The Vapor Train in downtown Arcadia recently celebrated its first anniversary and the jubilant atmosphere between owner Wayne Onofri and his customers spoke for itself on the successful venture. From batteries to oils to tanks, any vaping needs can be … Find out how to read more online.

First State Bank of Arcadia announced the promotions of three very deserving employees: Michelle Potter, Melissa Black and Jaccarie Simons. Potter, a 24-year employee, was promoted to Vice President of Retail Operations. Potter has held many positions at FSB during … Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation Inc. announced it has successfully emerged from Chapter 11 Reorganization proceedings. FINR entered into Chapter 11 early this year under jurisdiction of Judge Catherine Peek McEwen of the Middle District of Florida. On August … Find out how to read more online.

Carl Tindall was around 16 years old when he discovered his interest in cooking. Little did he know at the time, his journey would take him from Virginia Beach to Key West with Downtown Arcadia as his ultimate home. “I … Find out how to read more online.

If you had $570,000 to spend, what would you spend it on? For Larry McKinney, owner of the Arcadia Beef O’Brady’s, the answer was a no-brainer. He invested that amount in his restaurant. Beef O’Brady’s is located in the Sweetbay … Find out how to read more online.

A dynamic couple, Algie and Wolf Didlaukies, will be closing the doors to Glass, Antique or Not in Arcadia and want past customers and visitors to know that Sept. 15 will be the last day to shop. Algie and Wolf … Find out how to read more online.

Arcadia Medical Associates is excited to announce the addition of two new physicians to its team: Podiatry specialist Dr. Maria Galimidi and general surgeon Dr. Vasant Patel. Both doctors are currently accepting new patients at the clinic. Dr. Maria Galimidi, … Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

Do not let the historical rodeo mural of cowboys and cattle downtown fool you into thinking that Arcadia’s newest beauty parlor is anything less than a modern, upbeat, one-stop shop. Liz Christensen, the owner of CliptoMania, has opened the doors … Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

Last month Jenna Sullivan, along with her husband Chris, made her dream of being a restaurant owner come true by purchasing Terra-Fried Chicken. The restaurant, which is located in the Oak Plaza, specializes in fried chicken, fresh vegetables and fruits … Find out how to read more online.

You may have noticed big changes at the building at 163 N. Brevard Ave., where Robarts Funeral Home used to be. The new bright white and blue exterior is now home to Water’s Edge Dermatology. They opened their doors here … Find out how to read more online.

As you into Rinaldi’s Small Engine Repair, a bee’s nest of activity and family camaraderie greets customers. The shop opened its doors in May 2012 and specializes in the repair and rebuild of lawn mower, weed eaters, chain saws and … Find out how to read more online.

There is a new store in town with a unique business plan. Wayne Onofri and his son Kevin opened the doors of the Vapor Train last week with high hopes of closing them in two years. They would like to … Find out how to read more online.

On March 21, 2012, Mary Dow received the news no business owner ever wants to hear: All her years of hard work had gone up in smoke. That’s the day her business — Dow Realty — burned down due to … Find out how to read more online.

Tony Guidry, President of First State Bank of Arcadia, announced Ashley DeLuca, customer service representative and loan processor at the bank’s East Office, completed her Consumer Lending e-Course and received her certification. DeLuca is working on her diploma for her … Find out how to read more online.

ARCADIA — The Clock Family Restaurant of Arcadia has occupied highway frontage at 1121 East Oak Street for 35 years. Owners Jimmy and Johnny Tringali first opened its doors in 1978. They have been providing home-made vegetable soup daily and … Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

At 6 West Oak Street in Downtown Arcadia, there is a new business. On the door, it is identified as Acme Bicycle Shop: “The Friendliest Bicycle Shop in Florida.” Earl Lang and Karen Freeman, husband and wife, saw the undeveloped … Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

It’s a classic case of local girl makes good. DeSoto County High School grad Kalynn Kingsley Green is leading her home health agency, Assisting Hands, into Arcadia to help seniors in DeSoto County. Green is a nursing student at FGCU … Find out how to read more online.

Kenneth M. Kinzie has been named Administrative Director of the Tidewell Hospice Grief Education and Support Center. Kinzie brings to Tidewell more than 25 years of professional experience directing Employee Assistance Programs with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and the … Find out how to read more online.

SARASOTA – Tidewell Hospice has named Paula Hancock administrative director of marketing and communications. Hancock brings to Tidewell more than 30 years of professional experience in all aspects of healthcare communications and marketing. As editorial director for Penn Medicine Marketing … Find out how to read more online.

ATLANTA — The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles’ 54th Basic Parole Officer Training Course graduation ceremony was held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Ga. on May 4. Sixteen new parole officers are now on … Find out how to read more online.

ARCADIA — Just over one year ago Kim and Bill Johnson opened The Good Life in downtown Arcadia and in a sense started living the good life themselves. The Good Life offers certified organic, fair trade, eco-friendly, local and other … Find out how to read more online.

Brenda Johnson, the owner of DeSoto Sign Company, is in a business she loves and it shows. She fell in love with her line of work as a graphics arts student in high school. After graduation she went to work … Find out how to read more online.

The DeSoto Chamber held an extremely successful sporting clay fundraiser on June 19 at the Square One Sporting Clay facility on State Road 70 between Arcadia and Lake Placid. This event was helped reduce the deficit caused by the loss … Find out how to read more online.

It’s been said success comes from finding something you truly enjoy doing and turning it into a business. That is exactly what Kenny Moore and his wife Joanna have found. They are both graduates of DeSoto County High School and … Find out how to read more online.

ARCADIA — Spring is here and summer is just around the corner so this the perfect time to get your yard in shape, before the rainy season starts. Lucky for you there is a great local business that can help … Find out how to read more online.

ARCADIA — Eugene and Verlene Hickson will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hickson Funeral Home this Sunday with a service and open house. Beginning at 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., the Hicksons invite Arcadia to share in 50 years of … Find out how to read more online.

So much stuff is starting to happen in DeSoto County! It seems that the economy is beginning to turn around and folks are starting to become a little more positive in their outlook on the future. Your Chamber continues to … Find out how to read more online.

NORTH PORT — Barbara Smith couldn’t be more proud of her students, and she was recently able to tell them and their local business sponsors during a luncheon at North Port High School. At the luncheon, which was catered by … Find out how to read more online.

D ear Mr. Berko: If you had to make a choice between 600 shares of Office Depot or 200 shares of Staples, which stock would you choose? This investment would be for this year’s simple IRA. — P.W., Elkhart, Ind. … Find out how to read more online.