Oakland
Florida
Town Of Oakland
The Town of Oakland, Florida, incorporated in 1887, is a friendly, unpretentious semi-rural community of about 1,300 residents, located 17 miles / 28 kilometers west of downtown Orlando, and 25 miles / 42 kilometers north of Walt Disney World.
Oakland's residents often equate the Town to a "sophisticated Mayberry," a place where residents are wired and well educated, and "good 'ol boy" politics are a distant memory, yet the police officers and Postmaster still know most residents by name, residents wave as they drive past each other on the clay roads, and the water clerk calls everyone "sweetie." Drive through Oakland, and you instinctively slow down -- not because of the speed limit signs, but because the town's character instills a slower pace of life. You notice the way light shines through the trees, the kids racing their bicycles down the road, the little old lady walking her dog, the men walking back from the Town Pier with their fishing rods, tackle boxes and daily catch. Day-to-day life scenes seem more special.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Petris Avenue was the heart of Oakland's then bustling downtown. Today Petris Avenue is a quiet residential drive, surfaced in clay and draped by ancient Live Oaks.
Many Oakland residents commute to downtown Orlando or Walt Disney World; others run successful home-based businesses in professional fields and the visual arts. Oakland residents represent a cross-section of America, and include descendants of original pioneer families and freed slaves that settled in the area, independent senior citizens, recent immigrants from Europe, Asia and South Africa, blue and white collar families, and empty nesters. New residents are primarily young professional couples with children and empty nesters, many of whom have relocated from outside West Orange County and Central Florida. Most new residential development consists of move-up and higher end homes, but the Town is committed to maintaining the socioeconomic diversity that contributes to its character.
Strict design regulations ensure tasteful architecture and quality site planning in commercial zoned areas. Town officials are working to ensure that Oakland will enjoy a diverse, vibrant commercial environment that will not be dominated by any particular type of use -- that West Colonial Drive won't grow to become an "Auto Row," "RV Row" or "Furniture Row." The Town's vision is to maintain and enhance the unique character of Oakland; and shun the "growth for growth's sake" philosophy that has resulted in lowest common denominator development and the loss of a sense of place elsewhere.
Oakland's local government is small, accessible, and friendly, yet skilled and professional. The Town's elected officials and employees are committed to maintaining and enhancing Oakland's treasured small town character, in the face of rapid growth and increasing development pressure in West Orange County.
Although many residents see it that way, Oakland is not a perfect little "Olde Florida" town. It's not a "new urbanist" or "neotraditional" community where even the tiniest detail is planned and executed precisely. It faces the same challenges as many other Central Florida communities; growth pressures, increasing traffic, "teardowns," preserving a "sense of place" in an environment that is evolving from rural to exurban to suburban, and revitalization of blighted areas while ensuring long time, low income residents are not displaced.
Recent News
Town Of Oakland News : Take Over The Trails To Be Held In Oakland
At the beginning of 2022, the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange (FHWO) and Healthy West Orange Trails Connection (HWOTC) were entrusted with a grant to promote, activate, and enhance the trail system throughout west Orange County. Over the past…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News Oakland Celebrates Black History Month With New Art And History Exhibit
The Town of Oakland is inviting the public to a new art and history exhibition “’Hold Fast to Dreams’: Celebrating Black History in Oakland.” The exhibit’s soft opening will be held during Oakland Heritage Day from 10…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News - Arbor Day Foundation Names Oakland a Tree City USA for 20th Year
Arbor Day Foundation names Oakland a Tree City USA for 20th year For the 20th year, Oakland has been named a Tree City USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. In 2022, Public Works staff…
Read More »Town Of Oakland : Coffee With The Town Manager To Be Held In January
Oakland Town Manager Steve Koontz invites you to join him for the first coffee and conversations of the new year. Coffee with the Town Manager will be held from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, on the porch of the Healthy West Orange Arts &…
Read More »Town of Oakland Newsletter - January 2023
OAKLAND HERITAGE DAY RETURNS ON JAN. 28 Oakland Heritage Day, presented by Orlando Health and in partnership with Healthy West Orange and the Oakland Nature Preserve, returns in 2023 to commemorate Oakland's 135th anniversary. The time-honored…
Read More »Oakland Heritage Day Returns to Celebrate Oakland’s 135th Anniversary
