2022 Florida Newsletters: History and Agriculture
Walt Bethel’s 2022 Florida newsletters connect Southwest Florida history, citrus agriculture, and local traditions. Browse stories about Venus, Arcadia aviation, Pine Island Sound fishing shacks, tarpon fishing, and Florida hurricane history.
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February 2022
Venus History and Smarter Citrus Spraying
The naming story of Venus recalls cattle trails, a sawmill owner, and travel between Highlands County and Arcadia. This issue also highlights UF/IFAS smart-spray research designed to help citrus growers target trees more precisely and reduce chemical use.
Read the February 2022 Newsletter
April 2022
Easter Pines and Hemingway’s Possible Arcadia Connection
Spring pine shoots inspire an Easter tradition, while clues in Ernest Hemingway’s The Strange Country suggest a possible Arcadia connection. The April issue considers that literary interpretation alongside a look at Florida’s citrus crop challenges in 2022.
Read the April 2022 Newsletter
June 2022
Arcadia’s Aviation Heritage
Arcadia Municipal Airport’s Taco Tuesday gatherings introduce a deeper look at DeSoto County aviation history. This issue recalls Dorr Field, Carlstrom Field, wartime pilot training, and the British airmen remembered at Oak Ridge Cemetery, alongside Florida citrus news.
July 2022
Pine Island Sound’s Historic Fish Shacks
Pine Island Sound’s stilt fishing shacks preserve reminders of the Punta Gorda Fish Company and Southwest Florida’s commercial fishing heritage. This July issue also follows tarpon fishing’s rise, the Silver King’s appeal, and Boca Grande tournament traditions.
September 2022
College Football Traditions and Citrus Acreage
College football’s unusual traditions take the spotlight, from early mascots and team colors to agricultural ties. The September issue also revisits Florida’s shrinking citrus acreage and DeSoto County’s leading acreage position in the federal report discussed that year.
Read the September 2022 Newsletter
Fall 2022
Florida Hurricane History and Recovery
Written during recovery from Hurricane Ian, this fall issue looks back at major storms that shaped Florida, including the 1926 Miami hurricane, the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane, and Hurricane Donna. It also recalls the storm’s impact on Florida agriculture.
Christmas 2022
A Christmas Greeting from Walt Bethel
A brief holiday message from Walt Bethel closes the year with warm wishes from his family to yours and hopes for a prosperous 2023. This Christmas edition shares a personal seasonal greeting to round out the year’s collection.
Read the Christmas 2022 Greeting
These 2022 Florida newsletters preserve a year of local history, agricultural stories, and community traditions. Follow the links above to read each original issue.