Space Coast tourism officials have some concerns about the outlook for their industry in light of the national political climate and proposed legislation in Tallahassee Among those worried is hotel owner Tom Hermansen, who also is vice chair of the Brevard County Tourist Development Council Hermansen has ownership interest in six hotels in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral He said advance bookings six months out at his hotels are down compared with the previous year at this time Tourism officials say their concerns include uncertainty about the U.S economy; declining consumer confidence; Canadians who are hesitant to visit the United States because of political friction between the two countries; and cutback in budgets for travel by government employees After year-over-year increases in Brevard County tourist development tax collections in the first four months of the county's budget year that began Oct the collections fell by 7% in February — the latest-available figure — compared with February 2024 The county collects a 5% tourist development tax on hotel rooms vacation rentals and other short-terms rentals The figure is viewed as a key economic indicator of the strength of tourism Tourism officials are anxiously awaiting the March and April figures which encompass the historically busy spring break period "We're just cautiously watching what these numbers do," Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Cranis said the Office of Tourism in May will begin its summer marketing campaign hoping to attract more visitors to the area Tourism is a big sector of the local economy accounting for 46,000 direct and spinoff jobs with $1.5 billion a year in tourism-related wages About 30% of the sales tax and 20% of the gas tax collected in Brevard County is paid by tourists according to a study commissioned by the Office of Tourism Tourism officials also are wary about a tax proposal approved by the Florida House of Representatives that would direct counties to give a county's property owners rebates on their property-tax bills equivalent to 75% of what the county collects in tourist development tax on hotel rooms Brevard's tourist development tax generated $25.26 million in revenue in the last budget year. That money is used to market the Space Coast to tourists, as well as for such things as beach renourishment; grants for tourism-related capital facilities; grants for cultural and sports organizations and events; the Brevard Zoo; and ocean lifeguards counties could use tourist development tax revenue for any purpose and tourist development councils would be eliminated "We're all watching what the legislature is doing, and we'll see how that develops," said Tourist Development Council Chair Rob Feltner, who also chairs the Brevard County Commission Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54 Home » Home » JUST RELEASED: U.S Navy Blue Angels Scheduled to Perform at Cocoa Beach Air-Space Expo Coming April 2026 By  //  May 3 FLORIDA – The United States Navy Blue Angels are officially scheduled to headline the 2026 Cocoa Beach Air Expo bringing their world-renowned aerial performance to Florida’s Space Coast next spring Organizers announced that the elite flight demonstration squadron will perform during the weekend of April 11-12 will once again transform the beachfront into a prime viewing area for some of the most thrilling aviation displays in the world who have thrilled millions of spectators since 1946 will showcase their precision maneuvers in the powerful Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets Their performance will highlight the Air Expo’s lineup which is expected to feature a range of military and civilian aircraft displays The 2026 show will mark the Blue Angels’ first appearance in Cocoa Beach since 2021 when they participated in the Space Coast International Air Show Thousands are expected to flock to the beaches to witness the high-speed passes and aerobatic feats that have made the Blue Angels one of the world’s premier aerial teams Local officials are working closely with event organizers to coordinate parking Founded shortly after World War II to inspire public interest in naval aviation the Blue Angels have performed for more than 500 million spectators worldwide Their appearance at the Cocoa Beach Air Expo 2026 will celebrate 80 years of the squadron’s history and excellence Click Here to Sign Up for Text Alerts Jury selection began on May 5 in the trial of Karly Anderson, a former elementary school teacher charged in connection to a massive teen party that took place earlier this year Judge Kimberly Musselman and attorneys for the state and Anderson began the process this week of eliminating jurors who may have prior knowledge or not be impartial about the proceedings Defense attorney Kenneth Weaver at the May 5 jury selection emphasized that free speech rights under the Constitution were important to his client’s defense “This case is about free speech. The jury needs to be instructed that everybody has a right to free speech,” said Weaver, who previously told FLORIDA TODAY that Anderson was not present at the home when the party took place but rather out to dinner with Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan