96 Years Bold:

Oakland Park Steps Confidently Into Its Second Century

On a humid July morning in 1925, the City of Floranada was born out of ambition and imagination. Four years later, it reemerged under a new name, Oakland Park, with a renewed vision and a leader, Dewey Hawkins, who would help shape its future. Now, in 2025, as Oakland Park turns 96, the City is standing at the crossroads of history and transformation. What began as a modest town carved out of the Florida wilderness has evolved into a dynamic and diverse city spanning over eight square miles and home to over 45,000 residents. This isn’t just a celebration of longevity. It’s a declaration of momentum. Oakland Park has long been a community rooted in resilience. Today, it is also a city brimming with movement, both literally and figuratively. The “Building Our 2nd Century” initiative is more than a capital improvements campaign; it’s a bold, forward-looking blueprint for the next era. Learn more about the exciting evolution underway ... 

Share Your Untold Story - As we prepare for Oakland Park's Centennial, we are creating a history book to help celebrate. If you have historical information or photos to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with Heidi Burnett at 954-630-4510 or heidib@oaklandparkfl.gov to help us document our history. 

Join us for the next Oakland Park Business Partners Meeting on Tuesday, July 8, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the new Sky Building in Downtown Oakland Park.

This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, explore the Sky Building’s commercial space, and share your thoughts on how the City can better support small business success. You’ll also learn about available City programs and upcoming initiatives.

Come early to network, enjoy coffee, and get a firsthand look at one of the most exciting developments in the district.

Featured Speaker: Dave Kustin

Certified Bloom Growth Coach & Brand Strategy Expert

Dave Kustin brings over 25 years of brand-building expertise and a results-driven mindset to help business owners cut through the chaos and run purpose-driven companies they love. As a certified Bloom Growth Coach and founder of multiple ventures, Dave combines strategic coaching with real-world business experience. He helps teams align their vision, messaging, and leadership to build momentum, gain traction, and grow with clarity.