Cocoa City Council Regular Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Cocoa City Council met on March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in downtown Cocoa, Florida. The meeting included proclamations, public delegations, consent agenda approval, council business on development agreements and park enhancements, and council reports.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the agenda and the consent agenda (items not requiring separate discussion).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ina Liber, president of the Brevard County chapter of The Links, Inc., presented information about the organization's fourth annual Black Family Wellness Expo on March 28, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Jolie Smith Recreation Center. She highlighted health disparities affecting Black Americans (e.g., heart disease, cancer, kidney failure, Alzheimer's) and encouraged community attendance. The council expressed support and noted the event is free.
• Shirley Jones, a resident of Clear Pond Estates for seven years, spoke about predatory towing by Junk Man's Towing. She reported that over 200 residents, visitors, and delivery drivers have had their vehicles towed in the past two years, often for minor infractions like parking slightly crooked. She stated that there are no posted signs about towing, and the property manager blamed Cocoa PD, which Commander Markica corrected. Jones had to sell her grandson's gaming system to retrieve her car. The council acknowledged the issue, with Councilwoman Weeks noting that towing on private property is a management issue, and Deputy Mayor Goins suggested the council may consider an ordinance against predatory towing. The city attorney advised that this is not a quasi-judicial matter.
• Stan Lampy, a resident of 1405 North Indian River Drive, spoke about an upcoming development (seven single-family homes on seven acres) at the intersection of Dixon and North Indian River Drive. He expressed concerns about flooding exacerbated by US 1 widening and new construction, and noted that neighbors were not consulted. He invited council members to visit the property. The city attorney reminded the council that this is a quasi-judicial matter and any ex parte communications must be disclosed at the April 14 hearing.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: The council recognized March 16–20, 2026, as Florida Government Financial Professionals Week via a proclamation read by Rebecca Bowman. Additionally, April 11, 2026, was proclaimed Arbor Day; the proclamation was accepted by Mrs. Morgan from the parks department. Deputy Mayor Goins also promoted a Trash Bash cleanup event on April 11 at Provost Park.
• First Addendum to the Michael C. Blake Subdivision Development Agreement: Jen Webster presented the addendum, which allows Lenar to begin construction of 23 model homes before completion of common infrastructure, contingent on a letter of credit. Councilwoman Coss asked about risk; staff explained the letter of credit ensures infrastructure completion. The council unanimously approved the addendum.
• Juni Rios Park Enhancements: Councilwoman Weeks proposed improvements including shade structures, outdoor exercise equipment, rubber mulch, and additional grills. Council members debated the need for shade (given existing tree canopy) and the feasibility of an additional pavilion. City Manager Witten noted that some items may already be in procurement. The council voted to table the motion until a detailed cost analysis and reconciliation with previously approved projects can be presented.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the agenda and consent agenda.
• Unanimous approval of the proclamation for Florida Government Financial Professionals Week (March 16–20, 2026) and Arbor Day (April 11, 2026).
• Unanimous approval of the first addendum to the Michael C. Blake subdivision development agreement.
• Motion to table the Juni Rios Park enhancements pending further cost information and alignment with prior approvals (moved by Councilwoman Weeks, seconded by Deputy Mayor Goins, passed unanimously).
• The council directed staff to bring back a comprehensive plan for Juni Rios Park, including previously approved items and the new requests.
• Council reports included upcoming community events (Trash Bash, Arbor Day, wellness fair) and individual district updates.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.