Cocoa City Council Regular Meeting - October 13, 2026

The Cocoa City Council held its regular meeting on October 13, 2026, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda included multiple second-reading public hearings on zoning, lighting nuisances, and the capital improvements plan, as well as a contested code enforcement lien release and delegations from the public regarding local parks and schools.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously.
• Minutes from the regular meetings of August 11 and August 25, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anita Gibson (451 Stone St): Discussed concerns regarding her son's 10-day suspension from Rockledge High School. She stated she was given no notice and the process lacked transparency. She asked the council for direction on how to proceed, acknowledging the issue was a school matter rather than a city matter.
• Vicky Rios Martinez (3714 Crossbow Dr): Spoke about the incomplete Juny Rios Park. She stated funds originally allocated for Juny Rios Park were redirected to Stratley Park. She described the original plan for three phases (playground, basketball and tennis courts, nature trail, and pavilions) and expressed that after 30 years, the park remains unfinished. She expressed feeling that the city broke its promise and that children are being failed. Council members acknowledged her frustration but cited the competing needs at Stratley Park, which serves more children and requires extensive infrastructure repairs.
• Teresa Clifton (4990 Scarlet Ave): Spoke in support of preserving the Juny Rios Park name and legacy, noting its importance for educating children about safety and community.
• Soto Lanza (436 Summa St): Requested assistance regarding a neighbor's persistent spotlight. She noted the neighbor changed the light from white to red but the glare continues to impact her home. She asked whether the new lighting ordinance could apply to her situation.

Discussion Items

• Artificial Lighting Nuisance Ordinance (Ordinance 15-2026): A second and final reading public hearing was held. Deputy Mayor Gones voted no, citing difficulty of enforcement for late-night complaints and concerns about floodlights needed for security in poorly lit neighborhoods. Councilwoman Coss and Councilwoman Weeks supported it, citing impacts on health and wildlife and a willingness to test the ordinance and amend later if needed. Vote: Adopted 4-1.
• Code Enforcement Lien Reduction Appeal (CE-19-1132): Randy Blakesley, co-owner of 1104 W Highland Dr, appealed the city manager's lien reduction from $245,750 to $74,505, requesting a further reduction to $5,000. His attorney explained he was legally locked out of the property from 2021 until July 2026 due to a co-owner and an unresponsive prior attorney. Councilman Hearn supported the $74,505 amount to uphold accountability. Councilwoman Weeks and Councilwoman Coss suggested applying a 90 percent reduction to $24,835 based on the property value (~$118k-$125k) and the owner's efforts to resolve the situation quickly once in control. Deputy Mayor Gones supported the higher amount, citing the original purchase price of $35,000. Vote: The motion to uphold the $74,505 lien passed 3-2.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Text Amendment (Ordinance 13-2026): Adopted unanimously on second and final reading.
• Artificial Lighting Ordinance (Ordinance 15-2026): Adopted 4-1.
• Five-Year Capital Improvements Plan (Ordinance 16-2026): Adopted unanimously on second and final reading.
• Code Enforcement Lien: Appeal denied (3-2). Property owner must pay $74,505 to satisfy the lien.
• Pension Board Reappointment: Stephen Harrell reappointed to the General Pension Board through September 30, 2029.

Other Business & Reports

• Community Events: Staff announced the upcoming Fall Festival on October 31 at Riverfront Park. Council members provided reports on the Brightline station announcement, National Night Out, school events, and community walks.
• Jody Smith Center: Deputy Mayor Gones reported an influx of homeless individuals at the Center and discussed potential measures to address congregation around electrical outlets.
• Utilities Update: Director Walsh reported the wastewater plant avoided discharging into the Indian River Lagoon during recent heavy rains, crediting long-term slip lining and infrastructure improvements.