Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach, Florida
—  City  —
An empty Cocoa Beach on a cloudy day
Location in Brevard County and the state of Florida
Coordinates: 28°19′52″N 80°36′47″W / 28.33111°N 80.61306°W / 28.33111; -80.61306Coordinates: 28°19′52″N 80°36′47″W / 28.33111°N 80.61306°W / 28.33111; -80.61306
Country  United States
State  Florida
County  Brevard
Established June 5, 1925
Incorporated (city) June 29, 1957
Government
 - Type Council-Manager
 - Mayor Dr. Leon "Skip" Beeler
 - City Manager Charles Billias
 - Vice Mayor Kevin S. Pruett
Area
 - Total 15 sq mi (39 km2)
 - Land 4.9 sq mi (12.7 km2)
 - Water 10.1 sq mi (26.3 km2)
Elevation 0 ft (0 m)
Population (1 July 2008)[1][2]
 - Total 11,920
 - Density 2,432.7/sq mi (938.6/km2)
  Census Bureau estimate
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP codes 32931-32932
Area code(s) 321
FIPS code 12-13175[3]
GNIS feature ID 0280609[4]
Website www.cityofcocoabeach.com

Cocoa Beach is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. The population was 12,482 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates of 2008, the city had a population of 11,920.[5] It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Contents

History

The first non-native settlement in the area was by a family of freed slaves following the Civil War. In 1888, a group of men from Cocoa bought the entire tract of land, which went undeveloped until it was bought out in 1923 by a member of the group—Gus Edwards, Cocoa's city attorney. At that time, Edwards' total holdings included approximately 600 acres (2.4 km2) and he had stopped practicing law to devote all his efforts to developing the area.[6][7][8]

The Town of Cocoa Beach was established on June 5, 1925. Gus C. Edwards was elected[citation needed] as mayor and served as a commissioner along with J.A. Haisten, and R.Z. Grabel. On July 27, 1925, Cocoa Beach held its first official meeting at the Cocoa Beach Casino, and adopted the City Seal.[9] A little less than a month later, plans for a pier became official.

In 1935, the FDOT opened up, what is now A1A, as a one lane dirt road to Eau Gallie.[10] In 1938, a policeman (called a "Deputy Marshal) was appointed to "to act in emergencies at night or at other times" for $.25/hour ($3.9 in 2010 dollars).[10] By 1939, the town had 49 residents. In 1940, the town requested that State Road 140 (now A1A) be routed on Orlando Avenue instead of Atlantic Avenue.[10] In 1942, the town prepared to receive men assigned to the newly opened Naval Air Station Banana River. Establishing regular garbage collection was discussed when the town discovered that the Air Station was having theirs collected.[10]

On May 1, 1942 the German submarine U-109 torpedoed the La Paz off the shore of Cocoa Beach. The crew was able to beach it with the help of tugs. Eventually it was returned to shipping. On May 3, the same U-boat sunk the SS Laertes close to the same place.[11] Local boys were recruited for salvaging efforts and to rid the beach of the subsequent debris.[12][13] Shortly after, the federal government realized the danger from backlighting from the coast, making easy targets of passing shipping, and ordered a blackout for the remainder of the war.

During World War II, Cocoa Beach experienced money shortages for employees, and money to fix roads.[10]

In 1944, the town successfully fought a bill introduced in the Florida legislature which would have dissolved the city government.[10] In 1947 a single police officer was hired for $1/hour. The same year, the city constructed works for the distribution of potable water.[10] In 1950, a volunteer fire department was created which used a second-hand vehicle.[10] In 1950, a proposal to stop people from driving on the beach was defeated.[10] In 1951, the city sought to place a stoplight, the city's first, at the intersection of what is now A1A and Minuteman Causeway.[10] In 1953, the city decided to mark the names on all streets.[10] In 1953, the city planned to pave A1A south from 520 down Orlando Avenue. The city intended to bear 1/3 of the costs, the adjacent property owners, 2/3.[10] In 1954, the Woman's Club opened a library in the building used by the Fire Department.[10] In 1955, the speed limit in most of the town was raised to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h).[10] In 1955, the city prepared to house the people that were going to be launching missiles from what is now Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.[10] In 1956, the city attorney warned the council that blacks might attempt to use the beach. If they did, he recommended clearing the beach of all persons, white and black. The 1954 decision, Brown v. Board of Education, had, in theory, at least, integrated all public facilities. Actual integration came later.

