Oakland, Florida
Oakland is a town in Florida with a population of about 3,200 people and is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area. Around twelve neighborhoods make up the Oakland community. Geographically, it is located in Central Florida’s Central East and the Metro Orlando area’s West. Lake Apopka to the north, Winter Garden to the south and east, and Clermont to the west define Oakland. It is Orange County’s westernmost community.
The town has a total area of 2.10 square miles (5.45 km2), of which 2.10 square miles (5.44 km2) is land and 0.0077 square miles (0.02 km2), or 0.34 percent, is water, according to the US Census Bureau.
Oakland is a quiet town with a friendly community. The town is known for its annual fishing tournament, which draws anglers from all over the state. Railroads and agriculture have a long history in Oakland. It also used to be a shipping station on Lake Apopka for the veggies and oranges that we were famous for.
The economy of Oakland is based mainly on agriculture and tourism. There are several small businesses in town, but the main employers are the schools and the government. The people of Oakland are proud of their heritage, enjoy celebrating their traditions, and are always willing to lend a helping hand. The town also has a great park system that offers something for everyone. There is a fishing pier, playgrounds, pavilions, and walking trails. The park also has a splash pad and a dog park.
Oakland is a great place to raise a family. The people are friendly, and there is something for everyone. If you’re looking for a small town with a big heart, Oakland is the place for you. Come and visit this vibrant town, and see for yourself what makes this community so special.
Historical Background
The unincorporated village, named after the abundant native oaks in the area, already had a post office, a sugar mill, a gristmill, and a sawmill by 1860. Oakland’s founder, Orange County Judge James Speer, paved the way for the railroad in 1886, which gave the city its biggest boost. When he heard that lines would be constructed to the south side of Lake Apopka, he persuaded officials of the Orange Belt Line Railroad to swing the rails through the hamlet.
The area was incorporated as the Town of Oakland in 1891. 180 acres were set aside for a townsite, 15 acres for a depot and railroad shops, and 5 acres for a park, according to Speer.
Oakland was the industrial and social center of Orange County over 130 years ago. In this tranquil, untouched village that was once a thriving railroad town in the late 1800s, only vestiges of that heydey survive. Its oak-lined clay roadways still have some of the houses built for railroad officials and workers.
Old train tracks (now the West Orange Trail) and a few buildings built after a fire nearly devastated Oakland’s thriving business center provide a glimpse of the city’s past. The first schoolhouse was built on the site of an inn that was later turned into a residence. The 121-year-old building is still standing.
Today, Oakland is an agricultural community and a bedroom community for Orlando, Winter Garden, and Windermere.
Top Places to Visit in Oakland, FL
As a small town in Northwest Florida, Oakland doesn’t have a lot of major tourist attractions. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! Here are some of the top places to visit in Oakland:
The first place you should check out is the Oakland Nature Preserve. This large park is home to a variety of different ecosystems, including hardwood forests, wetlands, and sandhills. It’s a great place for nature lovers to explore, and there are also several miles of trails for hikers and bicyclists. The Healthy West Orange Boardwalk is also a popular spot in Oakland, thanks to its many beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
Oakland is also home to lovely parks, which are perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. There’s a park for everyone to enjoy from Pollard Park, Speer Park, VanderLey Park, Jake Voss Pier, and West Orange Trail Park. The park’s amenities vary from playgrounds and picnic shelters to walking trails and fishing piers. People of all ages can find something to do in Oakland’s parks.
If you’re looking for some history and culture, be sure to visit the Oakland Cemetery. This historic graveyard is home to the graves of several prominent Floridians, including governors and senators.
Finally, if you’re looking for a place to get some shopping done, head on over to the Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center. This small shopping center has a little bit of everything, from clothing stores to restaurants to a movie theater. So whatever it is you’re in the mood for, you can find it in Oakland!So if you’re looking for a quiet town with plenty of natural beauty to explore, Oakland, Florida, is the perfect spot for you!