QUICK LI NKS
Like us on Facebook      View our profile on LinkedIn
View my videos on YouTube   
About Walt Bethel:
Walt Bethel is a fIfth generation Floridian, born and raised in Arcadia,  with a vast knowledge of all areas of Florida Real Estate and an ardent appreciation for Florida history.    

The purchase and development of his first orange grove when he was just sixteen years old fueled Walt's passion for real estate.  

Since then, he has bought, owned, and sold a wide variety of properties throughout a successful business career.  His investments have included acreage, agricultural properties, residential homes, condos, and commercial properties. 

Walt's marketing and sales experience was cultivated over time at his family's business, Bethel Farms, where he marketed, managed, and sold products to "Big Box" retailers across the Southeastern

 and  Midwestern United States.

 From an early age, Walt's dad instilled in him the values to work hard and always have a goal, to look for a better way of doing things, and to constantly improve on them.  

The daily implementation of these principles, coupled with his enjoyment of networking with new people and his experience in business, sales, and marketing, have contributed to Walt's success as a Realtor.

 

 Walt has served on various boards and committees throughout the years. He has coached and actively supports local youth athletic programs and leagues. 

He and his wife Jill, also a fourth generation Floridian, reside in Punta Gorda. They have two teenage children, a daughter Peyton and a son   Truman.
Note From
Our Neighbors

Christmas Lights Canal Cruises

Nav-A-Gator Cruises Departs from Laishley Marina in Punta Gorda. This is a one-and-a-half hour festive light tour of Punta Gorda Isles Canals. Individuals or groups up to 30 will enjoy Christmas music, beautiful holiday decorations, and caroling.

5:30-7:00pm

Runs until December 30th! 

To book your cruise or more information, call 941-627-3474

Did you Know?
Christmas Trees 
Long Ago
Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.
In the Northern hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night of the year falls on December 21 or December 22 and is called the winter solstice. Many ancient people believed that the sun was a god and that winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. They celebrated the solstice because it meant that at last the sun god would begin to get well. Evergreen boughs reminded them of all the green plants that would grow again when the sun god was strong and summer would return.
The ancient Egyptians worshipped a god called Ra, who had the head of a hawk and wore the sun as a blazing disk in his crown. At the solstice, when Ra began to recover from the illness, the Egyptians filled their homes with green palm rushes which symbolized for them the triumph of life over death.
Early Romans marked the solstice with a feast called the Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Romans knew that the solstice meant that soon farms and orchards would be green and fruitful. To mark the occasion, they decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs. In Northern Europe the mysterious Druids, the priests of the ancient Celts, also decorated their temples with evergreen boughs as a symbol of everlasting life. The fierce  Vikings in Scandinavia thought that evergreens were the special plant of the sun god, Balder.
Source:  History.com
DECEMBER 2016
NEWSLETTER 



Welcome to the December  Edition of my  "Real Estate Resource" Newsletter.

Please  check out my website waltbethel.com  to view my listings, search for property, or to enjoy one of my archived newsletters.

As  always , I welcome your feedback and suggestions. 
   