then-principal of Roosevelt Elementary School Anderson only arrived at the home after police called Hill-Brodigan to alert her that a party was being held at her residence Weaver filed a motion to dismiss all three charges on April 23, saying body cam footage that showed Anderson admitting to drinking at the party and shouting profanities at a Cocoa Beach police officer was accurate but that Anderson's actions "do not support any of the three charges as a matter of law." Anderson entered pleas of not guilty for all counts Anderson's trial comes less than four months after she was arrested in connection to the alcohol-fueled party at Hill-Brodigan's home was initially charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor The party and arrests garnered national media coverage with body cam footage circulating on social media in the following weeks Following the arrests, both Anderson and Hill-Brodigan were placed on paid administrative leave by Brevard Public Schools. But because Anderson was cleared of felony charges, she was allowed to return to the classroom in mid-April, this time at Saturn Elementary School in Cocoa She worked at the school for two days before being put back on paid leave with School Board Vice Chair Matt Susin saying the district had not previously seen body cam footage showing her shouting profanities at a Cocoa Beach police officer according to BPS Spokesperson Janet Murnaghan Hill-Brodigan was placed on unpaid leave after she was formally charged at the end of March with one count of child neglect five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of holding an open house party A trial date for Hill-Brodigan has not been set Several of the 24 initial jurors in Anderson's trial admitted to having prior knowledge of the case from consuming news media Multiple jurors said they had seen video of Anderson appearing to be under the influence of alcohol in various news reports and stated that it could impact their impartiality on the case Musselman told jurors she expected the trial to take no more than two or three days Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com Home » Home » WATCH: Cocoa Beach Weekend Surf & Weather Report with Nikki McCoy Freeman By  //  May 2 ABOVE VIDEO: Cocoa Beach Weekend Surf & Weather Report with Nikki McCoy Freeman Let’s dive into your Cocoa Beach surf and weather forecast for this weekend Friday’s bringing us a mix of clouds and sun Surf’s looking to be in the 1-2 ft range—knee to thigh high Winds will be from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph Saturday’s forecast is partly sunny and pleasant Winds will be from the south-southeast around 15 mph Tip of the day: Grab your longboard and hit the waves early to avoid the chop Sunday brings more clouds with a chance of showers and thunderstorms Morning winds from the southwest around 10 mph will shift to the south-southeast later making for semi-clean conditions early on so you might want to Consider an early session to catch the cleaner conditions before the weather turns That’s your weekend surf and weather update for Cocoa Beach Whether you’re catching waves or just soaking up the sun Don’t forget your sunscreen and stay hydrated And hey — if you’re dreaming of calling the Space Coast home or maybe you’re thinking about selling while the market’s still hot I’m Nikki Freeman with McCoy Freeman Compass — your local real estate expert Let’s connect and make your beachside dream a reality BREVARD COUNTY – A SWAT team struck a home in Brevard County on Friday morning as part of a month-long drug investigation according to the Cocoa Beach Police Department In a release detectives said they worked with the sheriff’s office’s SWAT team to execute a search warrant around 9 a.m a significant quantity of narcotics and drug paraphernalia was discovered inside the home,” the release reads the man living at the home — identified as 40-year-old Scott McElman — was arrested and now faces the following charges: “The arrest follows a month-long investigation by Cocoa Beach detectives who gathered sufficient evidence to obtain the search warrant,” the release continues McElman had previously been arrested by Cocoa Beach police in 2022 on similar drug-related charges though he was out on bond awaiting trial when Friday’s SWAT raid occurred Anyone with more information about this case is urged to contact detectives at (321) 868-3248 Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us / Follow on Social Media Careers at WKMG Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications EEO Report Disability Assistance Copyright © 2025 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group This story has been updated to include additional information A Cocoa Beach teacher arrested in January in connection to an alcohol-fueled teen party — who has since resigned — now faces a third charge A court document filed on April 22 by prosecutors added the additional charge of resisting an officer without violence an officer of the Cocoa Beach Police Department while such officer was in the execution of legal process or in the lawful execution of a legal duty without offering or doing violence to the person of such officer," prosecutors wrote Anderson entered pleas of not guilty for