May 2019 Newsletter
Greetings!

Welcome to the May Edition of my monthly newsletter. Please feel free to reply with a comment. I am always looking to improve on the content for my subscribers.

Also, visit my website waltbethel.com to view my listings, search for properties, or to enjoy one of my archived newsletters and stories on Florida History.

Thank you,

Walt
Sunshine, Friends and Tarpon Fishing
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of heading out to Boca Grande pass with some great friends: Russ Beckham, Greg Lajeer and Thad Beshears. Thad hooked and landed a 140 pounder!



CITRUS SPOTLIGHT
Florida Poly identifies cheaper citrus greening detection
Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University developed new technology that could make detecting citrus greening easier and more affordable.

Since 2006, citrus greening has cost Florida more than $3.6 billion in lost revenue. The state has lost an estimated 7,000 jobs because of reduced orange juice production in the state known for its oranges.

Infected trees produce fruits that are green and bitter, which are unsuitable for fresh fruit or juice.

“Citrus greening has posed a terrible threat to crops locally and worldwide as it has no cure,” said Muhammad Abid, assistant professor of computer science and lead researcher on the project.

The school’s method uses a Citrus Greening Detection (CiGID) algorithm through computer vision techniques that extracts sub-images of fruit from a tree to determine if they show signs of infection. A sub-image converts images to true-color for display purposes.

Under the school’s research, the algorithm would be used in camera systems installed on vehicles used for tree monitoring in groves. The cameras would capture images that the algorithm would use to automatically identify if the fruit is infected.

“Normally an expert needs to come to the groves to check every tree identified as possibly infected,” said Charles Soini, a computer science graduate who has been working on the research for the last six months. “This new system does that work, so the expert only needs to check the ones already identified as sick and confirm it.”

Researchers tested the technique using a Google script that produced around 93 percent validation accuracy by sampling around 60 test images of both infected and non-infected fruit. They also tested manually using a different set of 50 images of citrus trees, with an accuracy of 80 percent.

“This method is unique and novel due to its simplicity,” Abid said. “Our intention is to use less expensive hardware to reduce costs. We don’t use any infrared device, 3D cameras, or any sophisticated costly technology. We rely on simple, affordable cameras to get video or pictures to feed the algorithm.”
NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBOR
 Florida Cattlemen's Annual Convention

June 17th-20th

The Newly Renovated JW Marco Island Marriott


DID YOU KNOW?
*Tarpon have a potential lifespan of around 150 yrs

*Tarpon breathe in oxygen from the water using gills, but they can also utilize oxygen from air in the atmosphere. They have four long rows of lung-like material inside a swim bladder that allows this to happen. Which explains their rolling behavior in waters with low oxygen levels

*Tarpon have amazing color vision with five types of cones cells in their eyes, they can see into the ultraviolet spectrum even further than birds and insects that have four types of cones cells in their eyes. In case you are wondering, humans only have three types of cone cells.


FEATURED LISTINGS
Little Gasparilla Island Bayfront Home
8538 Little Gasparilla Island Placida, FL 33946
BAYSIDE LITTLE GASPARILLA ISLAND 3/2 Stilt Home. By boat or water taxi, arrive at the 100'+ private, newly refinished dock that leads you straight to the front of the house on the oversized lot. The split stairwell welcomes you taking you to the second floor patio that is a perfect place to drink your morning coffee and watch the sunrise. As you enter the home, the spacious living area with a wood-beamed ceiling opens to the kitchen. The large kitchen with walk-in pantry and island are ideal for entertaining. The bedroom windows are adorned with plantation shutters. At the end of the hallway, the master bedroom is complete with its own bathroom. Below the home, features a large lower deck with an enclosed storage area. From there, it's just a short walk down the path to enjoy the amazing sunsets on the beach! There is plenty of the best Florida fishing right from your dock into Placida Harbor and onto the Gulf waters. Just minutes from the back waters of Bull Bay, Whidden creek, Turtle Bay and the world’s greatest Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass.

MLS: C7408868
Total Sq Ft: 1,360
Listing price: $795,000
**SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE**
Multiple Kings Hwy Tracts
SW Co Rd Rd 769 and Co Rd 760 Arcadia, FL 34266
Beautiful wooded properties on corner of Kings Hwy and CR 760. This is an ideal area to build your dream home with plenty of space for a barn, pond, and animals. Located on highly desired Kings Highway (State Road 769) corridor with quick access to Port Charlotte, Interstate 75, or to the downtown Arcadia area. Sarasota and Gulf Beaches are just an hour away. CALL TODAY!

