The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a study for a commuter rail line in Broward County. The FDOT technical team considered potential locations for train stops on the commuter line, and they recommend that one be located on NE 12 Avenue in Oakland Park because of the city's pedestrian connectivity and facilities, station visibility, street layout, on-street and public parking, and planned development. Read the FDOT Station Summary Report to learn more about what makes Oakland Park a desirable location.

Oakland Park has pursued the goal of a rail platform in its downtown for more than a decade. The City Commission passed a resolution of support for a train stop in 2010 and 2019. In a 2021 citywide survey, 77% of residents expressed support for a stop in Oakland Park. Visit the City's website to sign a letter of support for the Commuter Rail project.

We thank our community for participating in the FDOT informational meetings held last week. If you were not able to join a meeting, you can click here to visit the FDOT website and learn about about the Commuter Rail project.

The next Oakland Park City Commission Meeting will take place Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting agenda is posted on the City website. The Oakland Park Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will also meet Sept. 8, see the meeting agenda here. If you missed the Aug. 4 Commission meeting, the agenda and video are available on the City's website.  

To provide public comments virtually, please call the City Clerk's office at 954-630-4300 for webinar log-in information. Members of the public will have up to four minutes to provide comments. Written public comments up to 250 words in length can be submitted for the record up to 12 p.m. (noon) the day of the meeting. Email comments to publiccomments@oaklandparkfl.gov.

The City Commission Meeting and CRA Meeting are available via live web-stream on the City website, on Comcast Channel 78, AT&T Channel 99; and will be available on the City website the following day.

Need assistance from staff in Engineering or Building Services? Save time and make an appointment using our new QLess electronic scheduling system. You can use QLess on your computer or download the free app on your mobile device to schedule an appointment for assistance with Building and Permitting, Inspections, Business Tax Receipts, Fire Prevention, and Community Enhancement. Many Building and Engineering services, from Residential Permitting to Business Tax Receipts are also available on the City of Oakland Park website. Visit the City's website to use an interactive residential permit tool that allows you to search by permit type, from windows and doors to tree removal. For more information please contact Customer Service at 954-630-4350 or email building@oaklandparkfl.gov.

The City of Oakland Park released a Request for Qualifications in August to redevelop up to six acres along Dixie Highway, between NE 36 Street and NE 38 Street. The site includes the current location of City Hall, which will relocate to the Sky Building on the west side of Dixie Highway as part of a public-private partnership with NR Investments. The city is looking for a developer to create a mixed-use hub that includes high-quality residential and commercial space, a commuter train stop, urban green space, and public parking to create a vibrant and walkable downtown. Want to learn more? Watch the video that's been viewed more than 500 times or visit the City website.

This week we'd like to welcome Fat Tap Beer, Bar & Eatery, to Oakland Park. Located at 3555 North Dixie Highway in the heart of downtown, the family-run business strives to provide a place where people can disconnect, learn, and have fun while enjoying upscale fare and independent craft beer from around the world. Visit the Fat Tap website to learn about the husband and wife team who started the business, upcoming events, and more.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments (MAB) for COVID-19 can prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death among high-risk individuals. This treatment is available in Florida, including a site at CB Smith Park in Broward County. Individuals 12 years and older who are high-risk, that have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19, are eligible for this treatment. Treatment is free and vaccination status does not matter. Click here to learn more, find an MAB site, or make an appointment. For more information, contact the COVID-19 Call Center 24/7 at 866-779-61211 or COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Broward County Animal Care is partnering with NBCUniversal to participate in the Clear the Shelters™ 2021 pet adoption campaign. The promotion will run through Sept, 19, 2021. All adoption fees will be waived and adopters will receive free gifts. If you're ready to adopt a pet, view available pets and make an online appointment to visit the shelter. By having an appointment, Animal Care staff will be able to help find the perfect dog or cat to fit your home and lifestyle. Online appointments are easy to schedule. ​​Make an appointment now.

Update on Rental Assistance

ERA2. On August 25, the Emergency Rental Assistance program documents and FAQs were updated to provide additional guidance and make it easier for renters and landlords to get assistance. State and local programs are taking applications from renters and landlords to distribute money in their communities. Broward County has four application centers to help individuals apply for assistance. Appointments are required, please call the scheduling hotline at 800-204-0557 to make an appointment. A call center is available at 888-692-7203 to answer questions. Click here for details.

COVID-19 vaccines are available throughout our community for people age 12 and older. Most vaccinations are available for free and do not require an appointment. Get more information, including vaccine locations here. The Florida Department of Health in Broward has​ scheduled a series of “pop-up” vaccination sites on various days and locations throughout the community. View current Pop-Up site loc​ations​.

Please verify locations, days and times before traveling to a testing site. Visit the Broward County website for additional test sites and more information.