Secretary of State Cord Byrd honors Arcadia Main Street for its continued downtown revitalization and historic preservation efforts
Tallahassee, Florida – Arcadia Main Street has been recognized for its work preserving the character of downtown Arcadia while supporting local businesses, community events and improvements that bring residents and visitors into the historic district.
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Arcadia Main Street, located in DeSoto County, has been selected as the August 2026 Florida Main Street Program of the Month. The designation highlights the community’s long-running efforts to strengthen its downtown while maintaining connections to the city’s history.
“The success of the Arcadia Main Street program reflects the value of community driven revitalization,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Through dedicated leadership, strong partnerships, and preserving their historic character, Arcadia has fostered a unique sense of place and a vibrant downtown district. The community’s dedication to patriotism continues to foster foundational freedoms and opportunity throughout the state.”
Arcadia’s story reaches back to the 1850s, when Thomas Williams and James Waldron established Waldron’s Landing along the Peace River. The port served settlers involved in agriculture and cattle raising, laying some of the groundwork for the community that would eventually become Arcadia.
More significant development came in 1883, when James “Boss” Hendry moved his sawmill to Waldron’s Landing. A post office followed soon afterward. The Florida Southern Railway arrived in 1886, helping transform the community into an important transportation point.
The Town of Arcadia was incorporated in Manatee County following the railroad’s arrival. Phosphate became an important part of the local economy, alongside the cattle and citrus industries. In 1887, DeSoto County was formed from part of Manatee County and named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Arcadia was selected as the county seat in 1888.
The city’s downtown later faced a devastating setback. In November 1905, a fire destroyed four blocks of the business district. Rather than allowing the destruction to define the community, residents began rebuilding almost immediately.
On December 1 of that year, the City Council voted to require future buildings to be constructed with fireproof materials, including brick or cement. Many of the structures built during that rebuilding period remain standing today, giving downtown Arcadia much of its historic appearance.
Transportation continued to influence the city’s growth. Another railroad, the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway, was built through Arcadia in 1910, connecting Mulberry and Boca Grande. As automobiles became more common and gradually replaced rail travel and horses as the main form of transportation, US Highway 17 was constructed through Arcadia, linking Punta Gorda with Orlando.
Arcadia also developed an important connection to aviation. During World War I, the community became known as “The Aviation City of Florida” because two aviation training camps, Carlstrom Field and Dorr Field, were established there in 1917.
Carlstrom Field continued training pilots until 1922. In 1941, the Embry-Riddle Company redeveloped the two airfields to train pilots for the British Royal Air Force before the United States entered World War II.
Another tradition that remains closely tied to Arcadia’s identity began in 1929, when the city became one of the first Florida communities to hold an annual rodeo. The Arcadia Rodeo eventually became the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo and developed into a major part of the city’s history as a cattle town.
Known as the “Granddaddy of Em All,” the rodeo is advertised as the oldest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. Today, the new Mosaic Arena hosts two professional rodeo events each year.
The community’s historic character received further recognition in 1984, when the Arcadia Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Arcadia Main Street was designated as a Florida Main Street community in 1985. Since then, the organization has worked to make downtown a destination throughout the year, with an emphasis on arts, culture and a variety of businesses.
The numbers show the scale of that effort. Since its designation, Arcadia Main Street has generated $7,690,534 in public and private investment. The downtown area has also gained 48 net new businesses, which have created 193 net new jobs. More than 12,700 volunteer hours have been recorded as part of the community’s revitalization efforts.
Recent projects have focused on making downtown more welcoming and easier to explore. An AARP Community Challenge grant helped fund wayfinding signs and beautification projects. Those improvements include three new murals, painted flowerpots and landscaping.
Arcadia Main Street has also been involved in Florida’s America250FL activities. An America250FL grant helped the organization complete an eagle mural, while work has begun on another mural recognizing Arcadia’s involvement during World War I and World War II.
The organization has used the America250FL celebration as an opportunity to host events throughout the year. Activities have included a golf tournament fundraiser, the Discover Arcadia market, the Arcadia Art Show and Bike Fest.
Fourth of July celebrations also brought a range of activities to downtown. Arcadia Main Street hosted a parade, scavenger hunt and window decorating contest, along with other events tied to the holiday.
The recognition from the Florida Main Street program comes as Arcadia continues to balance its historic identity with efforts to keep its downtown active and attractive. The organization’s projects range from physical improvements such as murals and landscaping to events intended to bring people into the district and support local businesses.
The designation also reflects the long history behind the downtown area. From the railroad and cattle industries to aviation, rodeo traditions and the preservation of historic buildings, Arcadia has developed an identity shaped by several generations of residents.
For Arcadia Main Street, that history is part of the foundation for future growth. The organization continues to encourage arts, culture, businesses and community activities while working to make downtown a place that residents and visitors can enjoy throughout the year.
The August 2026 recognition puts that work in the spotlight at the state level and highlights the results of decades of local involvement.
More information about Arcadia Main Street is available at ArcadiaMainStreet.com. Information about the Florida Main Street program is available through the Florida Department of State.
