Oakland park
History of Oakland Park
From Farmland to a City on the Move
The story of Oakland Park begins in 1901, when Tom and Netta Whidby left Georgia to farm the land just north of what is now Northeast 38th Street, beside the Florida East Coast Railway. By the 1910s, this quiet stretch of farmland north of Fort Lauderdale was known as “Colohatchee,” a rural community that laid the groundwork for what would soon become Oakland Park. The name itself took root in the 1920s, when developers drew inspiration from the stately oaks lining the Middle River and began promoting a neighborhood called “Oakland Park.”
But history took a turn in 1925 when wealthy investors created the short-lived city of Floranada, a grand vision stretching from the ocean to U.S. 441. The land boom quickly fizzled, Floranada collapsed, and locals were left to rebuild. In July 1929, Oakland Park officially incorporated, carving out its own identity as a farming town anchored by community landmarks like Oakland Park Elementary School, which opened in 1925 and still stands today as the oldest operating school in Broward County. Dixie Highway became the center of life, lined with mom-and-pop shops and small-town charm.
Fast-forward to today, and Oakland Park has transformed from its humble farming roots into a thriving city of more than 42,000 residents. Tucked between Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and Pompano Beach, the city is now known for its parks, independent library, and the popular Culinary Arts District that draws food lovers from across Broward County. While locals still celebrate Oakland Park’s “small town in a big city” roots, the city has embraced growth and reinvention, becoming a true community on the move.
What Oakland Park is Known For
Oakland Park has carved out its own identity in Broward County with a mix of culture, convenience, and community charm. The city is best known for its Culinary Arts District and vibrant food scene, anchored by Funky Buddha Brewery, one of Florida’s largest and most recognized craft breweries. From food festivals to local dining gems, Oakland Park has become a destination for those who appreciate great food and drink.
The city also celebrates its diverse and welcoming community, hosting cultural events that showcase international music, art, and cuisine. This strong sense of identity is part of what makes Oakland Park so appealing to new residents.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Oakland Park offers plenty of green space and recreation. Easterlin Park, Royal Palm Park, and other local spots provide opportunities for camping, hiking, and water activities. Add to that the city’s central location, just minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, Wilton Manors nightlife, and major highways. It’s easy to see why Oakland Park has become one of South Florida’s most desirable places to live.
Oakland Park Neighborhoods
Oakland Park is home to several diverse and welcoming neighborhoods. If you’re considering making this city your home, here are some of the top communities to explore:
Coral Heights: Located near the eastern edge of Oakland Park, Coral Heights is one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. With tree-lined streets, updated mid-century homes, and close proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, it attracts both young professionals and families.
Royal Palm Acres: Known for its lakes and canal-front properties, Royal Palm Acres offers a peaceful suburban vibe while still being close to major highways and shopping. Many homes here feature waterfront access, making it a hidden gem for boating and outdoor enthusiasts.
North Andrews Gardens: Situated just south of Commercial Boulevard, North Andrews Gardens is an established neighborhood with a mix of affordable single-family homes. Its central location and sense of community make it popular with first-time buyers and long-term residents alike.
Oak Tree: This newer gated development is bringing luxury living to Oakland Park. Featuring modern townhomes and single-family homes, Oak Tree has quickly become a sought-after neighborhood for those looking for upscale amenities in a convenient location.
Lloyd Estates: Tucked away with large lots and plenty of green space, Lloyd Estates is a quiet residential neighborhood offering both charm and privacy. Residents enjoy being close to downtown Oakland Park’s Arts & Culinary District while still having a tranquil, suburban atmosphere.
When selecting a neighborhood in Oakland Park, it’s important to consider proximity to downtown, access to schools and parks, and the overall lifestyle each community offers. From waterfront homes to modern new builds, Oakland Park has something for everyone.
Here are the names of other neighborhoods:
Central Business District (Downtown Oakland Park-Main Street)
Central Corals
Central Oakland Park
Coral Brook
East Lakeside
Garden Acres
Harlem McBride
Lake Emerald
North Corals
North Ridge
Oakland Forest
Oakland Grove
Oakland Hills
Oaktree Estates
Orange Grove Manors
I-95 Business Corridor Central
Prospect Gardens
Rivers Edge
Royal Palm Isles
Sailboat Lake Pointe
Sleepy River
South Corals
Three Lakes
Twin Lakes South
West Lakeside
I-95 Business Corridor North
I-95 Business Corridor South
Commercial Real Estate in Oakland Park
Oakland Park, Florida is an emerging hub for businesses looking to establish a footprint in Broward County. With its central location just minutes from Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and major highways like I-95, the city offers excellent connectivity and a growing economy that attracts both startups and established companies.
If you're exploring commercial real estate in Oakland Park, here are some property types to consider:
Office Space: Oakland Park offers a range of office options, from professional buildings along main corridors to flexible co-working spaces that cater to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Many offices feature modern amenities and proximity to the city’s Culinary Arts District, adding to their appeal.
