City of Cocoa City Council Meeting: Hotel, Townhomes, and Fund Balances Approved (May 12, 2026)

The Cocoa City Council met on May 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM at 65 Stone Street. The meeting featured the approval of several major developments including a 104-room Marriott Fairfield hotel, a 249-unit townhome community (Sanctuary at Cocoa), and the first phase of the Cirrus PUD commercial development (including a Chipotle restaurant). The Council also approved the FY2025 assigned fund balance, redirecting $150,000 toward Cocoa High School stadium improvements subject to a matching partnership with the School Board. Proclamations for National Public Works Week and National Police Week were adopted.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, consisting of nine routine items (including change orders, budget amendments, and service agreements), was approved unanimously. Item #5-9 was pulled from the consent agenda prior to approval after being resolved by staff.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Delegations (General Public Comment): No speaker cards were submitted, so this portion of the agenda was closed without comment.
• 603 Brevard Ave Hotel (Public Hearing): Deep Patel of 360 Hospitality spoke in support of the hotel project, addressing parking and community benefit plans. No public opposition was voiced.
• Sanctuary at Cocoa Townhomes (Public Hearing): Clayton Cassair, a Cocoa resident, expressed concerns about traffic capacity on Cox Road and the fiscal impact of donating the 46-acre wetland parcel to the city. The City Manager responded that the land had minimal tax revenue value and noted the State Road 524 widening is in design.
• Cirrus PUD Amendment (Public Hearing): Alana Smith, attorney for the developer, spoke in support of the amendment to facilitate the commercial development.

Discussion Items

• 603 Brevard Ave Hotel Development Agreement & Concept Plan: Council heard presentations from staff (Jen Webster) and the applicant (360 Hospitality Group). The 0.87-acre city/CRA-owned site is proposed for a 7-story, ~68,310 square foot, 104-room Marriott Fairfield hotel with a rooftop bar and coffee shop. The development agreement includes a $500,000 contribution to the city for offsite parking, underground utilities, and angled parking on John Guerin Lane. Councilmembers expressed strong support. Deputy Mayor Goines, who stated he was "100% for the project", questioned the parking logistics and net gain of spaces.
• Oleander Street Public Parking Lot: Staff presented a plan for a low-impact surface parking lot on 0.9 acres of city-owned property, providing ~80 spaces (4 accessible), EV charging stations, pervious pavement, and decorative lighting. Councilwoman Weeks requested white LED lights instead of yellow to improve illumination, which staff agreed to consider.
• Sanctuary at Cocoa Townhomes: A proposal for a 249-unit townhome development on 89.54 acres at Cox and Hooper Roads. The project density is 5.24 units per acre (max 15). The developer will convey 46.12 acres of wetlands to the city and pay a $550,000 tree mitigation fee. Councilwoman Weeks inquired about sidewalk safety along Cox Road. Deputy Mayor Goines successfully added a condition requiring a PVC privacy fence along the southern boundary.
• Cirrus PUD Amendment (First Reading): The Council considered the first reading of an ordinance to amend the Cirrus PUD. This phase creates two commercial lots: Lot 2A for a quick-serve restaurant (Chipotle) and Lot 2B for a dental office. The Council celebrated the addition of dining options to the 524 corridor.
• FY2025 Assigned Fund Balance: City Manager Witton presented the proposed allocations: $2M for Stratley Park septic-to-sewer, $250k for City Hall AC, $375k for Cocoa Village Playhouse AC, $75k for Civic Center AC, $125k for Civic Center roof, and $200k for property acquisitions. Councilman Hearn successfully motioned to redirect a proposed $150k Bandshell rehab allocation to Cocoa High School stadium improvements. Deputy Mayor Goines seconded the motion with the strong condition that the School Board provide matching funds. The motion passed unanimously, directing the City Manager to negotiate a partnership. An additional $37,500 was moved from the sustainability fund to property acquisition.
• CRA Board Vacancy: The Council unanimously approved Candace Rogers to fill a Regular member vacancy on the Cocoa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) through April 30, 2030.

Key Outcomes

• Hotel Approved (Unanimous): The 603 Brevard Ave Hotel Development Agreement and Concept Plan were approved.
• Parking Lot Approved (Unanimous): The Oleander Street parking plan was approved; lighting color to be evaluated.
• Townhomes Approved (Unanimous): The Sanctuary at Cocoa Townhomes was approved with the added condition of a PVC fence.
• Cirrus PUD Advanced (Unanimous): The first reading of the Cirrus PUD Amendment was approved, moving to a second reading.
• Comp Plan Postponed (Unanimous): The 3600 Grissom Pkwy Comp Plan Amendment was postponed to June 9, 2026.
• CRA Seat Filled (Unanimous): Candace Rogers appointed to the CRA Board.
• Fund Balance Approved (Unanimous): The FY2025 assigned fund balance was approved, including the conditional $150k for Cocoa High School.

Council Member Reports

• Councilman Hearn reported on the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce delegation and his re-election to the FBC League of Cities Board of Directors.
• Deputy Mayor Goines reported on the successful Community Movie Night at the Jolly Smith Center, which served over 200 hot dogs and 150 hamburgers. He praised the Cocoa Police and Fire Departments for their community engagement and highlighted partnerships with local churches and community partners.
• Councilwoman Weeks reported on the Brevard Adult and Community Education event, the National Day of Prayer, and reflected on the recent passing of Congressman Bill Posey. She also updated the Council on recovery from a recent injury.
• Mayor Blake reported on the Jack and Jill event, the Space Coast League of Cities meeting, and recognized local graduate Khalil Cole.
• The City Manager reminded the public of the annual Memorial Day Tribute event on May 25th, 2026, starting with a 4:00 PM parade in the village.