Oakland commissioners to move forward with East Vick Avenue paving

Town of Oakland commissioners continue budgeting for road paving as a new fiscal year approaches. 

After various discussions throughout multiple commission meetings, town commissioners unanimously approved the paving of East Vick Avenue for $41,510.49 Tuesday, July 14. 

The current General Fund budget includes $100,000 for paved road resurfacing. The funds, though originally intended for the Southern Oaks paving project, now will go toward East Vick Avenue. 

The paving project for Southern Oaks exceeds the budget amount by $115,000, so adjustments will be made to the FY 26-27 budget to cover the $215,000 needed for the project without overspending, or needing to take money from impact fees. 

“With the amount of traffic … running up and down Vick as a connector road between Starr and Tubb streets, it wears down fast,” Mayor Shane Taylor said. 

Because of the recent millings on Southern Oaks and the fact Southern Oaks does not see the same amount of traffic as Vick Avenue, Taylor believes it is best to move forward with the paving of Vick Avenue first and then move forward with Southern Oaks. 

Briley Farm Phase 1 amendments

Town of Oakland commissioners unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance amending Briley Farm’s Phase 1 planned development and development agreement. 

Developers for the roughly 36-acre neighborhood development now will be able to incorporate the property located at 302 Briley Ave. into the project, raising the amount of single-family homes from 53 to 55. 

Developers will reassign those lots as Type D lots, which is a standard lot with a rear- or front-load garage. When rear-loaded, the garage is accessed via a side drive. 

The amendment also would set streetscape guidelines while continuing to follow the town’s ordinance and United States Postal Service rules. 

The ordinance was adopted with no questions or concerns from commissioners.

OPD’s three-year strategic plan 

Oakland Police Chief Darron Esan announced the department is planning to launch a wellness program for officers as part of its three-year strategic plan. 

Esan also said Grants and Communication Manager Kelly Sims has been applying for a $250,000 grant to help fund the program. 

The strategic plan has not been finalized yet and is subject to changes. 

IN OTHER NEWS

• Commissioner Joseph McMullen was designated as the voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities 2026 annual Conference. 
• The town’s second budget work session will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the Oakland Meeting Hall. 
• The town currently is working with other municipalities to host workshops regarding property tax reforms. More information will come as the November election approaches. 
• Town Manager Elise Hui said Capital Projects Coordinator Mike Parker was able to secure $1.5 million for the town’s South Lake Apopka Wastewater Extension project after the state’s budget was approved June 29.  
• The “Color Speaks” exhibit currently on display at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center will be on display through Friday, July 24.