What's Going Up 2026 Kick-Off Edition

Curious about developments, changes and additions in DeSoto County? Read all that has been happening in January 2026.
*Inclusion in "What's Going Up" does not indicate endorsement by DeSoto County.

Crews Bank breaks ground on longtime Brevard location

Crews Bank broke ground early morning of January 22 at their Arcadia location along Brevard Avenue. The previous building was destroyed during the 2022 Hurricane Ian.

Many Arcadians will remember the bank as First State Bank of Arcadia, which started in 1973 at this location. It was acquired by the Crews family in the 1980s and rebranded as Crews Bank and Trust in 2019.

Damages from Hurricane Ian forced the bank to close, demolish, and redevelop the structure at this location.
“The team is breaking ground on a new building designed to serve the community for 50+ years,” Crews Bank representative Justin Fussell said at the cermony.
He added that the design will blend historic Main Street brick elements with modern features, such as brick facades, a 23-foot storefront on a single story, and cantilevered awnings.
The interior, Fussell said, will feature an open-concept layout with glass walls, balancing transparency with privacy. 
The project honors the bank’s heritage while delivering modern, client-focused amenities.
Give it a click! For More Information about Crews Bank & Services

Dragon's Den Expands Downtown

Owner Doug Heavener has big plans in the works as the downtown bookstore moves across the street to the Rosen “Pink” Building.

The new location, 101 W. Oak Street, 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.

Heavener said the interior of the bookstore is three to five times larger than the previous location, 122 W. Oak Street. He plans to create an immersive experience featuring a “Yellow Brick Road” theme either painted or stenciled on the floor.
The theme will guide visitors directly to the children’s section. This dedicated kids’ corner will be a cozy nook with a couch, a “fireplace” feature, and a rocking chair for read-aloud sessions. 
The store’s layout will be organized by genre, with one side dedicated to non-fiction—including history, gardening, and sports—while the other will house fiction, true crime, thrillers, and mystery, leading into a dedicated fantasy and sci-fi area. 
Another key feature will be the centrally located horror section, distinguished by a “darker-themed” environment and the potential use of black lights for effect. 
Heavener added that part of their mission with the move extends beyond commerce—working with DeSoto County Schools to provide youth reading programs and academic incentive programs for local students.
A grand opening is planned for February 21st with a soft open set as part of the Arcadia Main Street Sip and Shop on February 14th. Volunteers will be helping move the many books, vinyl records, and more on February 7th.
Give it a click! For more Dragon's Den Books Info & Events

News & Updates

RMZ Realty making moves

In December, RMZ Realty, Inc., staff packed up and moved into their new office at 21 N. Brevard Avenue at the corner of US 17 North and SR 70 West.
Event space and business suites are still available at RMZs former location of 3263 US-17 South.
For more information, go to Facebook.com/rmzrealty or call 863-494-2702.

New DeSoto County High School project goes upright

Work began during summer 2025 on the new DeSoto County High School on N.E. Roan Street.
Since then, work crews continue to add walls for the two-story structure, in addition to exterior design upgrades. The new school is under construction on a lot adjacent to the current high school at 1710 E. Gibson Street.
The school is projected to open in the fall of 2027. Construction progress is paced according to the state’s funding allocation schedule.
For more information about the new school project or questions for the school district, call 863-494-4222 or go to Facebook.com/desotoschools.

DeSoto County Mills Complex open for business

The offices of the DeSoto County Property Appraiser, Health Department and Tax Collector, as well as Department of Motor Vehicles, have relocated to the new DeSoto County Mills Complex, 815 N. Mills Avenue. Landscaping at the Complex was carried out by the County’s Road & Bridge Department.
As of this post, all offices are now open at the complex and are no longer available at the County Administration Oak Street Office. 
For more information, call 863-993-4861. 

In case you missed it: Peace River Charters rebrands as Up River Adventures

The Florida Wild experience awaits on S.W. Adventure Way in the Nocatee area of DeSoto County. Formerly known as Peace River Charters, the airboat charter company also provides swamp buggy and horseback tours, as well as a vacation rental to make a weekend out of your visit. They also host a variety of individual businesses on Adventure Way--Canoe Outpost, Jungle Doria's Wildlife Park, and Fossil Recovery Exploration. The main office for all four businesses is located at 4192 S.W. Adventure Way.

*For more information about these businesses, click on the images below

Up River Adventures provides airboat charter tours on the Peace River, as well as swamp buggy and horseback riding tours along the river. For more information, call 863-884-4000.
Canoe Outpost provides canoes, paddles and access to the Peace River, as well as fishing and fossil hunting opportunities. For more information call 863-494-1215.
Fossil Recovery Exploration offers a fossil hunting tour guide service with airboat and/or swamp buggy rides. All fossil hunting equipment is provided. For more information, call 585-880-3150.
Feel the call of the wild at Jungle Doria’s, an experience of wildlife featuring everything from alligators and Mules to Madagascar lemurs, emus and more. For more information, call 863-444-0693.

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