all counts on April 23 filed a motion to dismiss all three charges saying body cam footage —  which showed Anderson admitting to drinking at the party and shouting profanities at Brown —  was accurate Judge Kimberly Musselman ordered the case to remain as previously set Both Anderson and Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, then-principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, were arrested in January after a Jan. 19 house party attended by more than 100 teens took place at Hill-Brodigan's home, according to a police report. In interviews conducted following the party students told police that the party involved underage drinking the use of marijuana and fights between teens seen in Cocoa Beach Police body cam footage was discovered having an alcohol-related medical episode on Hill-Brodigan's front lawn and another was charged with driving under the influence as she left the party Students also said similar parties took place regularly at Hill-Brodigan's home Both women were present at the home, according to court records, and Brevard Public Schools placed them both on paid administrative leave immediately after the incident. Hill-Brodigan's leave was switched to unpaid leave in April after the state attorney's office formally charged her with one count of child neglect with School Board Vice Chair Matt Susin saying the district had not previously seen body cam footage showing her shouting profanities that (footage) was not afforded to us before yesterday afternoon and we accept the fact that we're going to be putting in the investigation," he said at an April 15 press conference "This is deplorable action; the entire thing is not acceptable to BPS standards." Susin added that the district was going to investigate whether or not Anderson took part in the party, something that Weaver has contested, telling FLORIDA TODAY that she and Hill-Brodigan had been out to dinner when police called to alert Hill-Brodigan to a party taking place at the home Anderson didn't supply any alcohol to any juveniles didn't have anything to do with it," Weaver said and the police made all kinds of assumptions." No trial date has been set for Hill-Brodigan Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com Marisa Spyker is the Senior Writer at Southern Living where she enjoys dabbling in stories throughout the magazine from gorgeous home features to profiles of the South's creatives much of which has been spent staring at photos of pretty homes and gleaning inspiration for her next beach vacation While born and raised in South Florida and a proud University of Florida alum (Go Gators!) she currently lives with her husband and two daughters in Santa Cruz She can often be found schooling West Coasters on the joys of Southern charm and Key Lime Pie COCOA BEACH, Fla. – If you want to see some doggos Hang 18–yes most dogs have 18 toes–then head on down to the 13th Annual East Coast Dog Surfing Festival at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach from 8 a.m Have a paw-sitively good time watching these hot dogs looking quite fetching while taking part in surfing lessons from 9 a.m and the East Coast Dog Surfing Championship from noon until 1 p.m [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos] Organizers also promise a doggy Easter outfit contest For more information on the event hosted by the Brevard Humane Society, paw-lease click here. festivals and more by signing up for our Central Florida Happenings newsletter mostly as a photojournalist and video journalist before joining Spectrum News 13 as a web editor and digital journalist in 2021 Home » Home » 2025 Thunder on Cocoa Beach Offshore Powerboat Race Set for May 15-18 By  //  April 30 one of the nation’s top offshore powerboat racing events announced KelTec as the official title sponsor for the 2025 races The KelTec Thunder on Cocoa Beach will take place this year from May 15 to May 18 bringing high-speed action and community celebration to Florida’s Space Coast a leading innovator in firearm design and manufacturing joins forces with Thunder on Cocoa Beach in a partnership fueled by performance KelTec has been a supporting sponsor of Thunder on Cocoa Beach since 2017 This elevation in sponsorship marks a major milestone for both organizations and will enhance the overall experience for race teams “Partnering with KelTec has always been a natural fit,” said Kerry Bartlett Executive Director of Thunder on Cocoa Beach “Both offshore racing and KelTec are rooted in American ingenuity We’re excited to have them on board as title sponsor as we kick off what promises to be our biggest year yet.” WATCH: George Kellgren founded KelTec in 1991 in Cocoa KelTec is now one of the top five handgun makers in America and one of the largest in the world They strongly support the individual right to keep and bear arms as defined in the Second Amendment of the U.S KelTec has long been a staple of the local economy and a supporter of community initiatives Their commitment to innovation and American manufacturing makes them a perfect match for an event that celebrates speed “We’re proud to support an event that puts Cocoa Beach on the national stage,” said Derek Kellgren “Thunder on Cocoa Beach draws thrill-seekers and racing