WINK Listens brings dozens of Arcadia residents together to share concerns

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK) — Neighbors in DeSoto County made their voices heard at a WINK Listens event in Arcadia.

From rising costs to stalled construction projects, dozens of community members showed up ready to be heard.

Community members came with one goal in mind—to be heard. While some people came in small groups, others brought a village.

BJ Suggs, an Arcadia resident, said she wanted to see what the event was all about.

"We've been watching you on TV, and we just thought we'd come out and see what it was all about," Suggs said.

Many residents said they have seen the change WINK Listens has helped make in other communities. They are hoping for the same in DeSoto County.

Arcadia is growing, but for some, that growth feels uneven. BJ and Darrell Suggs said the town is changing faster than they expected.

"It's not a small town anymore," the Suggs said. "It's growing, which is, I mean, it's okay, but still too fast, though."

Others said the issue isn't just growth—it's what's missing. Kimberly Zahary, an Arcadia resident, came out to share her concerns about the town.

"I thought, oh my gosh, I have to go, because this is such a cute town and things like that, but there's so much stuff that's wrong," Zahary said.

Residents talked about everyday struggles—rising grocery bills, higher gas prices and difficulty selling their homes. There were also concerns about bigger developments like a proposed data center at the old powerplant, water quality and unfinished roadwork projects.

Zahary pointed to ongoing road construction that has left streets torn up with no progress.

"We have a road construction project where every single road has just been torn up, and nothing has been done," Zahary said. "Nothing, nothing has moved forward."

For many, WINK Listens was a chance to speak directly to the people they trust to share their stories. Residents hope their voices will lead to real change in DeSoto County.