In a county known for high-rises and rapid development, the Town of Davie continues to hold tight to something rare in South Florida: open land, backyard barns, and a community identity built on western heritage.
Davie’s story began long before suburban growth reshaped Broward County. Originally settled in the early 1900s as part of a drainage and farming project in the Everglades, the area was first known as Zona. In 1916, it was renamed Davie in honor of developer Robert Parsell Davie, who helped promote the land for agricultural use. Early residents grew tomatoes, beans, and other crops, carving out farms from what had once been wetlands. Ranching soon followed, laying the foundation for the equestrian culture that still defines the town today.
Unlike many neighboring communities that transitioned entirely to dense residential development, Davie made a deliberate choice to preserve its rural character. The town incorporated in 1961 and established zoning laws that protected agricultural and equestrian uses. Even today, many neighborhoods are designed with acreage lots, barns, and bridle paths, allowing residents to keep horses and livestock right at home.
Drive through Davie and you will still see riders trotting along trails, horse trailers parked beside pickup trucks, and families caring for animals in their own backyards. It is not just a visual difference. It is a lifestyle rooted in history.
At the heart of that tradition is the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, where rodeos, festivals, and community gatherings draw thousands each year. The arena stands as a modern symbol of Davie’s agricultural beginnings and its ongoing commitment to honoring that past.
Local programs through organizations like Future Farmers of America and 4-H continue to inspire the next generation. Young residents participate in livestock shows, horsemanship competitions, and leadership programs that keep Davie’s western traditions alive.
As Broward County continues to evolve, Davie remains intentional about protecting what makes it distinct. Its western spirit is not nostalgia. It is heritage. More than a century after its founding, Davie’s roots are still firmly planted, and its western lifestyle continues to ride strong.
