*Source: Photos by Daniel Sutphin, DeSoto County, and Graciano Corporation Facebook

In case you’ve missed it, the Historic DeSoto County Courthouse is undergoing a bit of a facelift.

The redbrick courthouse is currently surrounded by massive netting and scaffolding while a construction crew with Graciano Corporation work to restore the historic structure.

DeSoto County Commissioners approved the restoration project in early summer 2024 with the county issuing a construction Notice to Proceed on June 7.

The contract amount is just over $1.9 million with $500,000 in grant funding through the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources.

Project tasks span multiple aspects but, most notably, they include repairing joints on the brickwork, replacing damaged brick, regrouting glass blocks, applying stone and masonry sealant, as well as other general condition efforts. The work is projected to wrap up in December 2024.

The courthouse was originally built and completed May 5, 1913. The architectural firm Bonfoey and Elliott of Tampa used elements of Greek and Roman classical architecture in designing it.  

In 1984, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The courthouse remains open during its normal hours — 8:30am to 5pm, Monday through Friday – despite the restoration. The DeSoto County Courthouse is located at 115 East Oak St., Arcadia, FL 34266 and can be reached by calling 863-993-4644.

At the time of this post (July 17, 2024), Graciano Corporation is looking for local laborers and bricklayers to help restore the building. 

If interested in working with the company give Glenn a call or text at 412-378-3405. 

For video of some of Graciano Corporation’s work, click here. 

Yiyi’s Wine Bar — something new, something different

*Source: Photos by Daniel Sutphin and Yiyi’s Wine Bar Facebook

A bit of flair and flavor can go a long way for any new business and Yiyi’s Wine Bar has captured both.

Owned and managed by Yiset Martinez and Carlos Rosa, the restaurant, wine and cigar bar is helping revitalize a portion of the three-story Plaza Hotel building, at the corner of East SR 70 and South SR 17, in Arcadia, FL.

Manager Carlos Rosa said they fell in love with the spot at 11 W Magnolia Street.

“We (Yiset and I) decided to come here to Arcadia and establish this first wine bar because we thought that the people of Arcadia needed something new,” Rosa said. “Also, we have the opportunity to get established here. We saw the opportunity and turned it into the wine bar.”

From charcuterie, tapa plates and bruschetta to pizzas, burgers and sandwiches, Yiyi’s has a taste for all guests. 

“It’s about the culture of the wine bars,” said Rosa. “We want to add something different and something new, like the Cuban sandwich and the Cuban pizza which is a part of the Cuban culture, as well the charcuterie, tapa plates (and more).

“We are trying to support and help everybody, so we can work as a team and as a business community.”

For business hours or more information, click here or call 786-366-5141.

New business is happening all around DeSoto

*Source: Facebook

Over the summer, Hammerheads Catering — a longtime catering business and food truck in Arcadia — began operating in the evenings regularly out of Mary Margaret’s Tea & Biscuit, 10 S. Polk Ave.; Laura’s Good Vibe Tribe, a nonprofit thrift store opened at 213 W. Oak St.; and Bin Hut opens July 19, 2024, at 2745 SE Hwy 70 (in the old Catos Fashion unit next to the Walmart Supercenter).

*Update: Starting AUGUST 1, 2024, Hammerheads Catering and Restaurant will be operating at the DeSoto County Fair fairgrounds Kitchen, 100 Heard St., Arcadia, FL.

For more information:

• Find Hammerheads Catering at www.hammerheadscatering.com or by calling 727-218-9877,
• Find Laura’s Good Vibe Tribe by clicking here, or by calling 863-263-4598,
• Find Bin Hut at binhut.com or by calling 239-588-0920.