Split Oak Ranch owners Neftali and Nicole DeJesus, joined by family, supporters and community leaders, cut the ceremonial ribbon during the grand opening celebration of the ranch's new agritourism venue on Saturday, July 11, in Bunnell. Photo by Rich Carroll
A young visitor tries out the mechanical bull during Split Oak Ranch's grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 11. The family-friendly event featured more than 50 vendors, food trucks, bounce houses and activities as the ranch officially opened its new agritourism venue. Photo by Rich Carroll
A playground shaded by sprawling live oaks offers another family-friendly attraction at Split Oak Ranch. The 54-acre property features open green space, equestrian facilities and a new event venue that officially opened during the ranch's grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 11. Photo by Rich Carroll
Visitors interact with animals during Split Oak Ranch's grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 11. The event highlighted the ranch's agricultural roots with livestock displays, equestrian exhibits and family-friendly activities. Photo by Rich Carroll
Guests tour the newly completed event hall during Split Oak Ranch's grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 11. The climate-controlled venue is designed to host weddings, corporate events, community gatherings and other special occasions. Photo by Rich Carroll
Food trucks lined the grounds during Split Oak Ranch's grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 11, offering visitors a variety of dining options as they explored the ranch's new agritourism venue and community festival. Photo by Rich Carroll
Split Oak Ranch merchandise, including hats and T-shirts, is displayed inside the new event venue during the ranch's grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 11. The branded apparel was available for purchase throughout the community event. Photo by Rich Carroll
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County Commission District 2 candidate Greg Feldman and other community members attended the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting for Split Oak Ranch's new agritourism venue in Bunnell on Saturday, July 11. Photo by Rich Carroll
A vintage Jeep pickup, classic John Deere tractor and the Split Oak Ranch sign greet visitors during the ranch's grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 11. The event highlighted the property's rural heritage while showcasing its new agritourism venue. Photo by Rich Carroll
Two horses graze in a corral during Split Oak Ranch's grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 11. The 54-acre ranch combines its equestrian roots with a new agritourism venue designed to host community events, weddings and agricultural activities. Photo by Rich Carroll
Split Oak Ranch officially celebrated the grand opening of its new agritourism venue Saturday, welcoming hundreds of residents, local officials and business owners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked a major milestone for the 54-acre equestrian property.
The celebration gave the community its first look at the ranch's completed event venue, which owners Neftali and Nicole DeJesus envision as a destination for weddings, agricultural events, equestrian activities and community gatherings.
Guests spent the evening browsing more than 50 vendors, choosing from approximately eight food trucks, watching demonstrations, visiting horse rescue organizations and enjoying family-friendly attractions including bounce houses and a mechanical bull. A passing storm cooled temperatures just before the festivities began, making for comfortable conditions throughout the evening.
"It's been a journey to get here," Neftali DeJesus said before the ribbon cutting.
When asked what he was feeling moments before officially opening the venue, DeJesus smiled before reflecting on the months of work leading up to the celebration.
"Tired," he joked. "No. It's been a great time. We've been building. We've had so many people help us."
DeJesus said the project was built not only through his family's efforts but also through an outpouring of community support. As the owner of two construction companies, he said many of the subcontractors who regularly work with his businesses volunteered their time to help construct the new venue.
"We've been surrounded by love and support from our community, from our business associates, from just everyone around," DeJesus said. "We're honestly just honored and blessed and thankful for just everyone here."
The event showcased the property's vision as an agritourism center while also highlighting local businesses and organizations from across Flagler County.
"So we have over 50 vendors here right now," DeJesus said. "We have about eight food trucks, two bounce houses, a mechanical bull, which I'm super excited to get on myself. We have horse rescues here. It's just a bunch of different things going on, but a great time."
The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President John Phillips welcomed attendees and congratulated the DeJesus family on opening what he described as a valuable addition to the local business community before inviting Neftali DeJesus to address the crowd.
Speaking to those gathered outside the venue, DeJesus thanked the volunteers, contractors, elected officials and community members who helped turn the family's vision into reality.
"I know this is the corny thing to say, but this would not be possible without everyone here," he said. "We've had nothing but friends and volunteers and people we work with through our construction companies just working their butts off here, volunteering and helping us get this going."
He also thanked county officials, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and residents for supporting the ranch.
"We love you guys," DeJesus said. "Thank you all for being a part of this. Thank you for believing in us and showing up."
Following the remarks, Neftali and Nicole DeJesus, joined by family members and supporters, officially cut the ceremonial ribbon as the crowd applauded.
The grand opening represents another step in the couple's long-term vision for Split Oak Ranch. As previously reported by the Observer, the DeJesus family purchased the property with plans to preserve its rural character while expanding opportunities for agritourism and community events. The venue is expected to host weddings, corporate functions, livestock and equestrian events, seasonal festivals and other gatherings that celebrate Flagler County's agricultural heritage.
Saturday's turnout suggested the community has already embraced that vision. Throughout the evening, families explored the grounds, visited local vendors, sampled food from area businesses and enjoyed live entertainment while taking in the ranch's newest amenities.
For Neftali and Nicole DeJesus, the ribbon cutting was more than the opening of a new venue—it was the culmination of months of construction, volunteer work and community support, and the beginning of what they hope will become one of Flagler County's premier destinations for events and agritourism.
