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Hello Walt,
Wishing you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving! As part of our family tradition, we’ll be cutting and preparing swamp cabbage to share together—a timeless connection to Florida’s rich history and flavors. Did you know Florida is also home to America’s first Thanksgiving? Long before Plymouth Rock, settlers and Indigenous people in St. Augustine gathered in gratitude to share a meal.
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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Swamp Cabbage: Florida’s Historic and Culinary Treasure | |
You may be aware that the noble sabal palmetto is Florida's state tree, but did you know you can eat it? And we're not just talking about a survival tactic. From Wakulla and Apalachicola in the north to LaBelle and Immokalee in the south, Floridians all over the state have made a tradition out of preparing the hearts of these trees as a tasty dish called swamp cabbage. The tradition of eating hearts of Florida palm trees likely predates the arrival of Europeans in North America. Captain Hugh Young, Andrew Jackson's topographical engineer, sketched out a few remarks on the subject in his notes regarding the territory between the Aucilla and Suwannee rivers in 1818. He wrote:
"In the cypress swamps between Assilla and Sahwanne there is abundance of cabbage palmetto. [...] It rises with a single stem to the height of forty feet and supports at the top a large mass resembling an immense pineapple, from which project a number of three-sided stems three or four feet long with leaves like the low palmetto but much larger and without prickles. The vegetable substance from which the stems and leaves are supported has in its center a white brittle mucilaginous mass composed of the centre folds of the leaves forming it, which may be eaten raw and when boiled has a taste somewhat like parsnips. In times of scarcity the Indians live on it, and it is said to be wholesome and nutritious."
As incoming settlers learned about swamp cabbage and began experimenting with it, it became a favorite side dish, especially in sparsely populated areas where the sabal (or cabbage) palmetto was more prevalent. In modern times, swamp cabbage can still be found on the menus of restaurants serving traditional Southern cooking. It is typically prepared by slicing up the heart of a section of palmetto trunk, called a "boot," and then stewing it with spices and salt pork or some other seasoning meat. The finished product is grayish-green in color, and pairs well with fried fish, pork, or other traditional Florida entrees. Swamp cabbage can also be enjoyed raw, and often appears in salads by the more refined name of "heart of palm."
Many Florida communities consider swamp cabbage something worth celebrating. Each year at the Florida Forest Festival in Perry, locals celebrate their forestry heritage with a parade, fireworks, live music, and the world's largest free fish fry. Often, the menu has included swamp cabbage. Down south in Hendry County, residents of LaBelle hold a festival each year devoted to nothing but swamp cabbage, even choosing a Swamp Cabbage Queen to reign over the festivities. In Cedar Key, heart of palm salad served
Tasty as swamp cabbage may be, the cooking and eating of it is the easy part. Cutting through layers of tough palmetto fibers to get to the edible "boot" without damaging the tender flesh inside is much more difficult.
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11th Annual Turkey Trot-Annual Habitat for Humanity 5k
Saturday, November 23rd
7am-11:15am
Enjoy a fun Saturday morning run or walk through beautiful Morgan Park, near downtown Arcadia, FL. The course consists of both paved and unpaved surfaces and meanders through the trees and along the gorgeous Peace River. .
Click here for more info!
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Florida’s Forgotten Feast: The True First Thanksgiving
The first American Thanksgiving may have occurred in Florida, not Plymouth Rock. Historical evidence shows Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León discovered Florida in 1513, and in 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded St. Augustine, the oldest U.S. city. Decades before the Pilgrims settled Plymouth in 1620, Menendez hosted a thanksgiving celebration in St. Augustine.
After the Spanish landed, Father Francisco Lopez led a Catholic mass of thanksgiving for their safe arrival, attended by 800 colonists and the local Timucua tribe. Following the mass, Menendez invited the Timucua to share a meal on September 8, 1565. According to historian Michael Gannon in The Cross in the Sand, this event marked the first communal act of religion and thanksgiving in a permanent U.S. settlement, predating the Pilgrims' 1621 feast by over half a century.
Source: Florida Insider
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NEW LISTING!
Versatile 66,000 Sq. Ft. Industrial Space
5847 SE Hwy 31 Blg 33. Arcadia, FL 34266
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| |  | 66,000 square feet of functional and flexible warehouse space on 5+ Acres in DeSoto County, that can be used for a range of industrial purposes. Located just off Highway 31 in the DeSoto Business Park, the site includes two large hangars, several adaptable outbuildings, a loading platform, plenty of parking, 3-phase power, a backup Kohler generator, multiple office spaces and conference rooms —making it well-suited for a wide range of business needs. Strategically positioned for easy access, the site connects seamlessly to both Arcadia and Fort Myers. Highway 31 offers direct access to Highway 70, leading to both Florida coasts, or to Interstate 75, facilitating regional and national logistics. In addition to its functionality, aviation enthusiasts will enjoy a unique connection to local history, having once been part of Carlstrom and Dorr Fields, military airfields active during World War I and World War II. With a versatile layout and highly adaptable spaces, this property is a rare opportunity for businesses seeking flexibility, accessibility, and ample infrastructure in a growing area.
Total Acres: 5.82
List Price: $1,400,000
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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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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SOLD!!
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
Sold Price: $1,238,000
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LEASED!
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
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PENDING!!
Blueberry Farm
5692 NE Mcintyre St. Arcadia, FL 34266
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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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PENDING!
126+ Acres
2260 County Rd 731 Venus, FL 33960
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Spanning 126 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
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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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