[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1558-E1559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CITY OF OAKLAND PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 2009

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
rise today to recognize the 80th anniversary of the City of Oakland 
Park in Florida's 20th Congressional District.
  This once sleepy little town that was home to mostly farmers is now a 
bustling city with more than 43,000 residents.
  Oakland Park is one of the older municipalities in Broward County. In 
fact, it was originally chartered as the town of Floranada in 1925.
  But in September 1926 a hurricane devastated the area. In 1929, city 
leaders renamed it Oakland Park after the massive oaks that lined the 
community.
  Residents and visitors can tour a piece of history always on display 
in this fine city. A portion of its oldest elementary school, Oakland 
Park Elementary School, is a nationally registered historical site. The 
school was built in 1927 and is the oldest school in continuous 
operation in Broward County.
  The city is also at the forefront of innovation in Florida. It was 
the first municipality in the state to organize a public safety 
department. Oakland Park was also the first City to initiate a 
recycling program.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Mayor Steven Arnst, the Members of the City 
Commission, and the city's staff for their many accomplishments that 
have made the City of Oakland Park a wonderful place to live, work and 
raise a family.

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