8 | SOUTHWEST FLORIDA • NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO PARADISE
Congratulations!
You've just moved to Southwest Florida
where most people come to vacation.
The Daily Sun is publishing this com-
prehensive guide as a very special way of
welcoming newcomers and providing the
information they need to settle in and have
some fun.
As you enjoy the warm weather, beaches
and sunsets, explore communities in the
area to discover what they have to offer.
ARCADIA
Arcadia is a city and county seat of
DeSoto County with a historic district listed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
It has a rich history of orange growing,
cattle-raising and hosting rodeos as well
as the DeSoto County Fair and the Water-
melon Festival. Arcadia also has a variety
of spots for camping, boating and other
outdoor recreation. Nearby is the Bearadise
Ranch Bear Preserve established in 1926
as a learning facility to promote awareness
for habitat preservation and conservation
for all bear species.
BABCOCK RANCH
Babcock Ranch is a solar-powered com-
munity in southeastern Charlotte County
and northeastern Lee County. It also is a
regional outdoor adventure destination be-
cause of its trails, lakes and eco-tours. The
PHOTO PROVIDED
Learn more about Babcock Ranch, America's first solar-
powered town located just northeast of Fort Myers on
Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, at the Discovery
Center.
Start
living
the
good
life
Welcome!
PHOTO FROM ARCADIARODEO.COM
A popular DeSoto County event is the annual Arcadia
All-Florida Championship Rodeo.