Click Parcel below for more info:
 Parcel DEF: 50.90 Acres              
PENDING-Less than 20 Days to Contract!
4 Buildings Off Hwy 17 Punta Gorda on 2+ Acres 
4080 Duncan Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Four metal buildings totaling 18,000+ sq. FT. on 2.72 acres. Excellent location off Hwy 17 just 4.5 miles from I-75 in Punta Gorda. This property features 4 separate buildings with ample warehouse and office space, a large paved parking lot, and 3 phase power. The Industrial General Zoning allows for a multitude of options. This property is fully leased, including the sellers business (SELLER MAY BE WILLING TO VACATE FOR AN END USER,THEY CURRENTLY OCCUPY 5,000 SQUARE FEET)
MLS: C7410799
Total Acres: 2.72
Listing price: $1,250,000
320+/- Acres with income producing Orange Grove
SW Hay Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266
This property features 70 Acres of Hamlins, 65 Acres of Valencias, BEAUTIFUL oak hammocks, a fishing pond and improved pastures planted for hay production. This secluded location is abundant with wild game including hogs, deer and turkeys. There are also enough Saw Palmettos for Quail hunting and Palmetto Berry harvesting. A perfect place for a secluded getaway cabin or your next home. This property is fenced, gated and located only 20 minutes to I-75 in Punta Gorda.
MLS: C7411054
Total Acres: 320.36
Listing price: $1,750,000
MOTIVATED SELLERS! WILLING TO CONSIDER EXCHANGE
12+ Acre Joshua Creek Estate
3410 County Rd 760 Arcadia,FL 34266
Beauty and privacy abound in this 12.64 acre estate set among oak hammocks, a gently flowing creek and manicured pastures. As you enter through the private gate down the paved drive you are welcomed to this custom built 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath brick home. With over 2,700 heated sq. ft., this meticulously maintained home features soaring ceilings, an open floor plan, lots of natural light, and a spacious screened back patio perfect for relaxing & enjoying the natural Florida habitat. The kitchen is complete with breakfast bar, dining area, dual dishwashers, updated appliances & opens to the formal dining room & family room ideal for entertaining. Downstairs is complete with a Guest Room/Office lined with windows and a large master bedroom featuring fireplace and an en-suite bathroom with soaking tub & separate tiled shower. Upstairs a catwalk, overlooking the family room, leads you to two additional guest bedrooms & a guest bathroom. Additionally, there is an attached 2 car garage, screened gazebo, a detached 30X52 garage-for your RV/boat, multiple RV hookups, as well as a huge workshop. Workshop is outfitted with kitchen & office area, ideal for home business. Much of the acreage is cleared pasture land with a pond & lends itself to cattle and horses. Property is within 5 miles from Publix, shopping, and downtown Arcadia. Come home to privacy and peacefulness on this beautiful, natural property nestled along Joshua Creek! Sellers willing to consider exchange/trade of commercial, vacant, or residential on water.

MLS: C7238071
Total Sq Ft: 2,779
Listing price: $725,000

348+/- Acres with 22 Mixed Use Buildings
5871 SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
348+ Acres with over 22 Mixed-Use Buildings 239,907 total sq. ft., located in South DeSoto County directly on Hwy 31. Permitted uses included, but not limited to: medical offices, a housing facility, service clubs or hotel/motel. This property was formerly a state owned juvenile justice center. The property may qualify for H2A workforce housing. A large tract of agricultural land is also included within the total acreage.

MLS: C7413967
Total Acres: 348.79
Listing price: $6,500,000
Old Florida Village Commercial Lot
12687 County Rd. 769 Arcadia, FL 34269
Just over a Half Acre commercial lot located in Old Florida Village on Kings Hwy. Relocate or start your own business adjacent to established professional office buildings that include a law firm, accounting offices, and wellness center. Located less than 1.5 miles to Interstate 75, just across the Charlotte County line. This property offers a 250 feet waterfront view of Allegiant Air’s recently purchased Kingsway Golf Course.

Total Acres: .54
Listing price: $75,000
PENDING!
24 Residential Units-Mixed Single-Multi Family Homes
5673 SE Hwy 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
24 Residential Units that feature a blend of single family and multi-family units located directly on Hwy 31 in DeSoto County. All units are situated on one 24.87 Acre parcel. All units are hooked up to public water and sewer. Paved roadways are already in place throughout the property. Great potential for rental development. Annual net income posted is an estimated potential. More density may be available pending county approval.

MLS:C7413970
Total Acres: 24.87
Listing price: $1,500,000
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 children, a daughter Peyton and a son Truman.
Walt Bethel | RE/MAX Harbor Realty| 863.990.1748 | wbethel@waltbethel.com | www.waltbethel.com