rarest native species, one whose history is as remarkable as its appearance.
Long before Charlotte Harbor became known for world-class fishing, waterfront communities, or recreational boating, these waters were home to the smalltooth sawfish. For centuries they cruised Florida's estuaries, rivers, and shallow coastal bays, their distinctive rostrums, often mistaken for a saw, helping them detect the faint electrical signals of prey before sweeping through schools of fish with astonishing precision. Early explorers and commercial fishermen considered sawfish a common sight throughout the Gulf Coast, and historical records suggest they ranged from Texas to North Carolina. By the second half of the twentieth century, however, that picture had changed dramatically. Accidental capture in commercial fishing gear, the loss of mangrove shorelines, dredging, and coastal development pushed the species to the brink of extinction, leaving only a fraction of its historic population.
While much of its former range disappeared, Charlotte Harbor refused to surrender its ancient resident. The harbor's broad estuary, nourished by the Peace, Myakka, and Caloosahatchee Rivers, continued to provide something increasingly rare along Florida's coast: shallow, protected nursery habitat where young sawfish could grow during their earliest years. Scientists have identified the Peace River as one of the species' most important nursery areas, with juvenile sawfish returning year after year to the same sheltered reaches. In 2009, the federal government recognized just how critical these waters had become, designating the Charlotte Harbor Estuary as one of only two official critical habitat units for the endangered smalltooth sawfish in the United States.
The story did not end there. In 2003, the smalltooth sawfish became the first marine fish ever protected under the Endangered Species Act, launching decades of research and conservation throughout Southwest Florida. Every documented encounter, every safe release, and every tagged juvenile has helped researchers better understand a species that has survived for millions of years. Today, Charlotte Harbor is recognized as the last remaining stronghold for the species in the United States, a distinction that carries both pride and responsibility. Most days, the harbor reveals little of this hidden world. Yet beneath the calm surface of the Peace River swims a living piece of Florida's natural history, reminding us that some of the greatest stories are not found in museums or history books, but in the waters we pass every day without realizing the secrets they still hold.
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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:
Fishing Punta Gorda
| The smalltooth sawfish is one of the largest fish found in Florida's coastal waters. While most adults measure 10 to 14 feet long, they can exceed 16 feet and weigh more than 700 pounds. Historical accounts from the late 1800s even described sawfish approaching 20 feet in length, though such giants are exceptionally rare today. Once common throughout Florida, the endangered smalltooth sawfish now relies on places like Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River, making every sighting a remarkable reminder that these ancient giants still swim beneath our local waters. | | | |
30+ Acres
SE Hwy 31 #30 Arcadia, FL
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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
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339+ Acres
SE C& H Dr Arcadia, FL
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339+ acres offering excellent potential for an agricultural venture. Located in DeSoto County just south of Arcadia off Hog Bay Extension, this expansive tract offers a wide range of potential uses and is ideal for farming or a variety agricultural ventures. Four permitted deep water wells are in place. Convenient access to Highway 31 allows easy travel to Fort Myers and Arcadia.
List Price: $5,438,000
Total Acres: 339.84
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31+ Acres
2270 Griffin Rd Wauchula, FL 33873
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31+ acres on Griffin Road on the east side of Wauchula with easy access to Hwy 64. Featuring 1,335+ feet of road frontage, this A-1 zoned property sits in Flood Zone X and is cleared and ready for your vision. Whether you're dreaming of a private estate, recreational retreat, or investment opportunity, this property offers space, access, and endless potential.
List Price: $589,000
Total Acres: 31
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Development Potential
SE Hwy 31 #30 Arcadia, FL
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Potential business/industrial park development on 29+ acres featuring 15 existing mixed-use buildings and internal paved road already in place. The property is located off Hwy 31 with an average daily traffic count of approximately 6,700 and offers convenient access to Arcadia (5 minutes), Fort Myers, Interstate 75, and the Gulf Coast, as well as approximately 25 minutes to Babcock Ranch. The site is currently unzoned; however, the Future Land Use designation is Urban Center, allowing for rezoning into a variety of uses including commercial, office, institutional, multi-family, duplex, attached and single-family residential, and mixed-use development. Light industrial uses, including enclosed manufacturing and warehousing, may also be permitted with appropriate buffering and design considerations. Public water and electricity are available, with sewer access nearby.
List Price: $2,950,000
Total Acres: 29.57
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Income Producing Opportunity
2525 Bobcat Village Center Rd. North Port, FL 34288
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 | | 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
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LEASED!
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
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13,000sqft Warehouse
5000 Hwy 31 #W Arcadia, FL 34266
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13,000 SqFt Warehouse located off Hwy 31 with LOADS OF POTENTIAL. Warehouse features two roll up doors with loading ramp, walk-in cooler, and office space. Less than 10 minutes to Hwy 70 intersection, 25 minutes to Babcock Ranch development and only 35 minutes to Ft. Myers and I-75 off Florida’s West coast.
List Price: $800,000
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SOLD!
21,000sqft+ Building
5673 SE Hwy 31 #G Arcadia, FL 34266
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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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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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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
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PENDING!
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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