enthusiasts from across the country—many of whom share our values and interests It’s an incredible opportunity to give back to our local community and connect with them in a big way.” The KelTec Thunder on Cocoa Beach will feature four days of world-class racing 2025 promises to be the best year yet of offshore racing on Cocoa Beach ■ 6 pm – 10 pm – High Octane Kick-Off Party behind Sandbar in Cocoa Beach ■ 10 pm-close – Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party (TBD) ■ 9 am-5 pm – Registration & Inspection: Race Village- Racer Village Flounder Dr ■ 4:30-5:30 – Boats move from Port Canaveral to Downtown Cocoa Beach ■ 6 pm – 10 pm Thunder on Cocoa Beach Downtown Street Party ■ 10 pm-close – Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party ■ 10 am – 4 pm VIP Experience Start/Finish Line @ Lori Wilson Park (Beach Side) ■ 10 am-5 pm Power Boats in Dry Pits: Race Village Flounder Dr 9 am-4 pm – Launching @ Scorpion Marine 10 am-4pm – Power Boats in Dry Pits: Race Village Flounder Dr 10 am – 4 pm VIP Experience Start/Finish Line @ Lori Wilson Park (Beach Side) Click here for tickets 10 pm-close – Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party (TBD) CLICK HERE for race schedules A 12-year-old was recovering Monday after being pulled out of the surf in Cocoa Beach Sunday with what initially appeared to be a possible shark bite to the knee But officials now believe the laceration may instead have been caused by the fin of a surfboard Brevard County Fire-Rescue officials said Monday Sunday in the waters off of the Cocoa Beach Causeway as beachgoers walked along the shoreline and swam in the warm waters of the surf Brevard County Ocean Rescue lifeguards lifeguards immediately responded and applied the tourniquet to stop the bleeding from the boy's leg Cocoa Beach Fire crews also responded to the site The boy was placed on a medical transport helicopter and airlifted to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Families in Orlando The boy's condition was not immediately known There were no shark warnings prior to the boy being injured in the waters Florida has averaged 19 unprovoked shark attacks over the last five years J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com dozers and trucks had their way with the beach The latest installment of beach renourishment is wrapping up and the giant pipes pouring sand onto the strand will soon be gone More: 'Doc' Ehrhart leaves turtle legacy 'Old school' naturalist, sea turtle legend leaves legacy of a refuge and 'new school' naturalists state and federal environmental agencies are allowing work on the beach until May 15 as long as proper environmental protections are in place to protect sea turtles The extra time is needed because of several weather delays Where are the various beach renourishment projects?According to the county's Natural Resources Management Office the federal renourishment projects are as follows: to renourish beaches in the Mid and South Reach segments of the Brevard Co. Trucks hauled in the Mid Reach sand beginning in December 2024 The county is planting sea oats and similar plants throughout the Mid Reach on the newly constructed dune slopes Because of mechanical problems with the contractor’s dredge between Spessard Holland Park and Flug Avenue was delayed and likely will start in November to be completed before April 30 Where can I learn more about beach renourishment schedules?Mid Reach and South Reach progress maps can be seen on the Olsen-Associates website at https://olsen-associates.com/brevardbeach/, or visit the county's beaches site at https://brevardfl.gov/NaturalResources/Beaches They can disrupt nesting turtles and cause hatchlings to wander toward the lights Beachside homes and businesses must turn out or shade their lights during sea turtle nesting season Brevard County has a "lights-out" ordinance effective May 1 to Oct 31 that requires all lights visible from the beach to be either covered Although sea turtles are less affected by red light Because of climate change and sea level rise Turtles have difficulty nesting on severely eroded beaches But a recent study by Ecological Associates of Jensen Beach and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found less loggerhead sea turtle nesting success after beach nourishment on Hutchinson Island They also found the percentage of nests that washed out on the wide flat nourished beach was 3.5 times greater than on the narrower naturally sloped beach that preceded nourishment The researchers recommended nourished beaches be built with as much slope as possible from the waterline to the dune Reach him at (321) 261-5903 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com There are some very cool canines stoked to hang eight on Easter Sunday at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. It’s the 13th annual East Coast Dog Surfing Festival when pups near and far battle to be crowned top dog Orchestrated by the Brevard Humane Society and supported by Ron Jon Surf Shop the East Coast Dog Surfing Festival features pawthletes riding the waves Sammie the chiweenie returns to defend his title particularly from Tik Tok sensation Gnarly Charley golden retriever and Jersey boy who is traveling all the way from the Garden