The city proposed selling the town dump to the School Board for a Junior High School, in order to keep students from being bused to Merritt Island.[10]

On June 29, 1957, the town of Cocoa Beach incorporated into a city. In September, 1959, the city voted to add more sidewalks, improve the streets in residential areas and the main streets, and to pave more roads.[14]

In 1965, Cocoa Beach High School requested that Cocoa Avenue, the street that the school was located on, be changed to Minutemen Blvd., in honour of the school's mascot, the Minuteman.

Cocoa Beach started its major growth during the 1960s (1000% population increase from 1950 to 1960)[7] due to America's space program. NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of the town. Many people moved to Cocoa Beach due to their jobs involving the space program, and in search of new opportunity.

After manned space flights, the town held parades in honor of the astronauts.

After NASA's Apollo program came to an end, and before the Shuttle program was in full swing, the town's economy reacted to the layoffs. At one point, in 1975, unemployment was 14.3%.[8] Many families lost their jobs or simply moved away. People could not sell their homes and some walked away from them.[citation needed]

Cocoa Beach was the setting for the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie; although star Barbara Eden made only two visits during the show's production (both in 1969 for publicity), and no episodes were actually filmed there.[15] Cocoa Beach High School was used as the school in the 2002 movie Race to Space.[16]

The 2010 Nebula Awards were held in the city.[17]

Government

Cocoa Beach run by a Commission-Manager government, agreed to by its citizens in 1958. The City Commission acts as the legislative branch of the city government, guided by the provisions of the Charter of the City of Cocoa Beach. The City Commission enacts ordinances and resolution that the City Manager administers as the appointed executive officer of the city government.[18]

The city owns and runs a golf course on the Banana River.[19]

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $2.09 billion.[20]

Geography

Cocoa Beach Pier built in 1962 extends into the Atlantic Ocean

Cocoa Beach is located at 28°19′52″N 80°36′47″W / 28.331035°N 80.613035°W / 28.331035; -80.613035.[21]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.0 square miles (39 km2). 4.9 square miles (13 km2) of it is land and 10.1 square miles (26 km2) of it (67.49%) is water. Bordered on the north is Cape Canaveral; on the south is Cresent Beach; on the east is the Atlantic Ocean (5.6 miles of oceanfront); on the west is the Banana River.

Propelled by a powerful hurricane, the ocean pushed its way through the barrier islands centuries ago and formed the Thousand Islands in the Indian River.[22]

Many of the homes in Cocoa Beach are built on dredged mud and sand from the Banana River.

City Commission

The City Commission is made up of five members, one of which is the Mayor. Historically, the commissioners were elected at-large to three-year terms but with a successful referendum on the 2010 ballot to hold elections on even-years, terms were increased to four years in duration. The 2010 election also resulted in the re-election of Skip Williams and a successful campaign by Dave Netterstrom for Seat #5 over the incumbent, Don John. Following the election, a Vice Mayor is then selected from the Commission members at an organizational meeting. The Mayor presides over all meetings and performs duties as delegated to the Mayor by the City Commission.[18] Seats affected by the 2010 referendum include Seat #1, Seat #4 and Seat #5.

  • Mayor/Commissioner, Seat #1 - Dr. Leon "Skip" Beeler (term expires 2012)
  • Vice-Mayor, Seat #2 - Kenneth Griffin (term expires 2012)
  • Commissioner, Seat #3 - Kevin S. Pruett (term expires 2012)
  • Commissioner, Seat #4 - Skip Williams (term expires 2014)
  • Commissioner, Seat #5 - Dave Netterstrom (term expires 2014)

City Manager

The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission and is responsible for the city's day-to-day operation. The city's charter has established a separation of powers and responsibility between the Commission and the Manager: The elected Commission establishes policy that the Manager and staff carry out. The City Manager conducts day-to-day operations through four city departments: Administrative, Public Safety, Utilities, and Recreation.[23] Charles Billias has filled this office since 1998.[24]

Public transportation

Public transportation in Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and surrounding Brevard County is provided by Space Coast Area Transit.

Surrounding areas

Climate

Cocoa Beach's climate can be classified as subtropical.

Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rec High °F 89 92 93 97 97 101 102 101 98 96 91 89
Norm High °F 72 73 77 81 85 89 91 90 88 83 78 73
Norm Low °F 50 51 55 60 66 71 72 73 72 67 60 53
Rec Low °F 17 27 25 35 47 55 60 60 58 41 30 21
Precip (in) 2.48 2.49 2.92 2.08 3.94 5.83 5.38 5.78 7.20 4.76 3.12 2.31
Source: The Weather Channel [7]

Demographics

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 12,482 people, 6,529 households, and 3,532 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,552.1 inhabitants per square mile (985.5/km²). There were 8,709 housing units at an average density of 1,780.6 per square mile (687.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.64% White, 0.62% African American, 0.22% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.52% of the population.

There were 6,529 households out of which 12.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.9% were non-families. 38.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.91 and the average family size was 2.47.

In the city the population was spread out with 12.2% under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24, 22.0% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 34.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

Economy

Personal income

The median income for a household in the city was $42,372, and the median income for a family was $51,795. Males had a median income of $39,418 versus $27,113 for females. The per capita income for the city was $28,968. About 3.7% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

Cocoa Beach is a retirement area, with the average age being 54.[25]

Tourism

Surfing manufacture and tourism add to Cocoa Beach's economy.

Ron Jon's, a surf shop, receives 2 million visitors a year.[26] Cocoa Beach is home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

The Cocoa Beach Pier, formerly known as the Cape Canaveral Pier, was built in 1962. An annual Easter Surfing Festival began in 1964. An estimated 100,000 spectators watch.[27] An annual Beach Fest is held in May.

An air show in 2009 drew a crowd estimated at 30,000.[28]

There is a store that sells dinosaur and other fossils.[29]

The Ron Jon Easter Surfing Festival drew 50,000 visitors in 2009.[30]

A Space Coast Art Festival is held annually.[31]

The largest[citation needed] charity surfing festival, National Kidney Foundation Pro-Am Surfing Festival, has been held every Labor Day Weekend in Cocoa Beach.[clarification needed]

Workforce

In 2007, the average size of Cocoa Beach's labor force was 6,344. Of that group, 6,006 were employed and 338 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 5.3%.[32]

Housing

In 2008, 6 building permits were issued. This was down from 9 permits for 11 units in 2007, which was down from 20 permits for 34 units in 2006.[33]

The median home price in 2007 was $409,000.[32]

Education

The city has three public schools:

  • Freedom 7 Elementary
  • Theodore Roosevelt Elementary
  • Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School

94% of all residents 25 years or older are high school graduates. 38.6% have a Bachelor's Degree or higher.[32]

Landmarks

  • Cocoa Beach Pier
  • Alan Shepard Beachfront Park
  • Thousand Islands Conservation Area
  • Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center and Pool Complex
  • I Dream of Jeannie Lane
  • A structure on A1A once contained a bank. It is glass and stood on spindly legs. It is still called the "Glass Bank" by locals. It was damaged by Hurricane Francis.[34]

Infrastructure

Roads

The following roads are usually called by their numbers when spoken:

  • Florida A1A.svg SR A1A is also named "Atlantic Avenue". Proceeding northbound from the southern border of the city limits, the road forks into two double-laned roads north of the Oceanus Circle intersection. The southbound road is called "Orlando"; the northbound one, "Atlantic". The two roads merge into one again, just north of the intersection with Sunflower Street.
  • Florida 520.svg SR 520

Utilities

The city contracted directly with Florida Power & Light for electricity, paying 10.689 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2010.[35]

Notable residents

Criticism

In 2010, a New York Times reporter, there to cover a launch, commented that the city

...isn't a dream destination ..(read: crowded, touristy and tacky) and...prices are astronomical during shuttle launchings

An area spokesman replied that it was common everywhere to jack up room rates for major events.[41]

