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Hello Walt,
Welcome to the August edition of my newsletter! This month, we're diving into the rich history of our local fountain of youth right in downtown Punta Gorda. And for all the college football fans, get ready to relive a storied rivalry—Florida vs. Miami is back this weekend!
I appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts.
Additionally, feel free to visit my website www.waltbethel.com to check out all my current area listings.
Walt
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Ponce de León's Quest and the Timeless Tale of Punta Gorda's Mysterious Fountain | |
Five hundred years ago, in June, Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León embarked on his return journey to Puerto Rico after becoming the first European to set foot on mainland America. His exploration of Florida took him along both the east and west coasts, including what is now Charlotte Harbor—believed to be his chosen site for a second voyage.
Legend has it that Ponce de León was in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth, a mythical stream believed to grant eternal life to anyone who drank from it. Today, Florida—famous for its large retiree population—is dotted with "fountains of youth," ranging from mineral springs to deep-water wells. However, only one of these, located in Punta Gorda, stands out for being radioactive—and surprisingly, it might actually offer health benefits.
In Punta Gorda, a small, green-tiled fountain near Charlotte Harbor releases water from an artesian well below. The fountain, adorned with images of ships in homage to Ponce de León, features a public health notice warning that the water "exceeds the maximum contaminant level for radioactivity." Despite its high sulfate content, which gives it a rotten egg smell, locals continue to drink from the fountain.
Longtime resident Gussie Baker, who has lived in Punta Gorda for all of her 78 years, fondly recalls drinking from the well daily and swimming in a nearby hotel pool filled with water from the same aquifer. Punta Gordians have cherished this fountain since the late 19th century, and in 1926, they funded the construction of the current structure. At its peak popularity in the mid-20th century, the tap handle had to be replaced every six months due to frequent use.
The environmental movement of the 1970s posed a threat to the fountain's future. When the Clean Water Act was passed in 1974, it required the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set safe levels for various contaminants, including radium. In 1983, the fountain's water was found to contain 9.2 picoCuries of radium-226 per liter, exceeding the EPA's recommended limit of 5 picoCuries per liter. Despite discussions of closing or altering the fountain, local residents successfully opposed these efforts.
Radium is present in 3 to 4 percent of water sources across the United States, particularly in areas with certain rock formations. In Florida, the state's limestone, which poorly absorbs radium, contributes to the radium content in the water. Although the fountain's radium levels exceed EPA recommendations, experts like Zoltan Szabo of the United States Geological Survey suggest that the risk of cancer from drinking the water remains low, especially compared to other risks like smoking.
Interestingly, the water's appeal may be due to its high magnesium content, a mineral crucial for heart health and blood pressure regulation. With more than 80 percent of Americans deficient in magnesium, the fountain's water—which contains 46 ppm of magnesium—is comparable to well-known mineral waters like San Pellegrino. Magnesium is particularly beneficial for older individuals, making the fountain popular among Punta Gorda's senior residents.
Despite the fountain's waning popularity and the rise of bottled water, dedicated drinkers like 88-year-old Margaret Baumherdt still frequent the site, drawn by the water's unique taste. Baumherdt, who has been drinking from the fountain since 1967, even uses the water for cooking, finding it superior to chlorinated tap water.
While the fountain’s water hasn't been tested in over 25 years, its legacy endures, continuing to attract those who believe in its rejuvenating properties.
Source: National Geographic
| August’s End Means One Thing.. | It’s the end of August, and you know what that means—college football kickoffs are here! Check out the annual SEC helmet schedules. I'll be cheering on the Florida Gators. What is your favorite team? | |  |
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Seminole Wind Airboat Tours
Experience the beauty and wildlife of the Peace River's diverse ecosystem with Seminole Wind Airboat Tours, guided by a passionate, knowledgeable father-son team.
Click here for more info!
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"Classic Florida Gators Vs. Univeristy of Miami Hurricanes Rivalry
The Florida-Miami rivalry remains a cornerstone of college football's rich history. After Florida ended the annual series in 1988, citing a desire for a "national schedule," the decision sparked controversy. Miami fans relished their team’s dominance during Florida’s years of mediocrity, especially as Miami ascended to national prominence. The rivalry saw a brief resurgence in the 1990s when Steve Spurrier reignited it, but scheduling conflicts due to the SEC's expansion limited future matchups. The rivalry’s intensity is unmatched, with emotional and physical games often marred by mistakes, penalties, and memorable moments. The rivalry has produced unforgettable classics that still resonate with fans.
