Oakland resident seeks relief from road dust

Following months of discussion about the town of Oakland’s unpaved roads and the dust they create, town commissioners on Tuesday, July 8, introduced the idea of a non-ad valorem tax added to Oakland Shores residents to pave the neighborhood’s roads.

The conversation began after Oakland Shores resident Scott Hren presented to the commission a video of a truck — and a subsequent trail of dust — as it drove by his home. 

The town had been working to cut down on dust by experimenting with various road coverings, including crushed shell and dirt similar to what covers the roads in the town of Windermere.

Nothing was a viable solution until the town tried recycled asphalt millings that were screened before being applied with a paving machine and roller.

However, Hren said he believes the dust was caused by the recent asphalt millings in Oakland Shores.

Following the meeting, Hren posted his video to social media. However, Mayor Shane Taylor said Hren’s video was taken when work still was in process.

Hren also went door-to-door in his neighborhood to ask about the millings and his neighbors’ thoughts. According to Hren’s petition, 54 people responded and 80% of them would prefer paved streets.

Part of the issue with the first installation was the original contractor used inconsistent fill material, including debris not suitable for road construction. The amount used for one-third of the road was not enough recycled asphalt to adequately bind the aggregate together, Oakland Public Works Director Mike Parker said.

In May, Parker said the town would hold the contractor accountable for removing the improper material.

Since then, the town has hired a new contractor, and work began the week of July 7. The contractor is getting a crew together and it should be a much better product than what originally installed, Parker said. 

Should the commission move forward with the tax option, it would be only added to the homeowners living on the streets to be paved.

“We’ve had residents (who) have offered to pay more on their taxes to get the roads paved,” Hren said. “There’s a resident at the end of the street who’s offered to pay to pave his section himself.”

Town commissioner Kris Keller said the town is not trying to raise taxes on its residents.

“It’s us trying to balance the needs of the whole entire town,” she said.

Taylor thanked Hren for his advocacy.

SMOKE/VAPE SALES

Town commissioners expressed their disdain for the amount of smoking and vaping products begins sold at the Citgo convenience store at 17100 W. Colonial Drive.

They expressed their desire to eliminate smoke shops in the town; however, legally the town cannot place a ban on the sale of those products.

Oakland Police Chief Darron Esan said his department has looked into it, and there’s nothing illegal being sold at Citgo.

“It’s not pleasing to some, but we can’t discriminate,” Esan said.

IN OTHER NEWS: 

• The commission approved Ordinance 2025-03, which prohibits public camping and sleeping.
• Expressing a desire to attract new businesses and restaurants to Oakland, Town Commissioner Sal Ramos asked about lowering impact fees. Although the town would like to make changes to the impact fees, they’re not able to because of legal issues in accordance to Florida’s Impact Fee Act. This act mandates local governments comply with specific requirements when adopting or increasing impact fees, including basing calculations on recent data, providing for proper accounting of funds, and limiting administrative charges. Commissioners passed a motion to accept the first reading of these impact fees and will continue discussions in a future meeting.
• Oakland Avenue Charter School earned an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education, reflecting strong performance in English/language arts, science and mathematics. Some teachers also were recognized for their 10-plus years of work at the school.
• Town Manager Elise Hui mentioned Florida’s proposal of lowering homestead property taxes. Hui said this would impact the town’s ability to provide essential services, like a police and a fire department. Keller advised residents to call Florida’s legislators about the issue and make their voices heard.