What's Going Up: Summer 2026 Round-Up

Curious about changes in DeSoto County? Read all that has happened this summer of 2026. #FloridaWild #WorthTheWild
*Inclusion in "What's Going Up" does not indicate endorsement by DeSoto County. Click on images to enhance.

A Bit of Peace, Nature, and a Whole lot of Magic:
Escape to Hidden Oak Hideaway Treehouse Retreat.

In just a little over a year, owners Jessica Dobbins and Donny Marcum created Hidden Oak Hideaway Treehouse Retreat, a quaint, quiet, pond oasis and lazy river haven in the middle of nowhere in DeSoto County. 

Hidden Oak Hideaway is a short-term vacation rental centered around a treehouse experience. Guests can reserve the property through Airbnb and enjoy an intimate, private stay surrounded by nature.

“One word we hear over and over is ‘magical,’” Dobbins said. “Guests tell us they love how peaceful, private, and relaxing the property feels. Many guests say it’s a place where they can truly disconnect, slow down, reconnect with nature, and leave feeling refreshed.”

farm stand

In August, they also opened Hidden Oak Farm Stand on the property. The Farm Stand is available every day to Treehouse guests and open to the public 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Hidden Oak is located at 8842 SW Hidden Oaks Street, Arcadia FL, 34266, Arcadia, FL. Owners also recently opened a local farm stand for guests, as well.

For more information, find them on Facebook by clicking here or go to their website at HiddenOakHideawayTreeHouse.com.

Open for Business: A New Chapter at John Lee Haus Inn.

History, heritage and hospitality come together at John Lee House Inn. Built in 1892 by John Lee Jones, owners Pia and Thomas Crone have lovingly restored this historic home, opening it as an inn and intimate event venue.   

The Crones, along with the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce, held a grand opening event on September 4th.

“We’re incredibly grateful to have officially cut the ribbon on John Lee Haus Inn,” wrote the Crones in a September 4th Facebook post. “We’re so excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to welcome you through our doors!”

The Inn offers lodging on the second floor and a backyard cottage. They also provide event space for weddings and private gatherings, as well as opportunities for styled photography shoots and productions with a cinematic backdrop.

In July, the Inn served as a filming location for SCP: RED WINDOW, an independent horror short film produced by filmmaker Stephen Hancock and AltaVision.

The John Lee Haus Inn is located at 601 W. Oak Street, Arcadia, FL, 34266.

For more information, go to www.johnleehausinn.com or find them on Facebook at Facebook.com/johnleehausinn.

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The Latest in Public Art

New public art adds color around DeSoto County. 

Funded by the America 250 Florida Grant, this patriotic mural was painted on the west wall of 14 E. Oak. Street, in downtown Arcadia. The mural was painted by artist Angelika Shevchenko and organized by Arcadia Main Street.
Funded by the America 250 Florida Grant, this patriotic mural was painted on the south wall of Groovy Smoothie, 29 S. Polk Avenue, in downtown Arcadia. The mural was painted by artist Juan Ledesma and organized by Arcadia Main Street.
Fussell Meat's owners commissioned a mural on the facade of their building, located at 2039 SE Carlstrom Field Road. For more information about Fussell Meat's, go to Fussellmeatsllc.com or call (863) 494-2112
El Camaron Desvelado Mexican Seafood owners commissioned a new mural on the south wall of their restaurant, located at 824 E. Oak Street. For more information about El Camaron, call (863) 722-0163 or go to https://elcamarondesvelado.com.

In Case You Missed it ...

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Miss Rachell’s Homestyle Cooking restaurant owners held a grand opening on August 29 welcoming friends, family and the community to their soulful tastes. Miss Rachell’s is located at 1029 E Oak Street. For more information, call (863) 993-0055 or find them on Facebook by clicking here. 

Blush & Bashful Flower Co. owners expanded their business over the summer, offering rentable event space for up to 80 guests at their location, 25 W. Oak Street. For more information, call (863) 884-9966 or go to www.blushandbashfulflower.com.

A grand opening was held in July for the DeSoto High School Bulldog Corner of Arcadia-DeSoto Habitat for Humanity Restore, located at is 114 N Polk Avenue. For more information, call (863) 494-6456 or go to www.habitatdesoto.org/restore. 

El Camaron Desvelado Mexican Seafood held a ribbon cutting in late May, along with community, family and friends. The restaurant, located at 824 E. Oak Street, offers fresh Mexican seafood, handcrafted cocktails and more. For more information, call (863) 722-0163 or go to https://elcamarondesvelado.com.

News & Updates

Fire Rescue Training Tower

Construction is underway on the new DeSoto County Fire Rescue Training Center in county-owned property behind the Turner Agri-Civic Center, 2250 NE Roan Street. The state-of-the-art training center will allow first responders to sharpen their skills, prepare for the challenges ahead, and continue striving to provide the highest level of service to DeSoto County.

For updates and more information, go to Facebook.com/DesotoCountyPublicSafety.

YMCA at the Speer Center

Exterior work was under construction for the YMCA at the Speer Center project, including tree removal, earthmoving, turnaround for drop-off/pickups, future playground, and park access with interior work expected to begin in the fall. 

For more information, find them on Facebook by clicking here or go to www.ymcaswfl.org.

New DeSoto High School Update

Progress continues for the new DeSoto County High School on Roan Street. As of July 2026, a DeSoto School progress report stated that the Phase 1 Design and Phase 2 Exterior Construction were both 100% complete. Phase 3, involving the Interior Build Out has ongoing. Some other milestones listed include completing underground mechanical, electrical and plumbing in buildings A, B, and C. The paving of parking areas was also finished.

For more information and updates, go to Facebook.com/desotoschools.

Down the Road ...
Landmark Studios, Twin Creek Ranch, and Five Below

A longtime QVC personality and television host, local Realtor, Akos Jankura is opening Landmark Studios, a multi-use video production studio, at his RE/MAX franchise office, 920 N. Mills Avenue. For more details, call (727) 773-7829.
A longtime QVC personality and television host, local Realtor, Akos Jankura is opening Landmark Studios, a multi-use video production studio, at his RE/MAX franchise office, 920 N. Mills Avenue. For more details, call (727) 773-7829.
Twin Creeks Adventure Ranch owners are creating a new attraction for DeSoto County, offering ranch and exotic animals, gem mining, fossil discovery, Monster Truck Rides and more. They plan to open in early October at 3720 SW Hwy 17 Arcadia, FL. For more information, go to www.twincreeksranch-fl.com
Work crews at 1735 E Oak St, Arcadia, renovating the old Pet Supermarket for a new Five Below, a value retailer with most items priced between $1 and $5, at the location. Potential facade changes are also in the works to match the retailer's brand.

Curious about other developments and services in town?

Click here to find Development Services