Please Join Us October 6th, 2021 Between 8-5
Romelia Farms
I Heart eXp Community Day
Bringing together businesses and individuals who can help us improve conditions For The Animals.
165 Gator Drive, Merritt Island, FL
The Story...
Formerly known as The Obloy Family Ranch, this property located in Merritt Island, FL, known as "The World's Largest Petting Farm" changed ownership on July 29, 2021 and is now Romelia Farms Wildlife Preserve. It all started when the new owners, Jeremy and Lina Graves, sought out to purchase a wedding venue in December 2020 to plan and host weddings. In addition to a wedding barn, they found themselves in awe with the nearly 150 animals residing on the property, many of whom were in need and facing an uncertain future. They were compelled to step in and do something.
The animals most in need -- a cross fox, two porcupine, two sloths, a lesser anteater, and a Patagonian cavy -- resided in a concrete compound (previously an alligator farming facility visible to the right) with little air flow and ongoing drainage issues. In addition to this particular area of the farm, all of the animals were receiving pond water instead fresh water and lacking the proper species specific nutritional feed. Many had no overhead shelter from the elements and lacked proper ground cover.
The Acquisition...
During the acquisition period, the real estate agent working with the buyers ~ Kate Flack with eXp Realty ~ also recognized the needs for the animals and fought hard to help make the sale go through. The acquisition itself had many hurdles. Perseverance paid off and after over 6 months of diligent work, the Graves Family successfully closed on the property on July 30, 2021. They wasted no time and took immediate took action to improve the spirits, morale, and lives for both the animals and the devoted staff who stayed on board with the transfer of ownership.
A Decision Was Made...
Recognizing the needs of the animals and the property -- as well as the potential for it to become a truly beloved and educational Space Coast destination for both tourists and locals alike -- Central Florida eXp Realty agents decided Romelia Farms was the perfect beneficiary for their collective efforts to raise awareness, monies, and assistance on eXp Realty's Annual Community Day.
Due to the magnitude of the farm's needs and the size of their local agent workforce and network, they want to extend an invitation to all individuals, businesses, and government officials to join them to help bring living conditions for all of the animals to standards that they deserve and a destination that our county and community will benefit from.
