Hurricane Irma by the Numbers

On Sunday, September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma began it’s path of destruction in our community. Even though the storm has come and gone, the clean-up efforts are still on-going. Here are just some statistics showing the devastation and public service support from the City of Cocoa for this storm.

Redevelopment of Cocoa's Waterfront

Engages residents help shape Cocoa's waterfront

Hurricane Irma destroyed Cocoa’s waterfront with over $1.7 million in damages to the boardwalk area and docks. However, this damage represents an opportunity for the Cocoa Community Redevelopment Agency to refine and update the original Waterfront Master Plan adopted in 2008. A public meeting was held in January to gather input from residents and business owners on what they would like to see developed along the waterfront. Over 200 people attended this first public meeting and a second meeting is planned for February 26th at 6pm at the Cocoa Civic Center to get additional feedback. A final plan will then be presented to the Cocoa CRA for approval. Redevelopment and investment in the waterfront will hopefully attract more investment in the Cocoa Village area as a whole. For more info, contact (321) 433-8525.

Register Today for Mayor's Fitness Challenge

The City of Cocoa is participating in the 2018 Health First Mayor’s Fitness Challenge. Twelve mayors in Brevard County, including Cocoa Mayor Henry Parrish, III, are challenging their citizens to get involved in this healthy competition. The FREE 12 week challenge will track the minutes of participants’ healthy activities. For more information on the challenge and how you can join #TeamCocoa, visit https://www.cocoafl.org/1449/Mayors-Fitness-Challenge.

Volunteer Spotlight - Connie Harvey

Cocoa resident, Connie Harvey joined Cocoa’s Board of Adjustment (BOA) in January 2015 where she volunteers her time to sit and review cases for special exceptions and variances to the zoning ordinance.

Besides her time with the BOA, Connie is a regular at Cocoa’s fundraising events such as the Taylor Park Community Fundraiser, Cocoa’s United Way Campaign events and many more. She is a staple when it comes to raising funds for this community.

This past November when the Space Coast Marathon was fast approaching, Connie organized a small community trash clean-up to make sure our community was in top shape for the thousands of visitors that attend that event. Hurricane Irma had washed up trash and debris to an area along the riverfront where runners passed on the marathon course. In about two days, Connie organized helpers to make sure the area was in pristine condition for our visitors.

Connie also volunteers regularly with the American Red Cross. She helped coordinate volunteers for the Broadmoor Acres smoke alarm installation in early February where they installed new smoke alarms in hundreds of homes in the community.

Connie is a great asset to the City of Cocoa and to our community. To view our past volunteer spotlights, visit https://www.cocoafl.org/Blog.aspx?CID=3.

Drop Savers Poster Contest

Each year the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association sponsors the statewide “Drop Savers” Water Conservation Poster Contest. The Cocoa Utilities Department is encouraging schools and students in our service area to participate in this year's contest. The poster contest allows participants to have fun and at the same time promote the importance of water conservation in their homes.

The deadline for local winners to be submitted for judging at the state level is Tuesday March 14, 2018. So we are beginning preparations for showcasing the creativity of our local school children now. The deadline for submitting posters to the Cocoa Utilities Department is March 6, 2018. Local winners will be chosen in five different divisions, with winning entries advancing for statewide judging.

Posters will be designated under one of the following categories:
Division 1: Kindergarten and First Grade
Division 2: Second and Third Grade
Division 3: Fourth and Fifth Grade
Division 4: Middle School; Grades Six, Seven and Eight
Division 5: High School; Grades Nine, Ten, Eleven and Twelve

To get copies of the contest materials and for more information, please contact Don Downs at (321) 433-8705 or by e-mail at ddowns@cocoafl.org, or visit the Florida Section web site at www.fsawwa.org/dropsavers.

Cocoa's Hometown Heroes - The Cocoa Rotary Club

Cocoa Rotarians are committed to providing service to the Cocoa Community through programs and events and thus why they are considered Cocoa's Hometown Hero for this quarter. To read all about the Cocoa Rotary Club and what they do for the community and to see past Hometown Heroes, visit https://www.cocoafl.org/Blog.aspx?CID=4.

To read more of the FYI newsletter, visit www.CocoaFL.org/FYI!