Email from City of Cocoa

January 2026 | Issue 44

Upcoming Events

January 3, 2026, 2:00pm-10:00pm; Survive First Run for Responders 5k Run/Walk; Cocoa Riverfront Park

January 11, 2026, 1:00pm-4:00pm; Brevard County Firefighters Benevolent Association 9th Annual Chili Cook-off; Cocoa Riverfront Park

January 16, 2026, 11:00am-12:00pm; Michael C. Blake Subdivision Groundbreaking Ceremony; 370 Mango Ave., Cocoa

January 19, 2026, 2:00pm-5:00pm; Peace March and Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and gains secured by the Civil Rights Movement; Cocoa Riverfront Park

January 21, 2026, 4:00pm-6:30pm; Economic Showcase & Business Market; Cocoa Civic Center

See all events happening this month.

Upcoming Meetings

Housing Authority Meeting, 1/6/26, 5:30pm; 828 Stone St.

City Council Meeting, 1/13/26, 6:00pm

Code Enforcement Meeting, 1/15/26, 6:00pm

Special Cocoa CRA Meeting, 1/20/26, 6:00pm

Board of Adjustment Meeting, 1/21/26, 6:00pm

Diamond Square CRA Special Meeting, 1/26/26, 6:00pm

City Council Meeting, 1/27/26, 6:00pm

See the updated list of upcoming meetings this month.

City Hall Hours:

Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm (Excluding Holidays)

Utility Customer Service Hours:

Monday - Friday (Excluding Holidays)

In-person: 8:00am-12:30pm, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Telephone: 8:00am-4:30pm

City Offices Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 19, 2026

City Manager's Message

As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on several notable accomplishments from the past year that are helping set the stage for a bright future for the Cocoa community.

Over the past year, the City worked with Lennar Homes on a development agreement to build 32 workforce housing units in the Michael C. Blake Subdivision. These homes will serve very low, low, and moderate-income professionals. The City also planned Phase II improvements at Provost Park for 2026. These upgrades include an inclusive playground, a Fitness Court funded by a $30,000 grant, and Soccer Mini-Pitches supported by a $15,000 grant and a $150,000 donation from Orlando Health. In addition, the City completed the Lee Wenner Park Parking Renovation Project, which added 72 new parking spaces in Cocoa Village while keeping boat trailer parking.

Conceptual design work began on the Cocoa Multi-Modal Brightline Station and the surrounding transit-oriented development. This work lays the groundwork for a major regional transportation hub, while the City continues to seek funding to move the project into final design and construction. The City also finalized development agreements for the former Bank of America and old City Hall properties in Cocoa Village.

The J&K Septic to Sewer Conversion Project, part of Brevard County’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Program, has received substantial funding support. SOIRL has approved approximately $6.7 million for the design and construction of a new gravity sewer system, contingent upon all 88 homes connecting. In addition, the City has received a $5.2 million Water Quality Grant through the State of Florida, and the project has advanced through the first two steps of the FY2026 Section 319(h) grant process, with funding decisions anticipated by October 2026.

The City also received a $1.49 million grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District to design and rebuild the day slips at Lee Wenner Park, improving storm resilience. Major upgrades were completed at the Sellers Water Reclamation Facility to meet the new Advanced Wastewater Treatment law that took effect in July 2025. The City also finished the Fiske Boulevard Drainage Improvement Project, which reduces flooding and improves safety in one of Cocoa’s oldest neighborhoods.

Public safety improved with the purchase of two new fire trucks and the adoption of a new five-year Fire Department strategic plan. This community-driven plan was developed with the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

To read more about the City’s accomplishments, visit www.CocoaFL.gov/accomplishments or click the button below. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing the Cocoa community through strategic initiatives, responsible investment, and strong partnerships as we continue building a vibrant, resilient future together.

-Stockton Whitten, Cocoa City Manager

2026 City of Cocoa Economic Showcase and Business Market

Join the City of Cocoa for the Annual Economic Showcase and Business Market on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 4pm to 6:30pm at the Cocoa Civic Center. This event is a celebration of local innovation, entrepreneurship, and community growth that brings together local businesses, community members, and economic leaders for an evening of networking, business opportunities, and inspiration. The Keynote speaker is Kevin Lowdermilk, CEO and CFO of Vaya Space. Whether you're an attendee looking to explore local products and services, or a business owner ready to showcase your company, this event is the place to be.

