Mayor Tim Lonergan accepts the City Catalyst Grant award from the Florida League of Mayors in recognition of Oakland Park’s innovation

Oakland Park, Florida – Oakland Park is once again being recognized for its ongoing push to expand opportunities for residents, with Mayor Tim Lonergan accepting a major award this week on behalf of the City. During the Florida League of Mayors Business Meeting, held Tuesday in Orlando alongside the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference, Lonergan accepted a City Catalyst Grant that will directly benefit the community.

The City of Oakland Park was awarded $2,500 through the Catalyst Grant program, funding that will go toward building a Zoom Room Pod at the Collins Community Center. Officials say the new technology pod is designed to make virtual communication more accessible for residents, particularly for those who may not have reliable digital access at home. The pod will become part of a state-of-the-art technology hub at the center, providing a modern space for community members to connect, learn, and access vital services.

“This grant represents more than just dollars—it’s another step toward creating equitable opportunities for all of our residents,” city leaders emphasized as they celebrated the award. Mayor Lonergan, who has been a strong advocate for increasing digital access and broadening educational resources, expressed pride in bringing the recognition back to Oakland Park.

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The initiative ties into a much larger $2 million renovation project at Collins Community Center, supported in part by FloridaCommerce. When complete, the center will house expanded resources aimed at closing the digital divide. Plans call for enhanced access to educational tools, career training opportunities, and even telehealth services—programs designed to meet the needs of Oakland Park residents across different walks of life.

For many families in the community, officials say, the technology hub will serve as a critical bridge to opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. Whether it is a student needing a quiet, connected space for schoolwork, an adult seeking job training programs, or a senior accessing remote medical consultations, the hub is intended to serve as a cornerstone of inclusion and progress.

The award also underscores a broader story of Oakland Park’s determination to secure outside funding to support its growth. Since 2015, the City has successfully obtained more than $70 million in grant funding, helping to finance projects that improve infrastructure, expand equity, and enhance quality of life. Each new investment, city leaders note, helps to ensure that Oakland Park continues to adapt and thrive.

“Receiving this Catalyst Grant is proof of the innovative spirit that runs throughout our city,” one official remarked, pointing to the leadership of Mayor Lonergan and the collective efforts of staff. The recognition, they said, is as much about teamwork as it is about vision.

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As Oakland Park continues to move forward with its ambitious plans, the Catalyst Grant serves as both validation and momentum. With the Collins Community Center renovation underway and new digital tools on the horizon, the City is positioning itself not only as a hub for growth but also as a model for other municipalities across Florida.

Congratulations poured in for Mayor Lonergan and his team, with residents and city officials alike expressing pride in the recognition. As one community member shared, the award is “another sign that Oakland Park is truly investing in its people and its future.”