Top 5 Things You May Not Know About Davie

The History Of Davie

Many people do not know that the history of Davie dates back to the early 1900s when its first settlers, Tamara Toussaint and Jake Tannebaum, arrived and named the town "Zona" in recognition of their former home in the Panama Canal Zone. 

The name also means "the first improved town of the Everglades." 

Since the city was carved out of the Everglades land partially submerged underwater, there was no corner grocery store. 

Thus, all the first pioneers became farmers regardless of their education and upbringing. 

By 1916, Zona's first school room was built by Mr. Davie and the Everglades Sugar and Land Company. 

In recognition of this and other services, the community was renamed Davie in 1916. 

Horseback Is...

...as common in Davie as riding a car or transport system! Since the area is known as Florida's "Cowboy" town, you'll see that many of its historic buildings include ranches and other Western establishments. 

It's almost as if you're living in a Western movie when you're in Davie, and it's all the rave, with tourists and especially with the Davie locals!

As Populous As It Can Get

Did you know that Davie is the most populous neighborhood labeled as a "town" in Florida? 

While it's technically categorized as a town, Davie stands more like a city in terms of size and population.

Meanwhile, it's the third most populous type of community in the country,  trailing only Gilbert, Arizona, and Cary, North Carolina.

A Nexus of Education

Did you know that aside from having several parks, wildlife centers, and nature reserves, Davie draws families everywhere with its lineup of reputable educational institutions?

In fact, Davie is the host of the South Florida Educational Center, which comprise the following campuses:

• Nova Southeastern University
• Florida Atlantic University (Davie Campus)
• University of Florida (Davie Campus)
• Broward College (Central Campus)
• McFatter Technical College
• Trinity International University - Florida

Meanwhile, for primary and secondary education, Davie also has an array of options available, public and private. 

Public schools

• Broward County Public Schools operates public schools.

Elementary Schools

• Davie Elementary School
• Flamingo Elementary School
• Fox Trail Elementary School
• Hawkes Bluff Elementary School
• Silver Ridge Elementary School
• Nova Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School (district-wide magnet)
• Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School (district-wide magnet)

Middle Schools

• Indian Ridge Middle School
• Nova Middle School (magnet)

High Schools

Zoned

• Western High School[26]

Alternative

• College Academy @ BC
• McFatter Technical High School - Takes students from southern sections of Broward County
• Nova High School - District-wide

Public charter Schools

• Championship Academy of Distinction at Davie

Private Schools

Catholic schools are under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami:

• St. David Catholic Elementary/Middle School
• St. Bonaventure School (Catholic Elementary/Middle)
• St. Bernadette School 

Other Private Schools

• Apple Tree Montessori School
• The Master's Academy
• AEF Preparatory School (Formerly Kentwood Preparatory School), a school for children with AD/HD and similar learning problems
• Summit-Questa Montessori School
• Conservatory Prep Senior High School - an arts-integrated school for grades 8–12
• Parkway Christian School (Christian Elementary/Middle)
• Sunset Sudbury School
• David Posnack Jewish Day School
• University School of Nova Southeastern University

Annual Events Galore!

To say that Davie is a vibrant and happening town is an understatement! 

In fact, the community is known to host a list of annual events that the residents gladly participate in, including the ones listed below:

• The Orange Blossom Festival, Parade, and Rodeo (February): A two-day festival that includes a heritage parade, an arts and crafts fair, a fine arts show, an antique stagecoach and wagon display, a livestock fair, a cook-off, a country barbecue, live country entertainment and continuous professional rodeo.
• Diversity Festival (April): Features a multitude of food samplings from around the world.
• Independence Day Family Splash, Crafts, and Fireworks: A Fourth-of-July event that includes family entertainment, a petting farm, bounce houses, climbing walls, and a huge fireworks show.
• Davieween Happenings (late October): Held at Pine Island Park, this event features Halloween costume contests for humans and horses.
• Holiday Craft Fair and Green Market (November): A 20-year-old craft fair celebrating the finest country crafts and traditional arts.
• Winter Holiday Lighting of the Greens and Snow Play (December).

Add that to Bergeron Rodeo Grounds' numerous events like top-name concert entertainers, circuses, monster trucks, horse, dog, car, airboat, and industrial shows-- you've got yourself a full itinerary no matter what season you visit Davie.