State for the festival “He is little but he is mighty,” said Humane Society executive director Theresa Clifton Also making a return appearance is Marley the Corgi Think of the kudos as a “Miss Congeniality” for surfing canines because he proved a true gent at the beach and on the waves Close to a dozen dogs have already been registered to compete including canine influencer Willi Good Dog who has been said prefers surfing backwards If you are a dog parent eager to teach your fur baby to ride surf you should have already registered for the dog surfing lessons But it doesn’t cost anything to “audit” the class taught by John Gall who won the festival not once but three times before kidney cancer claimed the doggy athlete’s life Quite possibly the Space Coast’s quirkiest event the East Coast Dog Surfing Festival is also more than surfing The competition is not gender specific and last year’s contestants included a boy dog sporting an itsy “It’s an interesting competition just by itself,” Clifton said well-attired dogs can strut their best Easter bonnets with a Bunny Paddle Out for humans and dogs Free bunny ears will be handed out to the first 50 surfers of both species The Doggy Easter Outfit Contest is at 10 a.m The dog surfing championship begins at noon and ends at 1 p.m. followed by the Doggy Biking Contest at 1 p.m The festival features more than $500 in contest prizes vendors and live music from Nowhere to Rum Dogs are not usually permitted at Lori Wilson Park which raises critical funds for the homeless animals cared for by the Brevard Humane Society Canines are allowed on the beach during that time period as long as owners have proof of current vaccinations the dogs are leashed and owners pay the $5 dog beach access the fun starts early with pre-party “Wags & Waves” from 4 to 7 p.m. a 50/50 raffle and a chance for photo ops with the furry surfers before the big event “It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Easter with your family all while supporting a great cause,” said Clifton For more details, visit brevardhumanesociety.org Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network "This opportunity to continue is incredible It's so amazing that I get to be a part of all these people's lives," said Tyner Located at 35 N. Brevard Ave., Coastal Market will incorporate Oasis into their store, with the grand opening for Oasis inside the market set for May 10. Coastal Market Cocoa Beach sells breakfast sandwiches hot and cold specialty sandwiches and more "We could not stand the thought of Oasis closing for good Vicki and Oasis have been a cherished part of the Cocoa Beach community for over 18 years Our kids and grandkids grew up enjoying her one-of-a-kind shaved ice there," said Grainger "We realized we had the room in our local produce and deli to bring Oasis on board and let her continue the strong tradition of serving the community "We needed to find a solution to keep the legacy alive in Cocoa Beach We felt strongly that because of our more central location we would be a better spot to serve the community as we open the next chapter of Coastal Market and Oasis," said Buchanan Tyner shared with FLORIDA TODAY that the building at 157 N had sold and the new owners decided not to renew her lease This news arrived amidst an unexpected health emergency leaving Tyner uncertain about her future plans She feared she'd be left closing permanently She held her farewell on a weekend in March and shared parting words and shaved ice with more than 750 people including one family who drove from Kentucky to say a final goodbye This combination creates a unique shaved ice experience and will continue at the new location One flavor that has particularly distinguished Oasis Shaved Ice is Harry Potter's Butterbeer, known locally as "Budder beer." “The Budder beer flavor is legendary,” Tyner said So legendary that even employees from Universal Studies have come by to try it Tyner initially launched her business in 2007 at a gas station on State Road A1A in Satellite Beach before moving near Heidi's Jazz Club in downtown Cocoa Beach Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY's food and dining reporter The 2025 Ron Jon Cocoa Beach Triathlon is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center located at 4800 Tom Warriner Blvd The Triathlon starts at 7:05 a.m., the duathlon will follow at 7:15 a.m. and the 5K run begins at 7:30 p.m. All athletes competing on Sunday are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the course map The biking portion of the competition will feature athletes following a route on A1A Those competing in the competition can pick up their pre-race packets Saturday on the day of the race at Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center Walk-up registration is only open from 12 p.m Parking on the day on the race will be available at Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr No parking is allowed at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center on Sunday during the race There will be eight different award categories presented to athletes after the event The awards ceremony will start around 9:15 a.m Cocoa Beach’s Independence Day celebration this year is swapping fireworks for drones The Drone Light Show