News Flash

Cocoa Mayor Blake Elected as 2nd VP for the Florida League of Cities

At the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference, which was held this past August 11-12, 2022 in Hollywood, FL, Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake was elected as the 2^nd Vice President of the Florida League of Cities. The association serves an integral role as...

Eastern Florida State College Reveals 10-year, $87m Plan for Cocoa Campus

Eastern Florida State College’s plan to invest $87 million in new academic buildings on its Cocoa Campus over the next decade will be a major "economic engine" that spurs growth and development in central Brevard County.

Mayor Michael C. Blake Recipient of Home Rule Hero Award

At the July meeting of the Space Coast League of Cities, Mayor Michael C. Blake was recognized with a Home Rule Hero award from the Florida League of Cities for his advocacy efforts at both the state and local level.

“On behalf of the League and its legisl...

Brightline Test Runs Increase Max Speed

Brightline’s construction team will continue critical work on its Orlando extension, increasing maximum speeds to 79 mph in Brevard County, to integrate a new second railroad track into the corridor.

Chef's Kitchen Successfully Completes Cocoa's Upstart Business Development Program

Chef’s Kitchen, a soul food restaurant in Cocoa, was the first business to successfully complete Cocoa’s new Upstart Cocoa program and get approval from Cocoa City Council for a $7,500 forgivable business loan. The new program, which started in 2021, was ...

Cocoa City Council Supports Cocoa Youth Athletics with $1,000 Donation

On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, Cocoa City Council unanimously approved a $1,000 donation request from Cocoa Youth Athletics for their "Building a Tiger; One Touchdown at a Time!" program. The donation will help provide scholarships to 25-50 under pr...

Vaya Space Expands Operations in Cocoa

The City of Cocoa Economic Development team recently worked with local breakthrough technology space company Vaya Space to find new offices in the City of Cocoa that will allow for continued growth. Vaya Space, a pioneer of highly innovative vortex-hybrid...

Council Approves Updates to the Public Records Policy

On Tuesday, July 26, 2022 Cocoa City Council approved changes to the city’s Public Records Policy which hasn’t been updated since 2013. Many of the changes that were made to this policy were to clarify language and recognize and includ...

Lee Wenner Park and Boat Ramps Back Open

Beginning in February, the boat ramps, Captain Ed Lanni T-Dock, day slips and boat parking at Lee Wenner Park were closed for a large dredging and restoration project which was funded through grants from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND). The ...

For the 4th Year in a Row, Cocoa has Been Awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

On April 11, 2022, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) announced that the City of Cocoa received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Adopted Budget document. This prestigious honor represents a signific...

Space Coast Police K9 Foundation Donates K9 Vests to Cocoa PD

In April, Council approved the Cocoa Police Department to accept the donation of 4 K9 specific vests from the Space Coast Police K9 Foundation to help protect Cocoa PD's K9 unit as they continue to protect and serve the citizens of Cocoa. 

The Spa...

Radisson Individuals Signs its First New Build Hotel Near Florida’s Fastest Growing Cruise Terminal

Radisson Hotel Group Americas today announced the signing of The Cocoa Village Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals in the stunning city of Cocoa, Florida. Set to open in 2023, this will be the first newly constructed hotel for the brand. Located in th...

City Council Approves Purchase of Lots to Add 73 Parking Spaces in Cocoa Village

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Cocoa City Council authorized city staff to negotiate the purchase of two additional parcels of land along Oleander Street in Cocoa Village to bring 73 additional parking spaces to the Cocoa Village area. 

In late 2021,...

The City of Cocoa has seen an 11.1% drop in crime in 2021

Data submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for 2021, shows crime is down in the City of Cocoa. The annual Uniform Crime Report shows an 11.1% drop in the overall crime rate for the city in 2021, with 9.6% fewer crimes reported. A closer a...

City of Cocoa Completes the FY21 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit

The City of Cocoa Finance department presented to Cocoa City Council at the March 22, 2022 City Council meeting the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Financial Report (ACFR) and Audit Report. These documents which are required to be produced highlighted no audit co...

Two FDOT Projects in Design for SR 520 in Cocoa

The Florida Department of Transportation is currently in the design phase for two major projects on State Road 520 in Cocoa that will see the removal of the auxiliary lane east of US1 in the Cocoa Village area with added parking, increased medians and enh...

Urban Forest Management Plan for Cocoa Accepted as Part of Urban and Community Forestry Grant

Cocoa City Council unanimously approved to accept the City of Cocoa Urban Forest Management Plan and authorized staff to move forward with plan recommendations. The plan, which was conducted as part of a three year Urban and Community Forestry grant from ...

Councilman Hearn Appointed to the Young Elected Municipal Officials Advisory Council

District 2 Cocoa City Councilmember, Lavander Hearn has been appointed as a member of the Florida League of Cities Young Elected Municipal Officials Advisory Council. The Council is comprised of about 20 emerging leaders, all under the age of 40, that wil...