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About Walt Bethel:
Walt Bethel is a fourth 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

World's Richest Tarpon Tournament


May 19th and 20th 
Fishing will be from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. both days, and the awards will be given at 8 p.m 

Prize money is $80,000, based on a field of 20 boats

Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce 941-964-0568 for more information
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Did you 
know
?

Gasparilla Inn
 
The Gasparilla Inn is one of the largest surviving resort hotels in Florida, constructed originally for wealthy northerners during the time when the state became a travel and vacation destination.
On February 21, 1909, officers of the Boca Grande Land Company decided to construct a resort hotel on the island. The next day, the site was approved. The original plans for the hotel were drawn and presented in 1909 late by Augustus D. Shephard, but the officers decided to postpone building. They focused first on assuring that the Boca Grande development would be upscale and attract wealthy buyers by restricting the lots of Gulf Boulevard and Gilchrist Avenue, for the building of residences only, with a minimum construction cost of $4,000 and $3,500, respectively.
The inn, initially a modest two-story building with 20 rooms called the Hotel Boca Grande, was expanded almost immediately upon completion and renamed the Gasparilla Inn. It was enlarged again in 1915, as it played host to a who's who of early 20th century American wealth and power, including J.P. Morgan, Henry DuPont (whose heirs now own the resort), Henry Ford and others.
In 1930, advertising entrepreneur Barron Collier bought the inn and expanded again, adding 10 ionic columns to the front, giving the inn a more stately appearance. (Collier, for whom nearby Collier County is named, developed much of south Florida and also founded the upscale Collier Inn on nearby Useppa Island.)
Guests primarily arrived by train until 1958, when a 2.5-mile causeway connected the island's northern tip to the mainland.

Source: 
 
MAY 2016
NEWSLETTER 



Welcome to the May 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
"Iconic Florida"
The People, Places and Pastimes We Love in Our State
Flamingo Magazine