Source: Florida Gators
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80+ Acres Verstatile Land
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!!
83+ Acres with 3/2 Mobile Home and Barns
8461 Hwy 72. Arcadia, FL 34266
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Beautifully wooded 83+ acre property off Hwy 72 in DeSoto County. This property includes a new 2023 3/2 mobile home with 1,431 sqft of comfortable living space, ready for immediate occupancy. Enhancing the property's utility is a 2,400 sqft enclosed barn, a covered barn with horse stalls and an additional pole barn for large equipment storage. PLUS, two large and fully stocked fish ponds along with the abundant wildlife. Deer, hogs and Osceola turkeys have found a home here along the Horse Creek. Perfectly located on Hwy 72, just west of Arcadia and only 20 minutes to I 75 to either Sarasota or Charlotte County. This move-in ready property offers a unique combination of convenience from the coast to enjoy the outdoors.
Total Acres: 83.26
List Price: $1,248,000
Click here for more info
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50,900sqft Building on 114+ Acres Zoned IL
2998 SW Co Rd 760 Arcadia, FL 34266
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Exceptional building presenting a unique opportunity for industrial or manufacturing business on 114+ Acres zoned Industrial Light. Offering 50,900+ square feet of space, including 18-foot ceiling heights and dedicated office areas, the facility provides ample room to accommodate your operations or facilitate expansion. The central location in Southwest Florida ensures convenient trucking access to major transportation routes. Plus, expansive outdoor area allows for effortless truck maneuvering, parking, and outdoor storage solutions, providing the flexibility to adapt to your specific business needs. Whether you require staging areas, secure equipment storage, or ample space for vehicle parking, this property delivers. With its substantial size, great location, and flexible outdoor space, this building is an ideal choice for businesses seeking to elevate their operations and position themselves for sustained growth in the region. Seize this opportunity!
MLS: C7494460
Total Acres: 114
List Price: $4,200,000
Click here for more info
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PENDING!!
Blueberry Farm
5692 NE Mcintyre St. Arcadia, FL 34266
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Versatile blueberry farm on 37+ acres boasting a 6,800+ sqft building, ideally equipped with multiple loading docks to serve a variety of agricultural needs. This structure is primed for fruit packing operations with 3-phase electric system and previously refrigerated walk-in coolers. Accompanying this central facility is a 4,100+ sqft barn, further enhancing the farm's utility and storage capabilities. 13 acres of the land are dedicated to blueberries with Macadamia trees also planted on the property. Equipped with two 4-inch irrigation wells with large pump, this farm has great irrigation infrastructure in place. This farm is not just a business opportunity; it's a ready-to-operate haven for agricultural enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike!
Total Acres: 38.57
List Price: $975,000
Click here for more info
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SOLD!
80 Acres
SE Hunter Rd #80 Arcadia, FL 34269
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Discover an exceptional 80-acres in Desoto County, located just south of Arcadia off Highway 31. Currently an operational grove, this versatile land is primed for conversion into productive farmland. Equipped with a state-of-the-art irrigation system and a 12” well, the property ensures a reliable water supply for various agricultural pursuits. Whether you're an experienced farmer or a budding agricultural entrepreneur, this property offers a practical and promising opportunity for agricultural development.
Total Acres: 80
Sold Price: $640,000
Click here for more info
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92+ Acres Unique Opportunity
SW Co Rd 761. Arcadia, FL 34269
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92 acre parcel offering unique opportunity along the serene Peace River in DeSoto County. This property showcases a picturesque blend of natural Florida beauty with meandering riverbanks, lush vegetation, and diverse ecosystems.
Total Acres: 92
List Price: $1,371,000
Click here for more info
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586+ Acres
2260 County Rd 731 Venus, FL 33960
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Spanning 586 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. Additionally, there is an opportunity to expand your holdings, as an adjacent 57 acres of hunting-recreational land is also available
Total Acres: 586
List Price: $4,400,000
Click here for more info
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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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