The Truth About How Pulte Cleaned the Golf Course to Build at Oak Tree

Pulte Comes to Oakland Park Pulte Homes had already developed and was developing several other new home communities in Florida before it set its sights on 139 undeveloped acres in Oakland Park. The property, formerly the Oak Tree Golf Course, had been closed to the public for nearly 10 years. The 139 acres of contiguous, […]

To the Moon: A Store Full of Nostalgia

With an upended fist “To the Moon Alice, to the Moon” was the classic line that Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason, a Soflo icon) bellowed at his wife Alice Kramden (Audrey Meadows) on the Honeymooners TV show of the 1950s.  The Honeymooners TV show ran from 1955 to 1970 and epitomized post WW2 era of gritty […]

Hacienda El Sol: Latin Mix Menu in Oakland Park

Three years ago, longtime friends, Wendy Lemus and Yuri Rodriguez, opened La Hacienda del Sol, American Latin Grill on the corner restaurant of Dixie Highway and Commercial Boulevard.  The story is similar to many people in South Florida: They are foreigners who have come to the United States looking for a better life and opportunity. […]

You Salon: A True Gem Hidden in Plain Sight

Nestled underneath 200 plus condominium units, and surrounded by law offices and other businesses, sits a diamond in the rough. A true gem hidden in plain sight. If you avoid going east towards A1A because of traffic, forget that! You Salon and Wellness Studio is an oasis among the hustle and bustle of the beach’s edge […]

Oakland Park Real Estate Fourth Quarter Report 2020

2020 Comes to A Close 2020 has been a year like no other. The pandemic changed the way we live and the way we interact with others. Financially it has affected people in different ways. Some people have thrived while others have fallen into financial distress. The latter effect led many to wonder what would […]

Fashion for Passion Leads From the Runway to the Stage: Alberto Arroyo

Alberto Arroyo is a Puerto Rican fashion and costume designer and the founder of Arroyo Studio. Arroyo is a designer who considers fashion to be an extension of someone’s personality. While gifted in many artistic crafts Arroyo specializes in fashion. His creations range from resort wear, casual, ballet, theatre, costume, to burlesque – just to […]

The Yard: Where Food, Nature and Eclectic Vibes Meet

To be perfectly honest, when my editor asked me to write this article, I didn’t want to and put it off for a month. I wasn’t being lazy, I was being selfish, and I admit it. It’s not that I don’t want people to know about an amazing place where you can eat anything from […]

Art 13’s Little Libraries Competition: Where Art and Children’s Literacy Come Together

A few months ago, Living in Oakland Park covered the story of Frank Polanco, our very own local Jack of all trades. As a philanthropist,  animal rescuer, photographer, artist, magazine founder, producer, wardrobe stylist, fashionista, and artist, Frank keeps himself pretty busy. His most recent project that is very near and dear to him is […]

Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor: A Classic Landmark in South Florida

A trip to Paris without a tour of the Eiffel Tower to most would seem unthinkable. Similarly, a visit to South Florida without a trip to Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor, the iconic South Florida landmark restaurant since 1956, is also unthinkable. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor: A Landmark in South Florida Jaxson’s founder, Monroe Udell grew up […]

Animal Aid: A Haven for Cats and Dogs

Upon walking through the door of Animal Aid at 571 NE 44th Street (Prospect Road), the first thing you notice is a large cage full of kittens: gray ones, striped ones, calico ones, tuxedo ones. There are kittens sleeping, kittens playing, kittens staring at you, kittens approaching you with a friendly or plaintive “meow.” Animal […]