 Florida endures as a land of wonderment, where southerners live in the north, and northerners live in the south; nature's splendor masks mortal dangers; and ancient tribalism collides with modern capitalism. While 850 miles and a cultural chasm separate the folks of Perdido Key from the conchs of Key West, the classic traits and treasures of our home bind us as Floridians. Here, we celebrate some of my favorite icons from their list:
Scenic Routes
All roads lead to Florida. Well-U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 10-do. But beyond the crowded highways, perfect top-down cruising routes lace the state: palm tree-lined boulevards from Sarasota to Palm Beach, rural backroads in Ocala's horse country, vast expanses of the Overseas Highway connecting the Keys, and canopied passes draped with Spanish moss from Jupiter to Tallahassee. 
Fresh Catch
Nothing sets the stage for enjoying a classic sunny Florida day like sitting dockside at a restaurant, where red plastic baskets overflow with flaky, fresh-off-the-boat filets of mahi mahi cradled in a soft bun. Along with fish sandwiches, steamed stone crab and even sushi top the list of locally caught dishes, attracting foodies to these salty outposts with direct lines from the docks to dining tables. 
Citrus Groves
Southeast Asia may be the birthplace of citrus fruit, but nowhere is so revered for juicy orbs of vitamin C as the Sunshine State. Credit Spanish conquistadors with planting Florida's first orange trees in St. Augustine in the mid-16th century, and Odet Philippe, a French count, for introducing grapefruit near Tampa in 1823. Rail transportation in the late 1800s, pioneered by Henry Flagler and fellow magnate Henry Plant made shipping simpler and helped Northerners develop a taste for pulpy fruit. An Italian immigrant, Anthony T. Rossi, foresaw Florida orange juice becoming a year-round staple on breakfast tables far and wide, so in 1947, he started the Tropicana Products Company in Bradenton. By 1954, he patented a process to pack the juice in bottles, which eliminated the need for refrigeration in shipping. 
Coasts
With 1,197 miles of coastline, Florida is a veritable playground, whether you fancy boating or building sand castles. On the east coast, the Atlantic Ocean's waves beckon surfers to spots like New Smyrna Beach, Sebastian and West Palm Beach. To the south, from Stuart to the Dry Tortugas, stretch 358 miles of coral reefsfor snorkelers and scuba divers to ogle. Meanwhile, paddleboarders, kayakers, shell-seekers and families flock to the Gulf of Mexico for its still, bath-like water and award-winning beaches, where sand has the consistency of cornstarch. 
Boat Builders
In the 1920s and '30s, when saltwater fishing was first being explored, the state's marine industry got its start with mom-and-pop boatyards and associated businesses providing solutions for fishermen's problems. Florida innovations include: marine outriggers, fighting chairs with integrated footrests, the aluminum tuna tower for spotting fish, center-console fishing boats with 360-degree access while fighting fish, and the flats boat for stalking bonefish, redfish and tarpon. This is the state where the modern-day big-game fishing boat was invented by Rybovich; where Evinrude and Mercury perfected their high-performance outboards at secret test centers; andHuckins Yachts created the maneuverable pursuit craft (the PT) that helped defeat the Japanese in World War II.
Flamingos
Floridians - and the world - have embraced the flamingo as the unofficial state mascot for generations. Souvenir shops overflow with pink feathered mugs, and the trend of "flocking," or blanketing, yards and public spaces with colonies of plastic flamingos (to celebrate birthdays and even to recognize cancer survivors) has become quite popular. Although not indigenous to our lands, wild flamingos migrate to points in South Florida every year to mate. 
Dive Bars
There's just something irresistible about a smoky bar in a run-down shanty with the yeasty scent of beer rising up from the floorboards and women's bras hanging from the ceiling. Dive bars freckle the state, from No Name Pub in Big Pine Key, famous for its dollar-bill d�cor, to Pete's Bar in Neptune Beach, known for its annual Thanksgiving Day street party. Almost every neighborhood in Florida has its signature hole-in-the-wall, adored by the locals, and in some cases, sought after by tourists seeking that pared-down.
Sports Heroes
There must be something in the orange juice. What else can explain the scope of athletic talent to emerge from Florida? 
Historic Hotels
Time has done nothing to dull the glitz of Florida's grand hotels. Railroad magnate Henry Flagler's Palm Beach Inn, known today as The Breakers, has welcomed politicians, tycoons, movie stars and European nobility since 1896. Across the state, the understated Gasparilla Inn & Club, founded in 1911 on Boca Grande, beckons sportfishermen, golfers and those in search of solitude. The Jazz Age ushered in The Biltmore in Coral Gables (1926) and The Don CeSar in St. Petersburg (1928).  
Theme Parks and Springs
People worldwide know Florida as a theme park hub, but the region earned the reputation long before Mickey, Shamu or Harry Potter put down roots. Since 1878, when Hullam Jones installed a glass box in the bottom of a dug-out canoe, tourists have trekked to marvel at the crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs in Ocala, Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon and Weeki Wachee Springs in Spring Hill. Only the last park remains a fully operational theme park, anchored by the popularity of its underwater mermaid shows, started in 1947. 
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
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
 Dock permit in place
Bayfront Lot- Close to Boca Grande
13180 Joseffa Ct. Placida, FL 33946



CHARLOTTE COUNTY

EXCLUSIVE FLORIDA WATERFRONT Located within the exclusive and gated Placida Bay Estates. 

Build your waterfront dream home and enjoy the incredible views! Over one acre nestled along the ICW with 85' of waterfront. Dock permits are already in place. No fixed bridges and minimal "No Wake Zones" provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico through Gasparilla Pass in just minutes.

 This ideal location makes for a pleasurable boat ride to Boca Grande Pass, Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Sanibel and Captiva Islands not to mention miles of back water flats fishing in between. 

Enjoy dining, shopping and golfing on the prestigious island of Boca Grande, JUST 2 MINUTES AWAY! You are only minutes to the Gulf beaches and just an hour from both Sarasota and Ft. Myers.

MLS #: C7202817
List Price: $324,980
Total Acres: 1.24
See My Listings for more information.
Featured Listing
 11+ Acres Come Build your Dream Home!
10306 Peace River St. Arcadia, FL 34269



DESOTO COUNTY

Enjoy the privacy of this peaceful, wooded property abundant with wildlife. 11.14 fenced acres situated off of Peace River Road near the Lake Suzy area of DeSoto County. This parcel is conveniently located to Kings Highway and Interstate 75, only 5 minutes to the grocery store. Come build your dream home on this beautiful piece of land!

MLS #: C7223984
List Price: $178,000
Total Acres: 11.14
See My Listings for more information.
Previous Featured Listing
Golf Course Custom Home
8543 Aviary Rd., Arcadia, FL 34269

DESOTO COUNTY