Spectacular will take place Saturday It coincides with a week-long celebration for the city’s centennial anniversary “It’s a good alternative to try,” Cocoa Beach mayor Keith Capizzi said referring to the drone show it doesn’t scare dogs or veterans and it’s cheaper Last summer, numerous cities across the country did away with fireworks in favor of drones for many of the reasons Capizzi mentioned They included cities in California like Los Angeles Louis also did away with firework shows last Fourth of July The drone show will include hundreds of drones creating numerous formations that celebrate Cocoa Beach’s 100-year history. The center of the show will be at Cocoa Beach City Hall People are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show No city-wide activities are planned for Friday but the centennial celebrations are being held in July to coincide with Independence Day festivities. Various events are planned to celebrate, including a coloring contest for children that is already accepting admissions It’s open to Cocoa Beach residents up to age 17 They must color this specific coloring sheet and turn it in by June 5 One winner will be selected in four different age categories She can be reached at Mspitzer@Floridatoday.com COCOA BEACH – A 12-year-old boy was airlifted to an Orlando hospital after he was injured The incident happened Sunday afternoon off Cocoa Beach BCFR said on Sunday that the boy was injured by “some kind of bite” before clarifying a day later that the boy’s injury was “caused by a fin on his surfboard.” The boy suffered a laceration to his knee and was pulled from the water by Brevard County lifeguards He was then airlifted to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Walking in the sunshine in downtown Cocoa Beach, Howie D of the legendary boy band Backstreet Boys looked up from the sidewalk at the cursive "Coa Lounge" sign adorning The Surf, his newly opened white-and-pastel blue condominium complex "I feel like it has a cross between a Miami-Palm Springs vibe," Howie D said The Surf is a five-story oceanfront complex housing 25 high-end residences with a second-story pool deck; Coa a restaurant serving modern American cuisine "peppered with global influences and technique;" and Coa Lounge described as "a Floridaterranean cocktail lounge." One of Cocoa Beach's highest-profile downtown properties Coa and Coa Lounge share the ground floor of The Surf The complex is located on North Atlantic Avenue between Minutemen Causeway and North First Street June 2020 story: Backstreet Boy Howie D launches $35M Cocoa Beach downtown condominium complex The Surf received its certificate of occupancy on Feb broker-owner of Sand Dollar Realty of Brevard The largest units clock in as 4,050-square-foot penthouses with 11-foot ceilings Boyd is listing an available resale unit: a third-floor 1,770-square-foot condo with three bedrooms and two bathrooms for $1.479 million This unit features floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors a kitchen with quartz countertops and Bosch appliances Coa started serving dishes March 4 for family and friends, kicking off a series of soft-opening events. The restaurant and adjacent Coa Lounge opened to the public Tuesday. The address is 65 N. Atlantic Ave., and hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Reservations are encouraged at coacocoabeach.com Coa and Coa Lounge is targeted for mid-April "This elevated food and beverage that's available to our guests in the area is what we were starving for in Cocoa Beach and Brevard County right now," said Rich Hensel He co-owns Rising Tide Tap & Table and Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill at Port Canaveral "So I think all the elements that we bring that Howie and Johnny see when they travel all over the world and start bringing those conceptual ideas here brother and business partner of Howie D (Howard Dorough) They co-own Dorough Brothers Development & Consulting a Winter Park real estate development firm that builds residential and commercial properties along Florida's Space Coast A groundbreaking ceremony for The Surf took place in March 2021 John Dorough said the project clocked in below its original $35 million construction target price John Dorough strode across a sunny outdoor deck overlooking downtown Cocoa Beach "This is one of the amenity decks — we have two sides This one here has two fire pits and umbrellas Even the restaurants: We would like to go ahead and do private parties for the residents up here This is perfect for that kind of stuff," he said the larger second-story deck features a pool grill and the circular "bowl" jutting out from the front of the building John Dorough credited architects Dave Jackson and Andrew Kirschner with setting "the vibe" for The Surf along with Catherine Sands of Blue Daze Designs in Orlando Brian Ellison Designs of Melbourne did design work in the restaurant and lounge The March 2025 menu features exotic fare like tagliatelle with Alaskan king crab smoked trout roe and uni butter; chicken lollipops with spicy gochujang Korean BBQ and peppercorn ranch; and a 10-ounce ribeye manzo "filet" with shishito chimichurri and blistered shishito Cao Lounge drinks include the $18 Goodnight Moonlight (Gray Whale