Oakland Heritage Day, presented by Orlando Health and in partnership with Healthy West Orange and the Oakland Nature Preserve, returns in 2023 to commemorate Oakland’s 135th anniversary. The time-honored festival will be revitalized with…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News Call To Artists: Black History Month
The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland invites all adult/youth artists to submit 2D + 3D art including multimedia, pottery, sculpture, and more for our annual Black History Month art exhibition inspired by Black…
Read More »Town Of Oakland Celebrates Its 135th Anniversary
The Oakland Town Commission and the West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 135-year anniversary of the Town of Oakland. The office of Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings proclaimed Dec. 13, 2022 as Town of Oakland Day in Orange…
Read More »Town Of Oakland : Police Department Collects Toys For Local Children
The Oakland Police Department's Annual Christmas Toy Drive is under way. Now through December 19th, the department will be collecting toys at various locations throughout town. Collection boxes currently are set up in the lobbies of the Oakland…
Read More »Town Of Oakland Newsletter - December 2022
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Read More »Q2 Progress Reports are Available on Family Access from November 17, 2022
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Read More »‘Among The Oaks’: Oakland Celebrates Trees With New Art And History Exhibit
Commemorating nearly two decades as a Tree City USA®, Oakland is hosting a special art and history exhibit celebrating the beauty of nature and delving into the inspiration behind Oakland’s name. “Among the Oaks” will explore…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News : Coffee With The Town Manager
Oakland Town Manager Steve Koontz invites you to join him for coffee and conversation from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. Coffee will be served. Please note the date…
Read More »Town Of Oakland Police Department Names Darron Esan As New Chief
The Oakland Police Department is proud to welcome Darron T. Esan as its new police chief. Chief Esan brings 26 years of law enforcement experience and recently retired from the Orlando Police Department at the rank of Lieutenant. “I am…
Read More »Town Of Oakland : Santa Rolls Into Oakland On December 3 For ‘Santa’s Lane’
Offering exciting experiences and classic holiday joy, the Town of Oakland is thrilled to announce “Santa’s Lane” is returning bigger and jollier than ever with more sparkling lights and new activities including an alpine slide,…
Read More »Town of Oakland Newsletter - November 2022
TOWN RECEIVES WATER PROJECT GRANT The Town of Oakland was recently awarded a $300,000 Florida House of Representatives Local Support Grant for its water system bypass project. The grant, sponsored by Rep. Geraldine Thompson, would pay for…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News - Town Receives $300,000 Grant For Water-related Project
Town receives $300,000 grant for water-related project The Town of Oakland was recently awarded a $300,000 Florida House of Representatives Local Support Grant for its water system bypass project. The grant, sponsored by Rep. Geraldine…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News Oakland Police Department Seeks Grant For K9 Program
The Oakland Police Department is asking residents to give their K9 two paws up! OPD is competing for the 2022 Aftermath K9 Grant and needs your vote to help support its K9 program. Hailing from Hungary, K9 Ekko is a nearly three-year-old Belgian…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News - Pumpkin Glow Jack-O-Lantern Trail at ONP
The Glow Trail Join the Oakland Nature Preserve for what could be West Orange county's only nighttime Jack-o-lantern hike on Oct. 28 and 29 from 6 - 9 p.m. The Preserve's Glow Trail will be lined with Jack-o-lanterns created by members of the…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News : Coffee With The Town Manager
Oakland Town Manager Steve Koontz invites you to join him for coffee and conversation from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. Coffee will be served. Participants are…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News - Call To Artists: Among The Oaks Tree Themed Exhibit
Express your love of nature by submitting art for Oakland's upcoming Among the Oaks art exhibition. The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland invites adult/youth artists to submit 2D art of all media types,…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News : Town Seeks Entries For Trees Of The Season
The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland invites you to participate in our 2nd second annual holiday tree decorating campaign. Trees of the Season is your opportunity to showcase your organization, business, or…
Read More »Town Of Oakland - Volunteer Opportunity - Staff Luncheon
Date:October 12, 2022 Time:All Day Contribute to the monthly staff luncheon / snack, beverage, coffee cabinet. We need your contributions to make this event a success. This is a great opportunity to give back to the OACS staff and earn…
