2023 Florida Newsletters: History and Agriculture
Walt Bethel’s 2023 Florida newsletters bring together Peace River heritage, Arcadia rodeo traditions, Charlotte County schools, and Punta Gorda’s founding stories. Browse local history alongside Florida citrus research and conservation of Southwest Florida working lands.
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February 2023
Peace River Heritage and Horse Creek Conservation
The Peace River’s names and Seminole history provide a backdrop to the protection of nearly 12,000 acres at Horse Creek Ranch. This issue connects DeSoto and Hardee county working lands, Charlotte Harbor’s watershed, and research into natural defenses against citrus greening.
Read the February 2023 Newsletter
March 2023
Arcadia Rodeo’s Roots and Cowboy Traditions
Arcadia’s rodeo story begins with a 1928 American Legion fundraiser and the ranchers who helped make it possible. This March issue follows DeSoto County’s enduring cowboy traditions, shares rodeo history, and considers agricultural drones for citrus pest control.
Read the March 2023 Newsletter
April 2023
Easter Pines and an Arcadia Memory Map
Spring pine shoots inspire an Easter tradition, while a 1992 illustrated Arcadia map recalls DeSoto County businesses and familiar places. The issue also considers Florida citrus heritage and the industry’s economic contribution during a challenging period for growers.
Read the April 2023 Newsletter
May 2023
Arcadia’s Historic Peace River Bridge
Ferries, wooden crossings, and an iron bridge preceded Arcadia’s concrete Peace River bridge, completed in 1925. This issue follows the crossing’s evolution, recalls DeSoto County’s formation, and shares early hopes surrounding a productive Donaldson orange tree affected by citrus greening.
July 2023
Punta Gorda’s Fourth of July and Citrus Crate Art
Punta Gorda’s early Independence Day celebrations connect the Charlotte Harbor Bridge, Hotel Punta Gorda, and a busy waterfront. This July issue also recalls Florida citrus crate labels, whose colorful artwork helped growers market their fruit and the Florida lifestyle.
August 2023
Charlotte County Schools and Punta Gorda’s Calaboose
Charlotte County’s school history brings Benjamin Joshua Baker, Sallie Jones, and Punta Gorda’s early classrooms into focus. The August issue also recounts the town’s iron calaboose and highlights research using isotopes and trace elements to identify where oranges were grown.
Read the August 2023 Newsletter
Fall 2023
Hector House and Punta Gorda’s Founding
The Hector House stood at the center of Punta Gorda’s 1887 incorporation. This fall issue revisits the building’s role, the town’s founding voters, and Halloween celebrations a century ago, alongside research aimed at restoring sweetness to Florida oranges.
These 2023 Florida newsletters preserve a year of local history, agricultural stories, and community traditions. Follow the links above to read each original issue.