As we move into the summer season, I want to take a moment to share several important updates and recognize some meaningful milestones within our community. From honoring a remarkable public servant to preparing for the future through youth engagement, budget planning, and hurricane readiness, there is much happening across the City of Cocoa. |
 | | First, the City of Cocoa mourns the passing of former City Councilmember Jewel Collins, a dedicated public servant, community leader, and trailblazer whose impact on our community will not be forgotten. Mrs. Collins made history in 1999 as the first African American woman elected to the Cocoa City Council, where she faithfully served the residents of Cocoa for seven years. During her tenure, she also served as Deputy Mayor and worked tirelessly to improve opportunities and quality of life for the citizens, particularly in the Diamond Square community. Throughout her life, she championed education, civil rights, and community service through her work with numerous local organizations and causes. Together with her husband, Leon Collins, she helped advance equality and strengthen the Cocoa community. Their legacy lives on through the Leon and Jewel Collins Museum of African American History and Culture. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her life of service. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
We are pleased to have officially launched this year’s Cocoa Works High School Summer Internship Program. Ten local high school students have joined various City departments to gain hands-on experience and insight into the many career opportunities available in local government. We are proud to help foster the next generation of leaders right here in Cocoa.
Meanwhile, our Finance team remains hard at work preparing the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This process includes reviewing departmental needs and identifying funding priorities for the year ahead. As always, your input is an important part of this process. A list of upcoming public budget meetings is included in this newsletter, and we encourage you to attend and stay involved as we work together to shape Cocoa’s future.
As we begin the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, I want to remind all Cocoa residents of the importance of being prepared. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and now is the time to review your emergency plans, restock hurricane supply kits, and stay informed about local alerts and evacuation routes. The City of Cocoa remains committed to your safety, and our emergency management team stands ready to respond. Please take a moment to visit our website for preparedness tips, storm updates, and resources to help you and your family stay safe throughout the season. Being proactive today can make all the difference tomorrow.
I would also like to recognize our Communications team for earning a Certificate of Excellence in Communications from the Florida Municipal Communicators Association, a professional affiliate of the Florida League of Cities. This recognition highlights exemplary work in using a variety of tools, resources, and technologies to communicate effectively and efficiently with our community. Public Information Officer Jaime Braudrick also received an Outstanding Award for Best Use of Promotional Item for the City of Cocoa Civic Workbook for Kids. Copies are available at City Hall.
Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged with your City government. As always, we remain committed to serving our community with P.R.I.D.E. and working together to make Cocoa an even stronger, safer, and more vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
| | -Stockton Whitten, Cocoa City Manager | | |
The City of Cocoa is preparing a proposed fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget to present to the Cocoa City Council for approval. The current fiscal year (FY26) ends on September 30, 2026. Below is a tentative schedule for the budget workshops and hearings, which are open to the public to attend.
July 7, 2026, 5:00 pm; Public Budget Workshop
July 28, 2026, 6:00 pm; Tentative Millage
August 11, 2026, 6:00 pm; Preliminary Fire and Stormwater Assessment
August 25, 2026, 6:00 pm; Final Fire and Stormwater Assessment
September 9, 2026, 5:00 pm; Tentative Millage and Budget Hearing and CIP Ordinance
September 23, 2026, 5:00 pm; Final Millage and Budget Hearing and CIP Ordinance
All meetings are held in Council Chambers at Cocoa City Hall (65 Stone St., Cocoa). Visit CocoaFL.gov/budget for more information.
| | | Juneteenth Arts & Culture Celebration | | |
Join the City of Cocoa in partnership with the Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration of Brevard, Inc. and Cocoa Pal for the 2026 Juneteenth Arts and Culture Celebration. This free event is taking place on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cocoa Riverfront Park. All are welcome!
There will be live entertainment, food trucks, a kid's zone, vendors, arts, and much more. For additional information, please contact Cocoa Juneteenth Entertainment Office at 321-614-1286 or email Delores McLaughlin at juneteenth@brevardweedandseed.org.
| | City of Cocoa's Annual School Supply Drive | |
The City of Cocoa and the Cocoa Police Foundation are hosting their Annual School Supply Drive from July 1st through August 1st. School supplies collected will be distributed directly to students in the Cocoa community. Donations can be dropped off at City Hall, the Cocoa Police Department, and Fire Stations 1, 2, and 3 during normal business hours.
A large collection event will also be held at the Cocoa Walmart on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9 am to 2 pm, during which shoppers will be encouraged to support the initiative. The supplies will be distributed on Thursday, August 6th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Center—just in time for the new school year.
The City of Cocoa and the Cocoa Police Foundation invite the community to support local students by helping ensure they have the supplies needed to start the 2026–2027 school year with confidence. For questions, contact Public Information Officer, Jaime Braudrick, 321-433-8522 or jbraudrick@cocoafl.gov.
| | | Cocoa's 2025 Annual Water Quality Report is Now Available Online | The 2025 Water Quality Report (the latest report) is now available to view online. The report offers comprehensive insights into your drinking water standards. Printed copies of the report will be available at the beginning of July at Cocoa City Hall (65 Stone Street) and the Cocoa public library. In order to request a paper copy of the 2025 Water Quality Report, please email UtilWaterQuality@cocoafl.gov or call 321-433-8705. Be sure to provide your name and mailing address so a copy can be mailed to you when print copies are available. | | | | | |