Retail Space: With the growth of the Culinary Arts District and local hotspots like Funky Buddha Brewery, Oakland Park has become a magnet
for food, beverage, and specialty retail businesses. Independent shops, dining venues, and service providers thrive in this walkable and creative environment.
Industrial Space: Oakland Park’s location near I-95 makes it ideal for logistics, distribution, and light manufacturing. The city offers a variety of warehouse and industrial spaces that are well-suited for businesses seeking both affordability and accessibility.
Mixed-Use Properties: As development continues, mixed-use projects are bringing together retail, office, and residential components in one place. These properties are in high demand among businesses that value visibility, convenience, and a built-in customer base.
When searching for commercial real estate in Oakland Park, it’s important to partner with an experienced local agent who understands the market trends. The right guidance can help you find the perfect property to fit your business goals and budget.
Recreation Activities in Oakland Park
Oakland Park, Florida may not have its own beaches, but it offers plenty of recreation and outdoor activities that make it a great place to live and visit. With its beautiful parks, nature preserves, and central location near Fort Lauderdale’s coastline, Oakland Park has something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some of the top recreational activities in Oakland Park:
Parks & Nature: Oakland Park is home to green spaces like Royal Palm Park and Greenleaf Park, perfect for families looking to enjoy playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. For a true escape into nature, Easterlin Park offers hiking trails, camping, and a 46-acre urban wilderness area with birdwatching and fishing opportunities.
Boating & Water Access: While Oakland Park doesn’t sit directly on the ocean, residents are just minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway and marinas. Many locals enjoy easy access to boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding in nearby waterways.
Fitness & Sports: The city provides community recreation programs and facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields. The Oakland Park Community Center regularly hosts events, classes, and activities that bring residents together.
Beaches: Just a short drive east, residents can enjoy the sandy shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or Pompano Beach for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Living in Oakland Park means the beach is never far away.
Events & Festivals: Oakland Park is also known for its community events and festivals, many centered around food, music, and culture. The Culinary Arts District frequently hosts outdoor gatherings that bring the city’s diverse community together.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for weekend activities, or someone who enjoys local events and culture, Oakland Park offers a balanced lifestyle with recreation for all ages.
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Pompano Beach Hits the National Spotlight with Discovery Channel’s Truck Dynasty
Pompano Beach is about to get a serious dose of national attention. The spotlight is on Apocalypse Manufacturing, our very own world-class custom truck shop, as it stars in the brand-new Discovery Channel reality series Truck Dynasty, premiering Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern.
This isn’t your average auto shop. Apocalypse Manufacturing transforms Jeeps, Hummers, Land Rovers, and more into jaw-dropping six-wheeled beasts with names like HellFire and Bone Saw often carrying price tags well north of $150,000. Now, America will get an inside look at the builds, the clients, and the wild family dynamics that make it all happen right here in Pompano Beach.
Meet the Family Behind the Builds
At the center is owner Joe Ghattas, who started souping up Jeeps as a side hustle before turning it into a multimillion-dollar business in a $10.7 million plant near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Powerline Road. His wife, Ashley Ghattas, keeps the books in order so Joe and their crew of 80 can focus on building dream machines.
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Ashley’s brother Jerry Eisenband Jr. handles marketing and was the one who secured the Discovery deal while her other brother, the handlebar-mustachioed Frankie Eisenband, works alongside their father Jerry Eisenband Sr., a former car dealer who once starred in his own TV commercials back in the ’80s.
Together, they form the high-octane heart of Truck Dynasty, where big personalities and tight deadlines collide.
Big Builds for Big Names
The premiere episode wastes no time bringing in the star power. You’ll see Nick “the Wrangler” Bishop, a snake hunter whose Jeep is transformed into an amphibious camper for Everglades adventures. You’ll also spot celebrity chef Guy Fieri, who drops by to add fresh upgrades to his kitchen-equipped HellFire.
And that’s just the start! Future episodes will feature builds for none other than Shaquille O’Neal and Jay Leno.
From Pompano Beach to Prime Time
The series, produced by the same team behind Property Brothers, has been in the works since 2020. Filming began in December 2023 and ran through summer 2024, capturing the chaos, laughs, and last-minute challenges that come with delivering multi-hundred-thousand-dollar trucks to very particular clients.
While the Ghattas family hasn’t seen the final cut of all the episodes, they say the filming process alone was unforgettable and the exposure could lead to even more high-end builds coming out of Pompano Beach.
As Joe puts it: “If more folks find out about us because of it, that’s the absolute win.”
📺 Catch the premiere of Truck Dynasty on Discovery Channel this Tuesday at 9 p.m.
And if you want to keep up with more stories like this plus the latest happenings around Pompano Beach
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