August 2026 | Issue 51

City Manager's Message

As we move through the final weeks of summer, I want to thank everyone in our community for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to making the City of Cocoa a great place to live, work, and thrive.

This summer, we proudly celebrated the achievements of the students who completed the Cocoa Works Summer Youth Employment Program. These remarkable young people gained valuable real-world work experience across several City departments while developing skills that will benefit them for years to come. We thank our dedicated staff and our partner, CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia, for mentoring the next generation of our workforce.

Thank you to everyone who supported our annual School Supply Drive. Your generosity will help ensure Cocoa students begin the new school year with the tools they need to succeed. This community-wide effort is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish when we come together to support our families and invest in our future.

Applications are still being accepted for City of Cocoa Citizens Academy Class XIII, but only a limited number of spots remain. This unique program gives residents an inside look at how local government operates through hands-on experiences, facility tours, and conversations with City leaders and staff. If you've been considering applying, I encourage you to submit your application before the class fills.

We are now in the final stages of developing the fiscal year 2027 budget, which goes into effect on October 1, 2026. This budget reflects our commitment to responsible financial stewardship, exceptional public service, and investing in the priorities that matter most to our community. I encourage residents to stay engaged by attending our budget hearings on September 9th and September 23rd. Your participation helps shape the future of our city.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we will continue building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant City of Cocoa for generations to come.

-Stockton Whitten, Cocoa City Manager

June 1st marked the beginning of hurricane season. Staying informed is the best way you can make sure you and your family are prepared before a storm’s approach. The City of Cocoa has all of the resources and information you need to be ready for a disaster. Some of the most frequently asked questions that we get before, during, and after a storm include:

Do I need to evacuate? Brevard County’s mandatory evacuation areas include the barrier islands, mobile and manufactured homes, and low-lying areas. Homes near US 1 may be in a storm surge zone. Visit the Brevard County Emergency Management website to determine whether you live in an evacuation zone. Deciding to stay when you are told to evacuate could mean a delay in emergency services and difficulty to reach you. It can also mean an increased risk of losing utility services. Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management Know Your Zone Map to see if you are in an evacuation zone.

If I evacuate, do I need to turn off my water? YES. It is a good idea to turn off the water to your home if you plan to evacuate. Also, if you own a dock, make sure to turn off the water there as well. If the main from the meter to your home breaks while you are away, it can cause flooding in and around your home. 

Will the City of Cocoa turn off my water during a storm? The City of Cocoa DOES NOT turn off water during a storm. Depending on the trajectory and strength of the impending storm, City leadership may decide to isolate the system that supplies water to the barrier islands (Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach) from the main utility system since that system is more susceptible to breaks in the system. Breaks in the barrier island system could be unreachable for many hours depending on the storm and therefore cause pressure loss to the entire utility system. This is not a guarantee for every storm. If this happens, there will still be water service, but it will be limited to the amount stored in tanks on the barrier island. Local city and utility officials will evaluate the speed, direction, and intensity of the forecasted storm to determine if and when an isolation to the system is needed. Once the decision has been made, the message will go out through the multiple communication channels throughout the entire county and will be communicated to the news media and through the City's website and social media pages. 

Barrier islands include all areas east of the Indian River including Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. Water main breaks are highly likely on the barrier islands but can happen at any location where the storm hits. All residents are advised to be prepared for potential loss of water service and for the possible issue of a Precautionary Boil Water Notice once water service is restored. Prepare by storing water ahead of the storm. 

For more frequently asked questions and hurricane preparedness information, make sure to visit our information page by clicking the button below.

Learn About Your Tax Dollars at Work Through City of Cocoa's Class XIII Citizens Academy

Seats are filling quickly for City of Cocoa's Class XIII Citizens Academy. This 10-session program designed to inform residents and business owners about the operations of city government and what is involved in delivering and maintaining services to the citizens of Cocoa. Participants will gain insight into the organizational structure and functions of different city departments, fostering a deeper appreciation of how local government enhances the quality of life in Cocoa. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to actively contribute to their neighborhoods and engage in shaping the City’s future. Program is open to all residents and business owners within the City limits of Cocoa that are 18 years of age or older and a U.S. resident.