Where is Oakland you ask?

Oakland is located in West Orange County less than 10 miles from Orlando and just north of most Central Florida Theme Parks.   While Oakland is primarily a small residential community, commuter traffic is heavy as Exit 272 of Florida’s Turnpike is the primary location for the growing number of residents in West Orange County and South Lake County to head to and from Orlando and area theme parks.  State Road 50 (Colonial Drive) is a major east – west route to and from Downtown Orlando.  When traveling to or through Oakland, please drive carefully on these routes, especially during rush hours.  Approximately 80,000 vehicles travel through this interchange daily.

Oakland is proud of its heritage and in the 1800’s, was once the hub of activity in Orange County.  Oakland was incorporated as a town on November 1, 1887. Oakland's greatest era was from 1885 to 1890, but in 1890, a major fire completely destroyed the business district. Oakland settled back to its agricultural resources, which were severely damaged by the 1894 and 1895 freezes. By 1900, the population had dropped to about 200 and remained under 700 through the late 1990’s..

The center of Oakland's government sits here, in what originally was the Bank of Oakland building. It was built in 1912, and J.H. Sadler served as the bank's first president. It closed in 1926, reopened briefly in 1928, and closed permanently that same year. The town bought the building in 1928 for $2,250. From 1930 to 1964 the front portion served as the post office. The police department remained here until 1984.   Oakland was granted a charter as a City on June 1, 1959 but prefers to remain known as the Town of Oakland today.

Today Oakland is a quite, yet rapidly expanding residential community.  Its population has nearly tripled over the last three years and expects to grow to 5000 residents by 2010.   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 who 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.

Oakland borders Lake County to its west, Winter Garden to its east, Florida’s third largest lake known as Lake Apopka is to its north and a wonderful fishing lake known as John’s Lake to its south.  Oakland maintains a small town atmosphere within a large metropolitan area.  It utilizes controlled growth with very rigid zoning and construction guidelines to add to its small town appeal.  The 19-mile paved West Orange Bike Trail begins in Oakland and stretches northeast to Apopka along the original Orange Belt and the Florida Midland Railroads.  This trail is home to 50,000 users per month and is maintained in pristine condition.  Oakland is also home to the Oakland Nature Preserve, representing 93 acres of original protected land and wildlife.  Walk its many paths and boardwalks to the edges of Lake Apopka to take in nature, foliage, animals and utilize its natural learning facilities.

So where is Oakland?  It’s where people call home and enjoy the quality life of a small town near the amenities and culture of a metropolitan area and vacation destination.

Please enjoy some sights captured within the Town of Oakland!

The Oakland Police Department is continually looking for historical information and archives related to the department’s history. If anyone has photographs, newspaper clippings, or other documents, they are encouraged to contact Chief Tim Driscoll, or Lt. Barry Kelly at 407-656-9797 ( bkelly (at) oaklandpd.com