Hurricane Irma Update

We are very thankful that we have made it through Hurricane Irma and have pulled together as a community to help each other during this trying time. I cannot thank our Public Works Department, Police Force, local and county government and Orange County Fire for keeping us safe before, during and after the hurricane.

Power

Hurricane Irma knocked out power to almost all the Town of Oakland and we are thankful for all the effort that the hardworking power employees are making to get everyone in Oakland back to normal service.  It is important to understand that underground power lines do strengthen the grid but are not a guarantee that power will remain at all times, especially during significant storms.  As of today, many Oakland communities with underground lines remain without power.

All newer developments in Oakland do have underground power and Duke Energy has also been doing work to underground the power on Oakland Avenue in Oakland and Winter Garden.  Undergrounding existing areas is a decision and investment made by our energy partner Duke for municipalities and counties including the Town of Oakland.  Duke Energy has worked very hard to make good decisions and investments in their infrastructure.

Water

Our Water Utility has operated without fail and is in good condition.

School

We plan to open Oakland Avenue Charter School on Monday.

Debris

We did lose many trees and roadways were blocked and power lines down.  We believe that all the roads have been cleared and power lines secured.  Please continue to use caution when you are out in town.

Debris removal is already underway and will continue for some time.  Please bring all your debris to the curb, as Friday garbage pickup and recycling will occur as usual.  

As always, I have the greatest of respect and gratitude for the residents of Oakland. It is you that make this such a special place to live and I urge you to continue to have patience and to ban together to help your neighbors.  

It is important to understand the reality of our operations. Reach out to Town Hall, visit our Town of Oakland Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OakTownUSA/,  and check our website at www.oaklandfl.gov  to get the proper information to stay informed.

Respectfully,

Kathy Stark

Mayor of Oakland