Prior to this breakup, Arcadia's population had grown considerably, with over 1,000 permanent residents and 3,000 sq mi (7,800 km2) for ranching.

On Thanksgiving Day in 1905, the town was destroyed by a fire that originated from a midtown livery stable.

Also, around 3,400 acres, which includes the downtown area, are part of the Arcadia Historic District.

The Ray family won a $1.1 million judgement against the county school system, but were forced to leave Arcadia after their home was burned down in 1987.

[5] In 2004, Arcadia was heavily damaged by Hurricane Charley, during which the eye went over the city, with winds measured up to 109 mph (49 m/s) at 5:27 pm.

[6] The people in the Turner Agri Civic Center were evacuated to DeSoto High School, but soon, part of its roof collapsed.

In the center of the town, the Old Opera House's roof was peeled off, causing severe water damage.

Eventually, the Red Cross shelter was forced to evacuate due to the collapsing of the building.

The city water tower crumpled along Florida State Road 70 and was never replaced after the hurricane.

Part of the roof peeled back, which exposed equipment and patients to the wind-driven rain.

[7] Hurricane Charley caused 3,600 homes to be destroyed or heavily damaged, and displaced 16,000 people.

The Peace River flows past the west side of the city on its way southwest to tidewater at Punta Gorda.

Nearby Southeast Arcadia occupies a larger section of land, hosting a nearly equal, yet more dispersed population.

The airport has a deep history of aviation, with the old Carlstrom and Dorr training fields in DeSoto County.

It is leading the state in low fuel prices and has a fly-in and camp facility called Aviation City.

Arcadia Municipal Airport hosts an annual Aviation Day event in March.

Arcadia is located on the Peace River, the major tributary of the Charlotte Harbor estuary.

Arcadia hosts DeSoto County's annual fair usually in the month of January.

These events, which are managed by the local rodeo association, occur during the month of March, the Fourth of July holiday, and in the fall.

From the profits of these events many local charities, college scholarships and causes receive funding.

Arcadia is one of the largest groupings of antique dealers in the state, all located conveniently in the downtown area.