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As we continue to focus on responsible planning and strong financial stewardship, I want to begin by congratulating our outstanding Finance team for once again earning two prestigious national recognitions: the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. These honors have been received consistently year after year, reflecting the team’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in financial reporting on behalf of our community.
With that same commitment in mind, we are now preparing for our upcoming budget development process. Each year, Cocoa City Council holds Priorities and Planning Special Meetings to review current and future priorities as we begin discussions for the next fiscal year budget. These conversations help guide decisions as we plan for Fiscal Year 2027, which runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
To support this important effort, we will be hosting a public meeting on:
📅 Tuesday, February 17th
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Council Chambers at Cocoa City Hall
This meeting is open to the public, and we encourage residents to attend and participate. Community input plays a vital role in shaping the priorities that will guide the City’s future.
I also want to share our excitement about the recent ground-breaking ceremony for the new Michael C. Blake Subdivision in the Diamond Square Community. This partnership with Lennar Homes will provide more than 30 new affordable workforce housing options in Diamond Square—an important step forward as we continue working to expand housing opportunities for Cocoa residents. You can learn more about this project by visiting the City’s website, and you can read additional updates throughout this month’s newsletter.
As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more vibrant Cocoa. Please take a moment to review the information in this newsletter, and feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback.
| -Stockton Whitten, Cocoa City Manager | | |
The City of Cocoa and Cocoa Fire Rescue invite the community to help welcome Fire Truck 32 into service during an unique push-in ceremony at Cocoa Fire Station 2 on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 4:30pm.
This special event celebrates a major investment in public safety and the arrival of a new ladder truck featuring advanced aerial capabilities and modern safety features. Truck 32 is also uniquely wrapped in Cocoa High School “Tiger Pride” colors (black and orange) and incorporates the school logo—honoring the pride and unity that connects residents, students, families, and first responders.
The ceremony will include the Cocoa High School band and cheerleaders, along with City leaders, school representatives, and Cocoa Fire Rescue personnel. Community members are encouraged to attend and take part in the push-in tradition as the newest fire truck officially joins the front line.
| | Annual Water System Maintenance: February 21 - March 21, 2026 | From February 21, 2026, to March 21, 2026, the Cocoa Utilities Department will temporarily adjust its water disinfection process to provide additional protection against contamination and ensure your water remains safe. During this time, customers may notice a slight chlorine odor or a change in the taste or color of their tap water. These temporary changes will not affect the safety of your drinking water. Click the button below to learn more and to view frequently asked questions. | | |
City Council Special Meeting | |
The Cocoa City Council will be hosting a Council Priority and Planning Special Meeting to begin the process of setting priorities and planning for the upcoming 2027 fiscal year budget.
📅 Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – 6:00 PM, Council Chambers at Cocoa City Hall
The process is crucial, as it helps guide city spending in a way that best reflects the community’s needs. By hosting this open session, the Cocoa City Council emphasizes transparency and encourages civic participation.
| | Finance Awarded Excellence in Finacial Reporting | The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) once again awarded the City of Cocoa the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. | |  | Finance Awarded Distinguished Budget Presentation Award | |
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is pleased to announce that City of Cocoa received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing
body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. This is the 8th year in a row that the city has received this recognition.
| | | Inclusive Playground Now Open at Provost Park | |
An inspiring mother-daughter duo helped spark positive change in our community after sharing their vision with City Council last year about the need for more inclusive playground equipment.
Thanks to their passion and advocacy, Council approved the addition of new inclusive playground equipment at Provost Park during the October 28, 2025 Council meeting.
We’re excited to share that the new inclusive playground is now open — a welcoming space where every child can play, explore, and belong! A ribbon cutting announcement will be coming soon.
| | Cast Your Vote: Help Honor Cocoa Community Legends | |
The City of Cocoa is preparing to install a new Fitness Court at Provost Park to promote health and wellness in the community. The project will also include an Activity Wall Mural honoring Cocoa’s history and cultural heritage.
Residents are invited to vote for individuals to be featured on the mural. The names selected by Cocoa Council for voting include Ed Jones, Norman “Big Shug” Davis, Nathaniel Hooks, Dr. Willie Oliver Wells, Sr., James Rowe, Jr., Mary Dorn, Mildred Williams, Frank Sullivan, Jessie Ruth Monroe, Reche Sims, and Rosemary McGill.
Voting is limited to one vote per person, and duplicate votes from the same device will be removed. The deadline to vote is Friday, February 20, 2026. Top vote-getters will be presented to Cocoa City Council on February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Cocoa City Hall, where Council will make the final selection of six individuals to appear on the mural.
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