Walt
Happy Holidays!
From My Family to Yours, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
In the News:
Planting Citrus Under Protective Screen Goes Commercial
Long-standing assumptions about growing citrus in Florida got complicated when the Asian citrus psyllid and the HLB it spread to groves throughout the state.  The disease has forced change and new approaches to growing. Researchers and growers continue to seek out new ways to survive in this disease-endemic environment.
One concept that would have been considered radical 10 years ago - planting citrus under protective screening (CUPS) - is now moving from the research stage into a commercial setting. Citrus grower Ed Pines has planted 20 acres under screen near Lake Wales.
The seed was planted for the  CUPS project when Pines saw a presentation on a research paper authored by UF/IFAS scientists Arnold Schumann, Brian Boman, and Barrett Gruber that detailed how growing under screen might be a way to exclude the psyllid and greening from a citrus grove.
"As I listened to the presentation, my first instinct was to wonder what in the world are they talking about planting citrus under a protective structure," Pines says. "But, I have a degree in construction management and engineering, so I was interested in what they were presenting."
Pines began studying the concept and worked closely with Schumann, observing his one-acre test screen structure at the  Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. As he learned more, he realized CUPS really should be looked at beyond its ability to exclude HLB.
"Florida's population is going to continue to grow and the expansion of the Panama Canal will mean even more imports coming into the state," he says. "That might be good for the state's economy, but it also brings more challenges with new pests and diseases being introduced here.
"Brazil has  citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) and Florida already has the sharpshooter, which is the vector of the disease. It is probably only a matter of time before we see CVC here. The structure will exclude the sharpshooter and other pests like the citrus leafminer and Diaprepes."
Pines says another selling point for CUPS is consumer demand for more sustainable growing practices. In fact, major retailers have visited Pines' CUPS planting and are excited about the project.
"Consumers want a product that is grown in a more environmentally friendly way using less water, less chemicals, less fertilizer, and no bactericides," he says. "Using a CUPS system, we can do this."
Pines says he believes the citrus industry will continue to evolve with large orange juice growers consolidating even more to absorb the high expense that is now necessary to grow citrus. Fresh fruit growers outside will continue to be challenged by costs and declining production due to HLB and other pests and diseases. Then, there will be a place for CUPS where growers will have more certainty surrounding the production of high-value varieties.
More Than HLB
Much of the discussion surrounding CUPS has been in regard to excluding the psyllid and therefore HLB. Beyond excluding key pests in citrus, the system provides other benefits that can help growers recoup on their higher up-front investments in establishing a planting under cover.
For fresh fruit, the screen helps reduce sunburn because the 50-mesh netting diffuses the sunlight entering the structure. In addition, the screen helps reduce wind scar on the fruit. There is less water required to grow the trees because there is less evaporation under the screen.
"This is a very common method of growing around the world because there are a lot benefits to the system," Pines says. "We just have never tried it in citrus because we didn't have to, but HLB has forced us to change."
Reduced expenses on equipment is another area growers can benefit from CUPS. For Pines' 20-acre planting, only one 40-horsepower tractor and one pull-behind air blast sprayer are needed. For transportation, one John Deere Gator fits the bill.
"You start looking at all of these indirect costs and savings on less and smaller equipment and the associated fuel savings, it begins to add up," Pines says. "We are used to farming these big tracts of land for fresh and juice fruit, but with CUPS, we are downsizing the footprint of the farm. But, you have to realize you are going to be making about four times the production on one acre of land under cover versus four acres planted outside."
According to Pines, growers can expect commercial scale production within three years of planting. By the fifth season, a well-managed planting could expect yields as high as 800 boxes per acre with a 95% pack-out.
"Farm Credit of Central Florida has financed the project," Pines adds. "They like this concept because we have eliminated the biggest threat, which is HLB. They know Florida's climate and soils can produce high yields and great quality fruit if we take this disease out of the equation."

Featured Listing
BACK ON THE MARKET & REDUCED!
Waterfront Boca Vista Harbor Condo
13113 Gasparilla Rd. #205A Placida, FL 33946



CHARLOTTE COUNTY

BACK ON THE MARKET AND REDUCED OVER $40K!! 
This MOTIVATED SELLER is offering a fully FURNISHED 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Boca Vista Harbor that is immaculately adorned with coastal decor, ornate furniture and rich colors. 

Just minutes from Boca Grande, shopping, restaurants, pristine beaches and world class fishing sits this 1500+ square foot corner unit with views of Coral Creek Lagoon, offering the most privacy available in the complex. The eat-in kitchen with Corian countertops also has a breakfast bar and is open to the living room and dining area with bay windows. 

The large covered, screened lanai is accessible from the 3 door slider in the living room or the single sliding door in the master bedroom. His and her master walk-in closets adjoin the master bath with its glass shower enclosure, deep soaker tub, and his and her Corian vanities with under mount sinks and large 3 way mirrors. Ceramic tile flooring laid throughout with custom tile mosaic featured in the foyer. Spacious laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer to maximize space. 

Community features include clubhouse, heated pool and spa, outdoor grilling and dining areas, and tennis courts. Off-site boat docking and storage are available at neighboring Gasparilla Marina. Boat docks, accessible only to Boca Vista Harbor owners, are available for purchase or lease through a separate association and provide direct access to Boca Grande Pass and the Gulf beaches. 

