Regular City Council Meeting – September 22, 2026

The Cocoa City Council met on September 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for a regular meeting. The agenda included public delegations, approval of consent items, several grant and budget amendments, and a lengthy debate regarding the reallocation of park improvement funds. The meeting was marked by heated exchanges over perceived threats and the use of social media.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: Motion by Councilwoman Weeks, seconded by Deputy Mayor Goins. Approved unanimously.
• Minutes of July 28, 2026: Motion by Councilwoman Weeks, seconded by Deputy Mayor Goins. Approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda (item 1): Motion by Councilman Hearn, seconded by Councilwoman Weeks. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Markwith (Indian Circle resident): Reported a sidewalk at 2103 Indian River Drive nearly impassable due to sand washing from a property, and streetlight outages on US 1 and Dixon Boulevard. He requested the city budget an additional light on Dixon. He stated he had difficulty getting issues resolved through public works and code enforcement.
• Deborah Dukes (resident): Requested council support and permission to return to Provost Park for a “Holiday in the Park” and “Student Appreciation Day” festival, to be held in May 2026, after a COVID-related hiatus. She asked for co-sponsorship.
• Anita Gibson (Stone Street resident): Expressed confusion about the merger of Cocoa Police dispatch with the sheriff’s department, stating she preferred direct contact with the police chief. Also praised the city’s recent development (Brightline, restaurants) and expressed optimism about Cocoa’s future.
• Jennifer (Hewlett resident): Raised safety concerns about speeding on Hewlett Street, especially near children. She requested speed bumps or increased enforcement. Chief confirmed some enforcement had been done but results were limited.
• Alex Greenwood (Brevard Avenue resident): Complimented council on recent project approvals. He criticized negative social media posts accusing council members of vindictive voting, and asked for a record statement that no council member votes vindictively. Councilwoman Weeks countered that Mayor Blake had threatened cuts to districts 3 and 4 if votes did not go his way, referencing the July 28 minutes. A heated discussion followed among council members about respect and factual accuracy.

Discussion Items

• Item 7-1 – JAG Grant (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant): Council approved applying for $18,661 in FY 2026 JAG funds. Motion by Mayor, seconded. Unanimous.
• Item 8-1 – Body Worn Camera Grant (BWCP): Council approved applying for $140,000 for body worn cameras and future officer needs. Motion by Mayor, seconded. Unanimous.
• Item 8-2 – Fire Operations Overtime Budget Amendment: Council approved a $65,000 increase to the fire overtime budget (bringing total to ~$900,000 for FY 2026). Discussion highlighted rising overtime costs due to minimum staffing requirements per NFPA standards and contractual issues. City Manager noted ongoing negotiations with the union. Motion by Mayor, seconded. Unanimous.
• Item 8-3 – K9 Donation and Budget Amendment: Council approved accepting a donated German Shepherd for patrol K9 duties and a $6,000 budget amendment. Motion by Mayor, seconded. Unanimous.
• Item 6-4 – FDEP Water Quality Grant for Indian River Gravity Main Extension (Septic to Sewer): Council approved authorizing the city manager to sign the grant agreement for partial funding of the project. The project includes $5.2 million from FDEP, matching funds from Save Our Indian River Lagoon, and additional state allocations. Discussion covered the process for homeowner lateral connections, reimbursement, and that final costs and mandatory connection decisions will come back to council. Motion by Mayor, seconded. Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Park Funding Debate – Juni Rios vs. Stradley Park: During council reports, Councilwoman Weeks made a motion to reallocate $190,000 back to Juni Rios Park (originally allocated for playground equipment but previously redirected to Stradley Park). She argued the cut was a punitive response to her vote on the millage rate and cited public support for Juni Rios. Deputy Mayor Goins and Councilman Hearn opposed, stating the Stradley Park need was urgent (drainage, safety issues) and that the decision was not vindictive. A roll call vote resulted in: Councilwoman Coss – Yay, Councilwoman Weeks – Yay, Councilman Hearn – Nay, Deputy Mayor Goins – Nay, Mayor Blake – Nay. Motion failed 2-3.
• Council Reports: Councilmembers presented photos and updates on community events (K9 Copper retirement, Sheriff’s safety class, Parade of Homes, district town halls). Several members voiced concerns about divisiveness and respect. The council encouraged public attendance at the next day’s budget meeting (September 23, 2026, at 5:05 p.m.).
• Adjournment: Motion to adjourn approved unanimously.