Saturday, July 11 was the day Split Oak Ranch officially opened its doors. We welcomed the community into our new event venue for the first time, with more than 50 vendors, eight food trucks and a crowd of neighbors filling the property. Here is a look back at the ribbon cutting and the whole evening.
How Our Grand Opening Night at Split Oak Ranch Unfolded
Our grand opening ran from five to eight in the evening, and the turnout went well past anything we had planned for. Families arrived early, stayed late and filled both the new building and the grounds around it. What follows are the moments from that night that we will remember longest.
A Passing Storm Left Us Perfect Weather
A short storm rolled over Bunnell not long before we opened the gates, and it did us a real favor. The heat broke, the air cooled down and the evening stayed comfortable straight through to closing. For a July night in Florida, the timing could not have worked out better. Guests arrived dry and stayed that way all night.
The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce Cut the Ribbon With Us
The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce hosted the formal ribbon cutting ceremony. Chamber President John Phillips welcomed everyone, congratulated our family and called the ranch a valuable addition to the local business community before handing the microphone over.
Standing in front of the crowd, Neftali thanked the volunteers, contractors, elected officials and neighbors who gave their time to get this building finished. He told everyone it had taken a long road to reach that moment, and that none of it would have happened without the people standing right there in front of him. Then he and Nicole, surrounded by family and supporters, cut the ribbon while the crowd applauded.
More Than 50 Vendors and Eight Food Trucks
We opened the property to more than 50 vendors that night, with roughly eight food trucks parked across the grounds. Guests moved between tables of local goods, worked their way through the trucks and stopped to watch demonstrations happening around the property. Several horse rescue organizations joined us as well, which meant a great deal to us given how much of our daily work centers on horses.
A Mechanical Bull, Bounce Houses and Plenty for the Kids
Two bounce houses and a mechanical bull kept our younger guests busy for most of the evening. The bull drew the longest line and by far the loudest reactions, and a fair number of adults took their turn on it too. Near the entrance sign, a vintage Jeep pickup and a classic John Deere tractor became one of the most photographed spots of the night.
Community Leaders and Neighbors Turned Out
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly attended, along with Flagler County Commission District 2 candidates Theresa Pontieri and Greg Feldman, Florida 6th Congressional District candidate Charles Gambaro, the Schwarzkopf family, and a long list of neighbors and business owners from across the county. Plenty of them had watched this building go up from the road over the past few months, and told us so. Seeing that many people together on our property told us we had built something the area genuinely wanted.
A First Look Inside Our New Event Venue
For most guests, this was their first time inside the new building. It gives us 5,000 square feet of indoor space with full air conditioning, so it stays comfortable no matter what the Florida weather decides to do. Inside there are restrooms built to ADA standards, a preparation kitchen for caterers and a private suite for the wedding party to get ready in. A porch measuring 1,200 square feet wraps the front and looks out across the pasture. Our hats and shirts were on display inside, and plenty of guests went home wearing one.
From Split Oak Farm to Split Oak Ranch
We purchased this 54 acre property in January, after it had carried the name Split Oak Farm for about five years. Since January we have added new arena lighting, upgraded the irrigation, replaced fencing, expanded the tack room, and improved the stalls and pastures. The land gives us roughly 18 acres of wooded riding trails and another 10 acres of open riding space, along with live oaks more than 200 years old and one of the oldest surviving homesteads in Flagler County.
What Comes Next at the Ranch
Four events were already on our calendar for opening month, and the bookings have kept arriving since. We host weddings, fundraisers, corporate gatherings, reunions, homeschool groups and community events, and our riding lessons are now running a waiting list. Couples searching for a rustic wedding venue near Palm Coast, St. Augustine or Daytona Beach finally have an option close to home.
Conclusion:
July 11 was a single evening, but it took months of work and a great many hands to get there. We are grateful to everyone who showed up that night, and to everyone who helped build this place long before the doors ever opened. Our event venue in Bunnell, FL is officially open, and we would love to walk you through it. Book a tour and come see the property for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Split Oak Ranch officially open?
We held our grand opening and ribbon cutting on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with a community celebration that ran from five to eight in the evening.
Where is Split Oak Ranch located?
We are at 5210 CR-305 in Bunnell, Florida, in the heart of Flagler County, within easy driving distance of Palm Coast, St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.
How large is the event venue at Split Oak Ranch?
Our venue offers 5,000 square feet of indoor space with full air conditioning, plus a front porch of 1,200 square feet overlooking the property.
What kinds of events can be held at Split Oak Ranch?
We host weddings, corporate gatherings, fundraisers, galas, reunions, birthday parties, baby showers, homeschool programs and community events, along with agricultural events such as rodeos and barrel racing.
Does Split Oak Ranch still offer horse boarding and riding lessons?
Yes. Horses remain at the center of everything we do. We offer full boarding, pasture boarding, training and riding lessons for beginners through advanced riders.