Don't miss this opportunity!!

MLS #: C7223376
List Price: $319,000
Heated Sq Ft: 1,701
See  My Listings  for more information.
Featured Listing
Elk Hammock Ranch
350+/- Sportman's Recreational Acres with Estate Home, Lodge, and Workshop
2251 SE Durrance Rd. Arcadia, FL 34266



DESOTO COUNTY

350+/- Acres of authentic, creek-front Florida land with an exquisite three-story estate home set among a beautiful oak hammock. This sportman's recreational paradise is located off of Hwy 31 in Arcadia, FL offering a 3,600+ sq ft home with gated entrance, 2 private guest suites, barn, and separate guest lodge. 

The main house features a beautiful wrap around porch with scenic views, stone fireplace, kitchen with red cherry cabinets and granite countertops, Master bedroom with Master bath on-suite, and a third story with large Office/Bedroom. Elevated walkways lead you to each of the private Guest Suites with their own private bedroom and bathroom.

 The guest lodge is outfitted with kitchen, bar, 2 bedrooms, and one bath. A large metal shop constructed on the property is full of tools and equipment that are part of the purchase. 

This high fenced hunting preserve is quality managed with Elk, Deer, Red Stag, Turkey and Hogs. Mature oak hammocks provide the ideal habitat for the abundant wildlife. Joshua Creek flows through middle of property year-round. Elk Hammock Ranch lays perfect for entertaining with ATV's, fishing, buggies or horse trail riding. Additionally, the property has an access road, paved county road frontage, well, and power. 

This home is perfectly located within one hour to Florida's Gulf coast and less than 5 minutes to downtown Arcadia. A peaceful preserve close to town.

 Call for an appointment to see a truly beautiful estate!

MLS #: C7229803 
List Price: $3,900,000
Heated Sq Ft: 3,284
See  My Listings  for more information.
Featured Listing
Cozy Island Retreat
8412 Little Gasparilla Island Placida, FL 33946



CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Looking for an island retreat? This rustic 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home located on the bayside of Little Gasparilla Island is it! 
Partner up with your buddies and own your own fishing getaway! Cook your catch on your private wooden deck and enjoy the weekend away from the office. Spend the days fishing right off of your ~40ft deepwater dock or taking your boat out into Placida Harbor and the Gulf waters to find some of the best Florida fishing around. 
Just minutes from the back waters of Bull Bay, Whidden creek, Turtle Bay and the worlds greatest Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass. Then after a day on the water, fix a cold beverage and stroll down to the pristine seven mile beach where you can catch the gorgeous sunsets. 
This home offers that unique getaway where peace and tranquility prevail! Make an appointment today!

MLS #: C7224300 
List Price: $375,000
Heated Sq Ft: 835
See  My Listings  for more information.
Featured Listing
201+ Orange Grove
Goosepond Rd. Ona, FL 33865



HARDEE  COUNTY

201+/- Acre Grove on Goosepond Road in Hardee County.

 Approximately 77 acres of Navels and 118 acres of Hamlin's in production. 
Property contains Two 12" Wells and Micro jet Irrigation.

MLS #: C7224011 
List Price: $1,470,000
See  My Listings  for more information.
Featured Listing
PENDING!
Bank Owned Commercial Property
121 S DeSoto Ave.  Arcadia, FL 34266



DESOTO COUNTY

MLS #: C7213840
Total Acres: 1.73
See  My Listings  for more information.
Featured Listing
PENDING! 1 Day to Contract!
Beautiful Home on 12+ Acres
9846 Jernigan St.  Arcadia, FL 34266



DESOTO COUNTY

MLS #: C7233506   
Total Acres: 12.27
See  My Listings  for more information.
Featured Listing
SOLD!
3.65 Industrial Acres
11480 County Rd. 769 Arcadia, FL 34266



DESOTO COUNTY

MLS #: C7202830   
Total Acres: 3.65
See  My Listings  for more information.
Featured Listing
SOLD!
10+ Acres with Warehouse
1460 Price Child St.  Arcadia, FL 34266



DESOTO COUNTY

MLS #: C7221876
Total Acres: 10.15
See  My Listings  for more information.