Read More »Hurricane Ian Updates for the Town of Oakland - September 29, 2022
9/29/22 2 p.m. Update A flood warning remains in effect until 8:30 p.m. Emergency Management reported heavy rain in area due to Tropical Storm Ian. Flooding is already occurring. Between 8 and 18 inches of rain have fallen during this event.…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News - Hurricane Ian Information and Resources
Hurricane Ian information and resources Sign up for Town of Oakland Alerts and Notifications Sign up to receive emergency alerts and severe weather warnings that could directly impact you and your family. The Town of Oakland is able to send…
Read More »Town of Oakland Sandbag Pick Up and Fill locations
In preparation for Hurricane Ian, sandbags will be available inside Town Hall, 230 N. Tubb Street, beginning at noon on Monday, September 26, and will continue to be available as necessary and as supplies last. A maximum of 10 bags will be…
Read More »Town Of Oakland Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center News - Town of Oakland hosts Healthy West Orange Trails Connection's “Take Over the Trails Day”
Town of Oakland hosts Healthy West Orange Trails Connection's “Take Over the Trails Day” On Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9am-12pm, the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection (HWOTC) will host a “Take Over the Trails Day.” The…
Read More »Town Of Oakland : Yoga On The Porch
Yoga on the Porch is a weekly outdoor Vinyasa practice offering gentle breath work, inner focus, and flows of movement ranging in pace. Participants will build connection to one’s self, others, and the artistic surroundings in the beautiful…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News - Coffee with the Town Manager to be held at the Arts and Heritage Center
Oakland Town Manager Steve Koontz welcomes the public for coffee and conversation from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. Coffee will be served at the Center, located at 126 W.…
Read More »Town Of Oakland Adopts New Branding
The Town of Oakland is thrilled to announce the adoption of its new branding. The logo, created by Alarie Design in close coordination with the Town’s Branding Committee, features distinct ties to Oakland’s past with a nod to its future.…
Read More »Town of Oakland Newsletter - August 2022
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Read More »Town Of Oakland News - Coffee With The Town Manager To Discuss Pedestrian Safety Initiatives
Coffee with the Town Manager to discuss pedestrian safety initiatives Oakland Town Manager Steve Koontz invites you to join him for coffee and conversation from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, at the Oakland Meeting Hall. Coffee will be served at…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News Call To Artists: Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland encourages adult/youth artists to submit 2D + 3D artwork including multimedia, pottery, sculpture, etc. for our Hispanic Heritage Month exhibition, "La Florida: Celebrating…
Read More »Town Of Oakland - Coffee with the Town Manager to be held at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center
Oakland Town Manager Steve Koontz invites you to join him for coffee and conversation from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. Coffee will be served at the Center, located at…
Read More »Town Of Oakland Newsletter June 2022
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Read More »Town Of Oakland News Mayor Satterfield Named A 2022 Florida Charter Schools Champion
Vice Mayor Michael Satterfield, Chair of School Advisory Committee for the Oakland Avenue Charter School, has been named a winner of a 2022 Florida Charter Schools Champions Award. The award was presented during the June 14 Oakland Town Commission…
Read More »Oakland Unveils Joint History And Art Exhibition
The Town of Oakland invites visitors to explore its new joint history and art exhibition: “Old Town Road” and “Land, Water, Air” at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center. An open house will be held at the Center…
Read More »4th Fridays Music on the Porch : Summer Series
The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland invites you to pull up a chair and enjoy the sounds of live music during the 4th Fridays Music on the Porch: Summer Series! Presented by HAPCO Music Foundation, the first show…
Read More »Town Of Oakland News - Jake Voss Pier At Lake Apopka Reopens With Ada Improvements
The Town of Oakland has completed a total refurbishing of the Jake Voss Fishing Pier, making the serene public space along the shores of Lake Apopka more accessible for all. The pier’s upgrades include enhanced paved parking, driveway and…
Read More »Town of Oakland Spring Cleanup!
Take advantage of the Town's annual spring cleanup to spruce up your home! Unwanted household trash and recycling will be collected at the curbside. No limits! Collections will occur on Saturday, June 4 and Saturday, June 11. Be sure to set items…
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