|
October marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for the City of Cocoa. Over the past several months, City staff and Council have worked together to carefully develop and review the Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budgets, establishing priorities and planning for the services, projects and investments that will support our community in the year ahead.
As part of the budget process, City Council approved a tax rate rate of 6.9090 mills. The FY2027 budget continues investments in the infrastructure, equipment and resources needed to provide high-quality services to our residents, businesses and customers. Major capital investments include a new dump truck to support Public Works operations, replacement vehicles for the Cocoa Police Department, a new phone system for City Hall, annual street paving and other projects and equipment that support City operations throughout Cocoa.
Our budget is more than a financial document; it is a roadmap for how we continue providing essential services while investing in the future of our community. I encourage residents to learn more about the FY2027 budget, including the budget breakdown, budget letter, and budget documents, by visiting www.CocoaFL.gov/budget.
October also brings another opportunity for residents to learn more about how their local government works. We are excited to welcome Class 8 of the Cocoa Citizens Academy as the program kicks off this month. Over the coming months, participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at City departments, services and operations while meeting the employees who work each day to serve our community.
There is also plenty to look forward to throughout Cocoa this fall. From community events and family activities to opportunities to give back and support our neighbors, the coming months are always a busy and exciting time in our city. I encourage you to explore this newsletter for information about upcoming events, programs and ways to get involved.
As we begin FY2027, we remain committed to responsibly managing City resources, investing in our community and providing professional, responsive, innovative, dedicated and exceptional public services. Thank you for staying informed, getting involved and continuing to help make Cocoa a great place to live, work and visit.
| | -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:
Will public safety personnel respond during a storm? Staying in an evacuation zone after evacuation orders have been issued puts your safety and the safety of others at risk. Emergency medical services might be unable to reach your location due to high winds, downed trees and powerlines, or flooded roads. Consequently, first responders may not be able to assist you in an emergency.
Why should I conserve water during and after a storm? Many times after a large storm that brings a lot of rain, there is a lot of pressure on sewer systems from all of the storm water. Also, electricity outages can mean the loss of power at some pump stations. After a hurricane, you may be asked to limit usage to sanitary use only —that means strictly limiting or not doing laundry, taking only very short showers, no watering your lawns, and limiting dish washing or any other activity that sends a lot of water down the drain and into the sewer system. To prevent back-up into homes, conservation is a good option. Only use your water for what is necessary until the systems can get back to normal after the storm. This is also another good reason not to rush back home after the storm.
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.
For more frequently asked questions and hurricane preparedness information, make sure to visit our information page by clicking the button below.
| | |
Join Cocoa PAL, the City of Cocoa, and Cocoa Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 4:30–7 p.m. at Provost Park, 400 S. Varr Ave. This free, family-friendly event will feature food, music, games, giveaways, children’s activities, police vehicles, displays, demonstrations, and more.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Residents are encouraged to bring the whole family to meet Cocoa Police officers, ask questions, explore police vehicles and displays, connect with neighbors, and enjoy an evening with the community. The event is hosted in partnership with the City of Cocoa, Cocoa Police Department, Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration, and Brevard County Parks & Recreation.
| | The Old Florida House Awarded a $7,500 Forgivable Loan Through UpStart Cocoa | |
The City of Cocoa has officially awarded a $7,500 forgivable loan to local event business The Old Florida House following owner Jessica Lee’s successful completion of the City’s UpStart Cocoa Business Development Program.
Launched in 2021, UpStart Cocoa supports the growth of small businesses through education, mentorship, and financial assistance. Each participant receives $10,000 in support, with $2,500 dedicated to business education and mentorship through weVENTURE in areas such as financial planning, marketing, operations, and human resources. After successfully completing the program, the remaining $7,500 can be released as a forgivable business loan to help grow their business.
| | | District 4 Townhall at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science | |
Join Councilwoman Koss and City officials for a Townhall to learn more about updates in District 4 and Cocoa at large. This is an opportunity to learn more and ask questions.
The Townhall will take place on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 6–7 p.m. at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, located at 2201 Michigan Ave. in Cocoa.
| | | | |
