City of Cocoa City Council Regular Meeting - July 14, 2026

The City of Cocoa City Council held its regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 65th Stone Street, Cocoa, Florida. The meeting began with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for fallen firefighter Ryan McCauley. The council approved minutes of three prior meetings, heard presentations on the Summer Youth Employment Program and federal grant updates, received public comments on a variety of issues, and voted on several land-use items, resolutions, and development proposals.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved minutes of the special meeting of April 21, 2026, the regular meeting of April 28, 2026, and the special meeting of April 29, 2026.
• Consent Agenda: The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (items listed under consent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lt. Paul Camus (116 Olive Street, Cocoa): Encouraged voter participation in the November property tax vote, stating he would vote no. He also reported litter on Forest Avenue and a safety hazard from railroad ties protruding onto the sidewalk. He noted that the Florida League of Cities is informing local associations about the upcoming vote and expressed concern that the property tax measure could adversely affect the Community Redevelopment Agency (RCA). He thanked the council for their service.
• Carmen Wilkes (606 Johnson Street): Expressed serious safety concerns on Johnson and Bernard streets, where a resident in a Mustang performs dangerous spin wheels. Noting a lack of sidewalks, she requested increased police presence and installation of speed bumps or flashing lights to protect children, seniors, and residents. Councilman Hearn confirmed receiving similar complaints and noted that some traffic calming measures had already been installed in other areas.
• Bryce Rogers (on behalf of Pure Rock Dixie LLC): Expressed gratitude for the city’s guidance and support through the development process for the Cocoa Flats project (formerly the Dixie Motel) at 301 Forest Avenue. He described it as a renovation to provide affordable, working-class housing. He did not request any action but stated the project represents the beginning of a long-term partnership with Cocoa.
• Errol Gilmore (first-time homebuyer, Temple Street): Shared a negative experience with the builder Lenar Homes. He stated that after deciding not to use Lenar’s preferred lender, the builder became unreasonable, added unexpected closing costs (originally quoted $500–$1,000, then exceeding $5,400, later reduced to $2,300), and refused to provide a garage door opener. He thanked the city for hearing him and hoped his story would help future buyers. City Manager Witten confirmed the city had been aware of the issue and had already communicated with Lenar about it.
• Joshua Otto (District 4): Reported that residents are frustrated with code violations (multiple vehicles on lawns, excessive trash, loose dogs) at rental properties, and asked for a stronger code enforcement presence. City Attorney advised against detailed discussion because the Code Board has pending cases on this matter. Otto clarified he was not referencing specific cases but general community concerns.
• Betty Kelly (338 Bay Avenue): Raised concern about dangerous parking at the corner of School Street and Pineita Street, where an SUV blocks visibility for drivers exiting the apartments. She requested that parking be changed from east-west to north-south to improve sightlines, noting that previous accidents and a fatality had occurred there.

Discussion Items

• Presentation: Cocoa Works Summer Youth Employment Program: City staff recognized nine participants of the 2026 Summer Works program, who worked across multiple city departments for five weeks. Participants received certificates and were applauded by the council. The mayor pledged continued funding for future summer employment for youth.
• Presentation: Merchant McIntyre Federal Grant Update: Representatives Katie Peterson and Fiona McLoyd reported on six months of work helping Cocoa secure federal funding. They outlined a three-pillar strategy (surface transportation, economic and community development, public safety) and described two pending grant applications: $18,000 from the Byrne JAG program for flock cameras, and a $2.3 million FEMA SAFER grant to hire 12 firefighters. They also noted two federal earmarks in the FY27 budget: $1 million for wastewater infrastructure and $2 million for fire station expansion. They are also exploring EDA disaster relief funds for a community center and tracking future surface transportation reauthorization. Councilmembers asked about grants for stormwater projects in underserved communities and for renovation of the historic civic center. Councilwoman Weeks expressed appreciation for the congressman's support.
• Public Hearing – FY 2026-2027 Action Plan (CDBG): The final public hearing was held. No comments were received during the 30-day comment period. The council approved the plan and authorized the mayor to sign certifications for submission to HUD by August 16, 2026.
• First Reading – Grissom Parkway Comp Plan Amendment (Ordinance 08-2026): This legislative item changes the future land use map designation of a 1.29-acre parcel from Brevard County Residential 4 to City of Cocoa Industrial, contingent on annexation. The property is adjacent to the previously annexed 46 acres and is needed for stormwater management. Planning staff recommended approval. The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading.
• First Reading – Grissom Parkway Zoning Amendment (Ordinance 09-2026): This quasi-judicial item changes the zoning from Brevard County General Use to City of Cocoa M2 Manufacturing and Industrial, also contingent on annexation. Staff recommended approval. The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading.
• Postponements: The second reading of the Grissom Parkway annexation ordinance (Ordinance 07-2026) was postponed to July 28, 2026, and the comp plan amendment for 3600 Grissom Parkway was postponed to August 11, 2026. Both were approved unanimously.
• Resolution – SHIP Program LHAP Amendment (2026-558): Due to SB 594, the city must include a strategy for manufactured housing in its Local Housing Assistance Plan. The council approved the amended plan and authorized the mayor to submit it to Florida Housing Finance by July 31, 2026. The city’s estimated SHIP allocation for next year is approximately $149,712.
• Windward Preserve PUD – Architectural Elevation Approval: Developer Tyler Morrison presented additional home plan options (with and without porches) for 50-foot and 60-foot lots, including three-car garages. The council unanimously approved the new elevations as additions to the previously approved lineup.
• City Manager’s Report – Lenar Homes: City Manager Witten confirmed he had emailed Lenar on May 21 about the Gilmore transaction, including fees and garage openers, and that some issues were resolved. He noted the city cannot direct builder fees but is maintaining the relationship for the remaining homes. Councilmembers discussed that using the builder’s preferred lender is common and often yields better incentives, and that the project is workforce housing, not city-owned.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes of April 21, April 28, and April 29 special/regular meetings (unanimous).
• Approved: Consent agenda (unanimous).
• Approved: FY 2026-2027 Action Plan and submission to HUD (unanimous).
• Approved (first reading): Ordinance 08-2026 – Grissom Parkway FLUM amendment (unanimous).
• Approved (first reading): Ordinance 09-2026 – Grissom Parkway zoning amendment (unanimous).
• Approved: Postponement of annexation second reading to July 28, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved: Postponement of 3600 Grissom comp plan amendment to August 11, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved: Resolution adopting amended SHIP LHAP (unanimous).
• Approved: Additional residential elevations for Windward Preserve (unanimous).
• New Direction: Staff will work with Deputy Mayor Goins and Councilman Hearn on logistics for adding community handprints to the Anderson Park basketball court (paint to be donated).
• Next Steps: The city will return to council in the second meeting of August with an update on the Four Corners project.

Meeting adjourned.