District 3 Town Hall Meeting

 
MINUTES 
CITY OF COCOA 
District 3 Town Hall Meeting 
April 24, 2025 
A Town Hall Meeting was held on T hursday, April 24, 202 5 located at the Catherine 
Schweinsberg Rood Central Library, 308 Forrest Ave, Cocoa, Florida, as publicly noticed. 
l.     Introduction:  
Deputy Mayor Weeks called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.  
Sue Cottrell provided the invocation and  Wayne Weeks led the assembly in the 
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.  
      Present: (see roster) 
    
       Absent:  (see roster) 
        
Deputy Mayor Weeks introduced Council members. 
Deputy Mayor Weeks introduced staff members present.  
II.     Development Update: 
Luci Ribeiro, City Planner, went over the approved projects in various stages of 
development. 
III. SR524 Expansion Project: 
City Manager Whitten spoke about the SR524 expansion. He broke down the 
four phases of the project.  
Abby Morgan, Public Works Director, elaborated on the phases and costs for the 
project. 
IV. Cocoa’s Brightline Multimodal Station: 
Samantha Senger, Communication and Economic Development Director, 
provided an update on the Brightline Station progress. She reviewed the 
conceptual plan and cost breakdown. 
V.  Cocoa Conservation Area:  


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City Manager Whitten spoke about the Cocoa Conservation Area. He detailed 
the 300+ acres available for outdoor recreational use. 
VI.  Junny Rios Martinez Park:  
Ms. Morgan spoke about Junny Rios Martinez Park and its amenities. She spoke 
about the repairs being made. 
VI.  Questions:  
Steve Murphy, Sherwood Cir., Cocoa, asked about Junny Rios Matinez park and 
the splash pad. 
Deputy Mayor Weeks responded to his concerns.  
City Manager Whitten provided further clarification. 
Mr. Murphy also asked about funding for SR524. 
City Manager Whitten responded to his concerns. 
Barbie Brown, Saxton Road, asked about 4 lanes on SR524. 
City Manager Whitten provided clarification. 
Ms. Brown asked about the roads at Adamson Creek. 
City Manager Whitten responded to her concerns. 
John Bulcock, Orsino Lane, spoke about emergency vehicles going through 
Adamson Creek and speed bumps. 
Billy Long, Cox Road, Cocoa, spoke about his concern with the conservation 
trailhead and privacy for those that live near it.  
City Manager Whitten spoke about the homes at the proposed trailhead and the 
commitment of respecting the privacy of those that live there. 
Melanie Jones, Cox Road, Cocoa, spoke about the trailhead and how close it is 
to the properties and inquired about the stormwater runoff. 
A citizen spoke about the turn at Adamson Creek. 
City Manager Whitten addressed his concerns. 
A citizen spoke about the multiple accidents at the intersection. 


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Deputy Mayor Weeks responded to their concerns.  
A citizen from Lost Lakes spoke about the easement at Friday Road. 
City Manager Whitten stated that the developer was responsible for the upkeep. 
Ms. Ribeiro clarified. 
A citizen spoke about Orlando Health potentially building a hospital in Cocoa. 
City Manager Whitten addressed the comment.  
Carol Marinez, Woodsmill Boulevard, asked who would be maintaining the road 
at Lost Lakes. 
Deputy Mayor Weeks answered her question. 
Sandy Washburn, Woodsmill Boulevard, asked about noises from the truck stop. 
Ms. Ribeiro clarified that there was no overnight parking. 
 Al M’Clanahan, Lost Lakes, spoke about pink flags that were put up by SR524 
and the new station. 
City Manager Whitten clarified.  
A citizen asked about property available for commercial use. 
Ms. Senger provided further information.  
A discussion on roundabouts was held.  
Lieutenant Mark Baaden spoke about District 3 and the homeless problem. He 
recommended utilizing property lines to determine if they’re on Cocoa property 
so the police department can properly address the issue.  
Billy Long, Cox Road, Cocoa, spoke about foot and bike traffic. 
Lieutenant Baaden responded. He expressed his commitment to the City of 
Cocoa.  
Chief Collier spoke about recruiting the best officers. He spoke about traffic 
problems at SR524 and Industry Road and encouraged everyone to practice safe 
driving.  


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Councilmember Goins congratulated Deputy Mayor Weeks on her first Town 
Hall.  
* The District 3 Town Hall Meeting adjourned at 7:23 pm. 
         
 
        __________________________ 
        Michael C. Blake, Mayor 
 ATTEST: 
 
 ___________________________ 
 Breanna Earley, Assistant City Clerk