| Arcadia, Florida | |
|---|---|
| DeSoto County Courthouse in Arcadia | |
| Location in DeSoto County and the state of Florida | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | DeSoto |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4 sq mi (10.5 km2) |
| • Land | 4 sq mi (10.5 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| • Total | 6,604 |
| • Density | 1,651/sq mi (629/km2) |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP codes | 34265, 34266, 34269 |
| Area code(s) | 863 |
| FIPS code | 12-01750[1] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0294235[2] |
| Website | Arcadia-fl.gov |
Arcadia is a city in DeSoto County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,604 as of the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city grew to 7,151. [1] It is the county seat of DeSoto County[3]; it is also DeSoto County's only incorporated community. On October 27, 2009, President Barack Obama visited Arcadia. He became the first sitting president to do so. The city was devastated by Hurricane Charley on Friday, August 13, 2004.
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Arcadia is located at 27°13'N 81°52'W (27.2176, -81.8599).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.0 square miles (10.4 km2), all but 0.25% of which is land.
"The Rev. James Madison ("Boss") Hendry (1839-1922) named the town in honor of Arcadia Albritton (1861-1932), a daughter of Thomas H. and Fannie (Waldron) Albritton, pioneer settlers. Arcadia had baked him a cake for his birthday and he appreciated it so much that he named the city after her."[2]
During the late 19th century Arcadia was the county seat of what would become many counties. In 1921 legislation enacted called for Arcadia to remain the county seat of Desoto County and resulted in the creation of present day counties of Charlotte, Hardee, Glades and Highlands. Prior to this break up Arcadia's population had grown considerably with over 1,000 permanent residents and boasted 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2) for ranching. During Thanksgiving Day in 1905 the town was destroyed by a large-scale fire that originated from a mid-town livery stable. Furthermore the fire was exacerbated because the town did not have a working water system or fire department. The estimated monetary damage was $250,000 but there was no loss of life. Much of the business district was not spared. It would be years before the town recovered.
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, one of several satellite fields in the Fort Myers Area, also trained pilots for the Royal Air Force until its closing in 1945.
Arcadia was featured in an episode of the "Travel Channel" show "Cash & Treasures Treasure Hunter: Kirsten Gum", the episode aired in 2006. The episode included locals helping Kirsten dig for fossil shark teeth in the Peace River.
Popular Youtube hairstylist Celebrity Seaborn styles many notable Arcadia citizens, such as Haiti, better known as Haiti of Arcadia.
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 6,604 people, 2,289 households, and 1,533 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,635.6 people per square mile (631.1/km²). There were 2,604 housing units at an average density of 644.9 per square mile (248.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 62.11% White, 28.09% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 7.18% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.05% of the population.
There were 2,289 households out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.9% were married couples living together, 20.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.2% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,025, and the median income for a family was $29,593. Males had a median income of $22,518 versus $18,666 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,893. About 20.2% of families and 25.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.1% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
Arcadia Municipal Airport is a public-use airport located 1 mile (1.6 km) southeast of the central business district. Over the last six years the airport has gone downhill,due to the management & no foresight from the city council. The airport is managed & leased by William & Becky Minnear under the name AIRCADIA. A lot of renters & pilots have left due to conflicts with management,leaving the airport looking almost like a ghost town. The city council recently adopted an airport advisory committee to advise on ways of improving the airport. The airport has a deep history as well as Desoto county connected to aviation,with The old Carlstrom & Dorr training fields in Desoto County.
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.
Arcadia is also the home of three rodeos. These events, which are managed by the local rodeo association, occur during the months of March, 4 July holiday and in the Fall. From the profits of these events many local charities, college scholarships and causes receive funding.
During the month of May a local 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 local tourists. The festival is part of the Florida Watermelon Association.
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