What's Going Up: Spring 2026 Round-Up

Curious about changes in DeSoto County? Read all that has happened this past Spring of 2026. #WorthTheWild
*Inclusion in "What's Going Up" does not indicate endorsement by DeSoto County.

Murals & More: Public Art and New Signage Brings Color Downtown, Beyond

Public art continues to accent areas of Downtown Arcadia and DeSoto County, highlighting the County’s history, rodeo, agriculture, antiques, and more. 

Thanks to groups like Arcadia Main Street, DeSoto Arts Center, Pletcher’s on Monroe and others, there are now murals, paintings, statues, banners, new signage and historic markers to provide color and spirit to the city of Arcadia and DeSoto County.

These additions create an artistic tapestry for locals and travelers to view and admire, as well as to learn of the rich history and culture that thrives throughout DeSoto County.
For more information about downtown programs, click here

News & Updates

Big plans brewing at Florida Farmhouse Coffee

Florida Farmhouse Coffee, in partnership with Dragon’s Den Book Store, has expanded its space at The Pink (Rosen) Building, creating The Grounds, in Historic Downtown Arcadia.

The Grounds is a space that has been thoughtfully created with care, creativity and intention, serving as a reservable events space, but also as a peaceful, enjoyable experience for daily guests. 

The new space pairs books and coffee in a perfect match, highlighting a quieter area with accessible power for laptops, and a greenhouse-inspired aesthetic to reflect Florida’s outdoor feel.

But wait, there is more! Florida Farmhouse Coffee is also developing a drive-thru coffee shop on the corner of East Cypress Street and North DeSoto Avenue (SR 17), aimed at serving locals quickly, easing downtown parking strain, and beautifying one of the town’s many main pathways.
With the new drive-thru, owners hope to serve early, in-a-hurry locals while reducing parking pressure that might come with other areas around town. For more information about Farmhouse and future projects, go to Facebook.com/the.florida.farmhouse.coffee.

John Lee Haus Inn opens as wedding venue

Pia and Thomas Crone have been busy renovating the John Lee Haus Inn at 601 W. Oak Street in Historic Downtown Arcadia. 

They recently announced that the Inn is opening as a wedding and event venue this upcoming summer. 
“We’ll be opening this summer as a weekend-long, lodging-included venue experience for couples planning intimate weddings under 35 guests,” Pia said. “Guests will be able to book this year for weddings taking place in 2027.”
During this time, the Crones will work to complete upstairs renovations while also generating revenue to help support the restoration process. For more information, go to https://www.johnleehausinn.com.

Links2Success Makes Historic Downtown its Home

In April, Links2Success celebrated an official ribbon cutting in its new facility in historic downtown Arcadia.

The event was a joyful and meaningful evening shared with the group’s community partners, donors, and students (who can be seen in pictured in the photo collage). *Source: Facebook.
Group representatives also thanked their many supporters, adding that the milestone would not have been possible without support from the DeSoto County community. For more information about Links2Success, programs, events and more, go to www.links2success.org.

Historic City Hall set to reopen, lease options could be available City of Arcadia Margaret Way Building 

The City of Arcadia nears completion of rebuild and renovations at the Historic City Hall in downtown Arcadia.  

The city plans to move the majority of its offices back to the Historic City Hall, opening up rentable business suites at its current main office, the Margaret Way Building. City Council and other public meetings will still be held at the Margaret Way Building; however, rent and lease options will become available in the building in the coming months for interested parties. 
The Margaret Way building is located at 23 North Polk Avenue. The Historic City Hall is located at 121 W Hickory Street.
For more information about the City of Arcadia, go to https://arcadia-fl.gov.

In case you missed it: ...

The DeSoto County Historical Society held a ribbon cutting on May 1st at the John Morgan Ingraham House Museum (300 N. Monroe Ave.), celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as well as recent upgrades to the exterior of the museum. A new roof was completed by JCS Roofing. Siding repair and fresh paint was also finished by R. D. Welch Company. Mayor Judy Wertz-Strickland served as guest speaker. Historical Society President Adrian Cline led the ceremony. https://historicdesoto.org.
Dragon's Den Books owner Doug Heavener, along with family and friends, held a ribbon cutting in February, reopening the popular bookstore at its new location, 101 W. Oak Street in The Pink Building. The new location will serve as a community hub, including the expanded bookstore, plenty of seating for Dragon’s Den and the adjoining shop Florida Farmhouse Coffee, an area for small events, and a corner performance section for author readings, live music and more. https://dragonsdenbooks.com.
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*For more information about these businesses, click on the images below

In April, the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand reopening celebration at Dunkin Donuts in Arcadia. Guests enjoyed amazing giveaways like free coffee for 100 days for 100 lucky winners, Dunkin decorating kits for the kids, and tons of prizes and samples. *Source: Facebook
In April, signs celebrating America's 250th celebration of our country's founding were added to Veteran's Park in Arcadia. America250FL is invites Floridians to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. For more information and ways to get involved, go to https://america250fl.com.
Realtor Akos Jankura recently opened a RE/MAX franchise at 920 North Mills Avenue in Arcadia. He is using the 827 N. Robert Ave. (same building) for the RE/MAX landmark. Jankura plans for a big grand opening of the office. More information will be provided in this post as it becomes available.
In January, Crews Bank held a groundbreaking ceremony to rebuild their central location in Arcadia. Damages from Hurricane Ian forced the bank to close, demolish, and redevelop the structure at this location. Development continues this May and into the summer. For more info about Crews Bank, go to https://www.crews.bank.

Curious about other developments and services in town?

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