Sister cities

See also

References

  1. ^ "Annual Estimates of the population for the Incorporated Places of Florida" (CSV). US Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2008-04-12.csv. Retrieved 2009-06-24. 
  2. ^ "Annual Estimates of the population for Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas" (CSV). US Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2008/CBSA-EST2008-01.csv. Retrieved 2009-06-24. 
  3. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  4. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  5. ^ 2007 Population Estimates United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2009-06-26
  6. ^ Biography of Gus C. Edwards City of Cocoa Beach - Official Site. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.
  7. ^ a b City History City of Cocoa Beach - Official Site. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.
  8. ^ a b History at a Glance City of Cocoa Beach - Official Site. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.
  9. ^ Meeting Minutes for July 27, 1925 City of Cocoa Beach - Official Site. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "The History of Cocoa Beach". City of Cocoa Beach. 2010-12-15. http://www.cityofcocoabeach.com/citylife/city_history1920-1980.htm. 
  11. ^ [1]
  12. ^ Chris Kridler (2010-08-18). "New book highlights Florida's role during World War II". Florida Today. Florida Today. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100818/LIFE/8180314/New%20book%20highlights%20Florida%20s%20role%20during%20World%20War%20II?GID=TCY2fY/MRMEAyPMROOyxMqf8zGETKpCYE1wGrTNd+mI%3D. 
  13. ^ [2]
  14. ^ [3]
  15. ^ Osborne, Ray I Dream of Jeannie Days
  16. ^ [4]
  17. ^ Harbaugh, Pam (12 May 2010). "Nebula Awards honor science, fantasy writers". Melbourne, Florida: Florida Today. pp. !D. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100512/LIFE/5120323/Nebula-Awards-honor-science-fantasy-writers. 
  18. ^ a b Elected Officials City of Cocoa Beach - Official Site. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.
  19. ^ Cocoa Beach golf course accessed March 18, 2008
  20. ^ Dean, James (April 26, 2008). More taxes or fewer services. Florida Today. 
  21. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2011-04-23. 
  22. ^ Kridler, Chris (April 20, 2007). Paddle a watery wilderness. Florida Today. 
  23. ^ City Departments City of Cocoa Beach - Official Site. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.
  24. ^ City Officials City of Cocoa Beach - Official Site. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.
  25. ^ http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=ChangeGeoContext&geo_id=16000US1213175&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US32%7C16000US3260600&_street=&_county=Cocoa+Beach%2C+Brevard&_cityTown=Cocoa+Beach%2C+Brevard&_state=04000US12&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=geoSelect&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=DEC_2000_SAFF&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null&reg=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= factfinder.census.gov
  26. ^ Travel Writer'S Magazine - Space Coast Is Great Place For Families To Commune With Nature
  27. ^ Moody, R. Norman and Best, Keilani (March 22, 2008). Surf's i[ fpr economy. Florida Today. 
  28. ^ [5] retrieved 4 October 2009[dead link]
  29. ^ Waymer, Jim (29 December 2009). "Rarity on display". Melbourne, Florida: Florida Today. pp. 1A. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091229/NEWS01/912290330/Rarity-on-display. 
  30. ^ Summers, Keyonna (3 April 2010). "Sign in the sand". Melbourne, Florida: Florida Today. pp. 1A. http://www.floridatoday.com/print/article/20100403/NEWS01/4030323/Sculpting-surfing-seen-as-plus-for-tourism. 
  31. ^ "Festivals in Brevard County". Florida Today. 2011-3-15. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/99999999/NEWS0310/3270330/Festivals. 
  32. ^ a b c Cocoa Beach Community Data Sheet Economic Development Council of Florida's Space Coast. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.
  33. ^ Building Permits United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2009-06-24.
  34. ^ Amy Shepherd Nance (2009-12-05). "A Vintage Cape Canaveral Tour". VisitFlorida.com. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-vintage-cape-canaveral-tour. 
  35. ^ Moody, R. Norman (19 March 2010). "Cocoa Beach studies municipal electriciy". Melbourne, Florida: Florida Today. pp. 1A. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100319/NEWS01/3190331/1006/Cocoa+Beach+studies+municipal+electricity. 
  36. ^ Scott, Megan K. (6 March 2011). "Hurston's real home". Florida Today (Melbourne, Florida): pp. 1D. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110309/LIFE/303090002/Zora-Neale-Hurston-s-real-home-Brevard-County. 
  37. ^ Records, Clerk of the Courts
  38. ^ Freedom Forum retrieved April 8, 2008
  39. ^ Online World of Wrestling.com retrieved April 8, 2008
  40. ^ John Wooden: UCLA Coaching Legend
  41. ^ Berman, Dave (18 May 2010). "'N.Y. Times': Liked launch, not venues". Melbourne, Florida: Florida Today. pp. 1A. 
  42. ^ [6]

External links

v · d · eMunicipalities and communities of Brevard County, Florida
County seat: Titusville
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