January 2020 Newsletter
Greetings!

Welcome to the January Edition of my 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
How 24 Tons of Chicken Feet Could Herald a New Era for U.S.-China Trade
A container with 23.94 tons of American chicken feet cleared Chinese customs Tuesday, potentially heralding the start of a new trading era between the two countries just days before they sign a long-awaited trade deal.

The chicken feet, or phoenix claws as they’re known in Chinese recipes, were inspected and approved for unloading by customs in Shanghai, the official Securities Times reported. The event marks the return of U.S. poultry meat to China five years after it was banned, it said.

China prohibited the import of all U.S. poultry products in 2015 in response to cases of avian flu in America. That stance changed last year as demand for alternative animal protein surged after the spread of deadly African swine fever slashed the country’s hog herds and reduced pork supplies.

The Asian nation is expected to increase purchases of American farm products after signing the trade deal on Wednesday in Washington, which may include a pledge to buy $40 billion a year of agricultural goods. U.S. chicken giant Sanderson Farms Inc. said last month it sent its first container of chicken feet, also known as paws, to China.

Chicken feet are popular in traditional regional Chinese cooking and are served as snacks to go with alcohol, in cold dishes, in soups or as the main dish. They are typically steamed first to make them puffy before being stewed and simmered in abalone sauce.

CITRUS SPOTLIGHT
Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on Florida Citrus Production Update
Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service has released an updated Florida citrus production estimate for the 2019-2020 crop year, forecasting a 10% increase for Florida grapefruit and predicting that Florida orange production will hold steady at 74 million boxes. Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement:

“Today’s updated citrus forecast is encouraging – it’s a direct result of the fortitude of Florida citrus growers who have faced natural disasters, citrus greening, and other obstacles, but continue working hard to produce our state’s signature crop. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services remains committed to working with industry partners like the Florida Department of Citrus and Florida Citrus Mutual to promote and protect this long-standing industry. We will continue to work together in pursuit of new technology and research, and innovative techniques to support Florida-grown citrus.”

Florida grapefruit production is expected to climb to 5.4 million boxes for the 2019-2020 season. Overall, the figures represent a 3% growth for oranges and a 20% increase for grapefruit over the 2018-19 crop year.

Commissioner Fried has been a strong supporter of the citrus industry and has proposed significant citrus funding in this year’s budget request. This includes $8 million for citrus research projects, $7.4 million for citrus health and fighting pests and diseases, and $2.5 million to support the Citrus Inspection Trust Fund. Fried also helped establish a state direct support agency to manage the new Citrus Research and Field Trials (CRAFT) program, which will plant 5,000 new acres of citrus groves using experimental techniques.
Read More: Florida Citrus
NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBOR
DeSoto County Fair "Celebrating 65 Years"

January 31- February 8

DeSoto County Fairgrounds

Daily

More Info:

DID YOU KNOW?
Florida and Cattle Ranches

Cattle ranchers are often thought of in states like Texas and Oklahoma, but Florida has its own share of ranches.

“Florida, in fact, is where the beef cattle industry in the United States started right here in St. Johns County when Ponce de Leon brought cattle in," said Matt Hersom, a beef cattle specialist at the University of Florida.

Florida is a major player in the industry, ranking second in cattle inventory in the southeast region, right behind Tennessee.


Source: Fox News
FEATURED LISTINGS
NEW LISTING!
32+ Acres Kings Hwy-Quick Access to I-75
10692 SW Co Rd 769 Arcadia, FL 34269
32 beautiful wooded acres located on Kings Highway near I-75. This property would make an ideal recreational property or a fantastic homesite with room for horses and cattle. This property is already divided into four buildable parcels. LOTS OF WILD GAME-Deer, Turkeys and Wild hogs. Only 2 minutes from the Nav-A-Gator Bar and Grill and County boat ramp with access to the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. Call today to explore this unique opportunity!

Total Acres: 32.06
Listing price: $800,000
PUD 28+/- Acres with Water/Sewer Available
SE Hwy 31 #A Arcadia, FL 34266
28+/- Acres Zoned PUD-70 units Residential on Hwy 31 in DeSoto County. Public water and sewer available. Over 1,500ft of highway frontage. ONLY 5 minutes to Publix and Wal Mart and 25 minutes to Babcock Ranch. An ideal location for a new housing development.

MLS: C7419049
Total Acres: 28+/-
Listing price: $550,000
Don't Miss Your Opportunity, 30+ Acres
SW Co Rd 760 Arcadia, FL 34266
Serene 30 Acre wooded property just off Kings Hwy abundant with wild game including hogs, deer and turkeys. A perfect place for a secluded, getaway cabin or your next home. Located in the much sought after Kings Highway (State Road 769) area 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!

MLS: C7413115
Total Acres: 30.90
Listing Price: $386.500
         
UNDER CONTRACT!
Three Retail/Office Units--Veterans/Peachland Intersection
701 J C Center Ct. Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Premium retail property located at the intersection of Veterans Boulevard and Peachland Boulevard in The Vines Commercial Condominium. The units are 1,044 sq.ft. and ideal for quality retail or office space near the Kings Highway & I-75 interchange. Surrounding units are occupied with retail, office, fitness center, and a barber shop. There is tremendous opportunity for annual rental income. High traffic area with Publix, new Peachland Promenade Shopping Center nearby. All units for sale separately but can be combined for a total of 3,000+ sq.ft.

Click Unit below for more info:
Unit 17: MLS#C7418573
Unit 18: MLS# C7418577
Unit 19: MLS#C7418578

Kings Hwy "Old Florida Village" 1/2 Acre Lot
12687 County Rd 769 Lake Suzy, 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.

MLS: C7406153
Total Acres: .54
List price: $75,000
**HUNTING LAND AVAILABLE**
VARIOUS ACREAGES

200-1600 ACRES

Call me 863.990.1748 for more info
Over 1/2 Acre in Punta Gorda City Limits
24384 Airport Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Over 1/2 Acre of commercial property situated in Punta Gorda city limits. Property is less than ¼ mile to US 41 and Publix shopping plaza, adjacent to Multifamily housing and within minutes to the fast growing Punta Gorda Airport. Zoned Neighborhood Center (NC) which allows for a multitude of options such as: office space, restaurants, commercial buildings, or multi-family housing.

MLS: C7418028
Total Acres: .61
Listing price: $349,000
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