Curious about developments, changes and additions in DeSoto County? Read all that has been happening this Winter 2025. *Inclusion in "What's Going Up" does not indicate endorsement by DeSoto County.
Southwest Florida rail corridor enhancement for growth
Work began in November for the Seminole Gulf Railway (SGLR) project to renew 11.5 miles of its Florida railroad between Fort Ogden in DeSoto County and Cleveland in Charlotte County.
The project will allow for increased train weight and higher track speeds. They received a $9.6 million federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program grant, as well as about $4.3 million from the Florida Department of Transportation.
SGLR is financing the rest of the approximately $18.2 million project that will take approximately 18 months to complete.
Railroad track upgrades include: the installation of heavy weight rail and the replacement of decayed timber ties with steel ties. These upgrades will improve the track structure which will increase the line capacity to serve growing demand for one of the fastest growing regions in the nation.
SGLR operates from north Naples to Arcadia, where it connects to the CSX railroad and the rest of the United States.
Kings Highway Expansion: FDOT to Hold 2 Public Meetings
Proposed improvements include road widening, median modifications, and drainage.
Working with DeSoto County, the Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a public information meeting for the Kings Highway (CR 769) project stretching from the Charlotte/DeSoto County to SW Glenadine Avenue in DeSoto.
You can participate in the public information meeting in person or live online.
The same materials will be displayed at both meetings and will also be posted on the project website. The public information meeting is being held to present information about the proposed improvements and provide the public an opportunity to offer feedback on the project.
IN-PERSON OPTION: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Grace Presbyterian Church 10548 Kings Hwy, Arcadia, FL 34269 The public information meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. with an open house followed by a formal presentation at 6 p.m.
VIRTUAL OPTION: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Virtual via GoToWebinar, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Register in advance by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8157516911744717149. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online.
Now under new management, the Historic Heard Opera House reopened its doors this past fall, featuring a variety of popular events — live music, game nights and tournaments, open mic sessions, karaoke, and paranormal investigations.
On Saturday December 20, the Opera House will hold its Grand Reopening Celebration, featuring Rolling Stones tribute band Start Me Up. The celebration begins at 8:30 p.m.
The Opera House is located at 106 W. Oak Street in Historic Downtown Arcadia.
Recent Ribbon Cuttings -- Beauty Avenue Salon, Sweet Magnolia's Creamery & Confections, and Dell' Armi Law Firm
*For more information about these businesses, click on the images below
Beauty Avenue Salon held a ribbon cutting on November 19th for the grand opening of its new location at 1128 E. Airport Road in Arcadia. Owner Anna Torres, her salon team, friends, family, DeSoto Chamber members and more celebrated the event providing tours and history. Torres said she had been working to develop a new location for her business for 14 years and was excited to open at the new space.
Celebrating 1 Sweet Year! Sweet Magnolia Creamery & Confections owner Shannon Roughgarden, friends and family held a 1-year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting on November 21st with the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce. Located at 203 W. Oak Street this local favorite has brought so much sweetness to downtown Arcadia.
Originally out of Sarasota, Dell' Armi Law Firm has expanded with a new office in Arcadia, 111 S. DeSoto Avenue. Attorney Sylvia Dell' Armi, along with the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, family and friends, held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the law firm's Arcadia location on December 11th.
Curious about other developments and services in town?
