History

DeSoto County was created in 1887. It was named for Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, whose name was also honored in Hernando County.

DeSoto County originally included several other present-day counties until 1921, when the Florida legislature created the following new counties: Charlotte, Glades, Hardee, and Highlands.

From 1917 to 1922, Arcadia was the home of Carlstrom Field, a grass airfield of the U.S. Army Air Service named for deceased aviation pioneer Victor Carlstrom. Carlstrom Field was used for pilot training both during and after World War I.

 In May 1941 the site again became an airfield for military primary flight training, operated by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute (now Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University). Carlstrom Field was one of several satellite fields in the Fort Myers Area. During World War II, DeSoto County operated the Carlstrom Field Air Base, which provided training for both American and British pilots. Twenty-three British pilots were killed while training at the base and are honored at DeSoto County's Oak Ridge Cemetery, which is located in the County Seat of Arcadia. In 1945, the base turned out its last cadets and was decommissioned. The base was then sold to the State of Florida and later converted into a mental health facility known as G. Pierce Wood Memorial Hospital. The hospital has since been converted for other use.

DeSoto County News and The Arcadian historical newspapers for DeSoto County are openly accessible in the Florida Digital Newspaper Library

Economy

DeSoto County's local economy is heavily reliant upon agriculture and renewable energy. Primary agriculture elements include citrus, cattle and watermelons. Additionally, Arcadia has experienced a surge in home development due in part to residents relocating from surrounding counties and commuting to their work destinations. During the winter months many retirees from the mid west relocate to Arcadia, which provides a needed contribution to the local economy. DeSoto County is the perfect bedroom community and the perfect "snowbird" destination in winter months. As noted by a University of Florida study, DeSoto County is rated 3rd out of 67 counties in Florida for explosive growth and prosperity in the coming years.

Tourism plays an important role in the economy of DeSoto County. As a Florida Main Street community, the downtown antique district of Arcadia draws visitors from all over the state. Rodeo fans attend several rodeo events a year hosted by the Arcadia Rodeo Association. The historic Peace River, a Florida State Paddling Trail, runs through DeSoto County. The Peace River is a popular waterway for fishing, swimming, fossil hunting, canoeing, boating and kayaking.

Annual events

Arcadia hosts DeSoto County's annual fair usually in the month of January. While traditional aspects of a fair or carnival are provided, the event also presents livestock shows consisting of swine and cattle, which are presented by the local FFA and 4-H.

DeSoto County is also the home of three rodeos. These events, which are managed by the local rodeo association, occur during the months of March, 4th of July holiday and in the Fall. From the profits of these events many local charities, college scholarships and causes receive funding. Additional Rodeos are hosted at the state-of-the-art Turner Agricultural-Civic Center.

During the month of May the watermelon festival is held. The month of May is also the height of watermelon harvesting season. The festival has a variety of pageants, contests and draws many tourists. The festival is part of the Florida Watermelon Association.