For questions about the event or if you're a Cocoa business looking to participate, contact Greg Browder at (321) 433-8684 or gbrowder@cocoafl.gov. Click the button below to learn more about the event.

Learn More

New City of Cocoa Deputy Mayor Alex Goins

At the Council meeting on December 10, 2025, District 1 Councilman Goins was approved as the new Deputy Mayor for the City of Cocoa. Councilman Goins continues to show unwavering dedication to our community, and we look forward to his leadership in this new role as he helps guide Cocoa toward a bright and thriving future. Congratulations, Councilman Goins.

Michael C Blake Subdivision Groundbreaking Lennar Homes on January 11, 2026 at 11am

Join us on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00am as we break ground on the new Michael C. Blake Subdivision, a new Lennar Homes workforce community located in the heart of Cocoa's Diamond Square Community. The groundbreaking ceremony is being held at 370 Mango Ave. in Cocoa.

City of Cocoa Utilities Department Wins 1st Place in Cocoa/Rockledge Holiday Parade

At the Annual Cocoa/Rockledge holiday parade this past December, the City of Cocoa Utilities Department won first place in the Public Utilities category. Congratulations Cocoa Utilities. It is always fun to see the creativity and holiday spirit they bring to the parade year after year!

Thank You for Supporting Team Cocoa in the Annual Food Drive for the Brevard Sharing Center

The City of Cocoa’s annual Food Drive concluded in December with a record-breaking total of more than 20,000 pounds of food collected thanks to Team Cocoa and strong community participation from residents, businesses, and City staff. Donations were gathered through citywide drop-off locations, special events at Walmart and Publix, and during Cocoa’s Fall Festival, Holiday Festival, and the Space Coast K9 Competition, with support from festive City initiatives including a City Council Santa photo opportunity and a “tiny holiday village” display at City Hall.

The City extends sincere thanks to community partners Mike Erdman Automotive, Historic Cocoa Village Main Street, the Women’s Club of Cocoa, and volunteers from the Walmart Distribution Center, whose generosity and hard work made this year’s drive a success. All donations benefited the Central Brevard Sharing Center, reflecting Cocoa’s spirit of compassion, teamwork, and community pride.

2026 NAACP Central Brevard Branch MLK Weekend Events

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Central Brevard Branch is hosting several community events to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Events start on Friday, January 16th with a Business Leaders Luncheon at the Leon & Jewel Collins Museum. On Saturday, January 17th, there is an MLK Community Breakfast at the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Center followed by a Memorial Worship Service on Sunday January 18th at the Zion Orthodox Primitive Baptist Church. Join the community on Monday, January 19th for a Unity Parade and Community Program. The parade begins at Provost Park and concludes at Cocoa Riverfront Park. Everyone is welcome. For full event details and to RSVP, visit the NAACP Central Brevard Branch calendar webpage.

Beginning on February 1, 2026, the City of Cocoa will stop giving pennies back as change for cash payments. Pennies will still be accepted as payment, but cash transactions requiring pennies as change will be rounded up, and the difference paid will be applied as a credit on your account. Electronic payments can still be made for the exact amount.

Temporary Waiver of Building Permit Fees for October 26-27, 2025 Flood Event

At the October 28, 2025 council meeting, the Cocoa City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-082 temporarily waiving City building permit fees for eligible storm-related repairs resulting from the October 26–27, 2025 flood event to help ease financial burdens and expedite recovery. The waiver applies only to repairs directly related to storm damage, including replacement structures on the same property if deemed beyond repair by the City’s Building Official, and permit applications must be submitted within six months of the Resolution’s effective date, no later than April 28, 2026, with a possible 60-day extension if approved by City Council. All other permitting requirements, inspections, licensing, insurance, and applicable fees required by law remain in effect, and eligibility must be verified by the City’s Building Official or designee. For more information, contact the City of Cocoa Building Department at 321-433-8500.

The City of Cocoa is seeking volunteers interested in helping to shape the future of their city by lending their experience and skills to one of our many boards and committees. For more information call the Cocoa City Clerk's office at 321-433-8480 or visit cocoaFL.gov