Secretary Byrd Designates Arcadia Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Arcadia Main Street, located in DeSoto County, has been designated the August 2026 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.

“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.”

The history of Arcadia dates back to the 1850s when Thomas Williams and James Waldron established Waldron’s Landing, a port on the Peace River for settlers who were engaged in agriculture and raising cattle. Real development in Arcadia did not occur until 1883, when James “Boss” Hendry moved his sawmill to Waldron’s Landing and a post office soon followed. After the arrival of the Florida Southern Railway in 1886, the Town of Arcadia was incorporated in Manatee County. It became an important transshipment point for the phosphate industry that thrived along with the cattle and citrus industries. In 1887, DeSoto County was created by a division of Manatee County, and named for Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Arcadia became the county seat for DeSoto County in 1888. 

In November 1905, a fire destroyed four blocks of the downtown district. After the fire, the citizens of Arcadia went to work to build a city that would stand out as a model for other cities of the same size. On December 1, the City Council voted to require fireproof construction of brick or cement for future buildings. Rebuilding began immediately and most of those buildings remain today. A second railroad line, the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway (later the Seaboard Air Line Railroad) was built through Arcadia in 1910 connecting Mulberry to Boca Grande. As the automobile replaced railroads and horses as the primary means of transportation in the early 20^th century, US Highway 17 was built through Arcadia, connecting Punta Gorda to Orlando.

Photographs provided by Arcadia Main Street

During World War I, Arcadia became known as “The Aviation City of Florida” for the two aviation training camps: Carlstrom Field and Dorr Field, both established in 1917. Carlstrom continued to train pilots until 1922. In 1941, the Embry-Riddle Company redeveloped the two airfields to train pilots for the British Royal Air Force before the U.S. entered the Second World War.

In 1929, the city of Arcadia became one of the first communities in Florida to host an annual rodeo. The Arcadia Rodeo, now known as the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, has become a significant part of Arcadia community’s historical identity as a cattle town. Known as the “Granddaddy of Em All”, it is advertised as the oldest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. The new Mosaic Arena now hosts two annual professional rodeo events each year. In 1984, the Arcadia Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Arcadia Main Street (AMS) was designated as a Florida Main Street community in 1985. AMS strives to make downtown a year-round destination for visitors and residents by encouraging arts, culture, and hosting a variety of businesses in their district. Since designation, AMS has generated $7,690,534 in public and private investments. The community has seen an increase of 48 net new businesses that have created 193 net new jobs, and over 12,700 volunteer hours have been recorded. 

The recent acceptance of an AARP Community Challenge grant has helped to make navigating downtown easier with wayfinding signs and beautification projects including three new murals, painted flowerpots, and landscaping. 

AMS has been awarded an America250FL grant with which they were able to complete an eagle mural (pictured above) and have started work on a second mural project commemorating Arcadia’s involvement in World War I and II. AMS has been hosting America250FL themed events all year such as a golf tournament fundraiser, the Discover Arcadia market, the Arcadia Art Show, and Bike Fest. AMS hosted an abundance of 4^th of July events including a parade, scavenger hunt, window decorating contest, and much more! 

For more information on Arcadia Main Street, visit ArcadiaMainStreet.com.

To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit Florida Main Street or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 54 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida’s downtowns – the community’s heart and soul.