Arcadia is a city located in DeSoto County, Florida. Arcadia serves as the county seat of DeSoto County. The city is situated in the central-southwestern part of Florida. It is known for its rural setting, agricultural activities, and access to the Peace River. Its population was 7,420 as of the 2020 census.
Peace River State Forest has a rich history of agricultural use, including serving as a home for rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and other exotic “hoofstock” for nearly a decade. Peace River State Forest includes a variety of improved ranges and natural communities, including floodplain forest, cypress, mixed hammock, and remnants of pine flatwoods.