Arcadia, Fl

Arcadia is about one hour east of Sarasota on Hwy 72. It is a town of about 7000 people and is the county seat of DeSoto County. It is the only incorporated community in the county. In 2004 it was devastated by Hurricane Charley. On Thanksgiving Day in 1905 it was also devastated by a huge fire that started in a livery stable in town, that took many years for the city to recover.


The local economy is dependent on agriculture with tourism also playing an important role. The downtown antique district draws people from all over the state.

Arbor Bldg built in 1926, renovated in 2005

The Depot, former railroad bldg.

The Opera Building now houses antiques and was originally founded in 1906.

Store front

Upper floor houses antiques.

Backstage, old movie projector

Eying up some antiques

Buggy from 1900's

The 'Phantom of the Opera'

Main stage

Some of the local 'ghosts'