gin seaspray and absinthe mist) and the $16 Lost in Translation (Del Maguey Puebla mezcal cold-juiced English cucumber and Granny Smith apple Backstreet Boys to rehearse for Las Vegas Sphere showsIn May, Howie D said Backstreet Boys will kick off rehearsals for their upcoming “Into The Millennium” residency at Sphere in Las Vegas. The boy band will perform July 11 In tandem, the vocal group will re-issue the expanded album "Millennium 2.0" on July 11 to mark the 25th anniversary of their chart-topping 1999 album "Millennium." Nominated for five Grammy Awards led by hit singles "I Want It That Way" and "Larger than Life," the original sold more than 24 million copies — one of the top-selling albums in pop music history Before those Sphere shows, the band will sing at the Stagecoach Festival Howie D and his wife, Leigh recently returned home from a 10-day cruise to Antarctica the couple enjoyed watching whales and penguins and he took an Arctic plunge into the icy sea I've now officially done all seven continents I even sang a little bit there — so I can say I've sang on all seven continents," Howie D said Space Coast builders: Backstreet Boys' Howie D developing Cape Canaveral hotel with rooftop bar North of Cocoa Beach, the Doroughs' 150-room Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral opened Feb and the hotel's seventh-floor rooftop Altitude360 Sky Bar & Observation Deck opened on March 7 A grand opening ceremony for both remains targeted for mid-May — though the date remains undetermined because of Howie D's upcoming Backstreet Boys rehearsal schedule The brothers just built two single-family riverfront homes in Titusville they plan to develop 48 Titusville condominiums off U.S 1 and a trio of townhomes in Avon-by-the-Sea between Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach And John Dorough said they plan to develop another high-end project similar to The Surf Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Support local journalism. Unlock unlimited digital access to floridatoday.com. Click here and subscribe today. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — The 18th Judicial District State Attorney's Office announced charges Tuesday against a former elementary school principal and teacher accused of being involved with an underaged house party in January Former Roosevelt Elementary School principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan has been charged with child neglect five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and holding an open house party Former third-grade teacher Karly Anderson has been charged with disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication According to information from the Cocoa Beach Police Department when officers arrived at Hill-Brodigan’s home on Jan approached officers and identified herself Investigators say one juvenile was found on the front lawn having an alcohol-related medical episode They noted that paramedics had to treat the child using their own lighting due to Hill-Brodigan turning off her home’s outdoor lights Police say more than 100 minors were found drinking and intoxicated at the home “Florida’s laws dealing with open house parties and underage drinking are meant to keep our young people and communities safe," State Attorney William Scheiner said in a statement released Tuesday "These laws are in place to deter the conduct that exposes our youth to harm and gives rise to these criminal charges the State Attorney’s Office stands with law enforcement the school board and the community we serve to hold the offenders accountable and ensure the safety of our youth.” At the time of Hill-Brodigan and Anderson's arrests Mark Rendell released the following statement to parents in a letter: “We hold our leaders to the highest of standards it’s a complete failure in leadership and violation of our trust The district is cooperating fully with police as they investigate this matter and will strive to provide families with full transparency.” Many restaurants and bars are gearing up for a festive day filled with music We've put together a list of the best spots in Brevard to join the festivities with some venues celebrating all weekend long Celebrate the day with $2.99 Coronas and Dos Equis and buy one get one margaritas Satisfy your cravings with $7.79 taco specials They have planned an all-day party with DJ Fuego from 12 p.m $4 domestic beers and plenty of other specials to celebrate bounce house and face painting for the kids Chaparral's will also have $6 house margaritas all day and plenty of raffles and prizes El Leoncito Mexican and Cuban Restaurant: 4280 S they go all out with the party starting at 5 p.m Fiesta Azteca will have live music and DJ's all day including the band Switch and a salsa band straight from Puerto Rico in addition to outdoor bars with margaritas The restaurant will carry the festivities through the weekend with their full menu and Cinco de Mayo specials Masa also has curbside pick-up for Cinco taco kits and margaritas to go Starting May 3 and continuing until close on May 5 Milpa Tacos plans on celebrating all weekend long with live music including several bands and DJ Florida Manley plenty of margaritas and food and drink specials They will be serving up $3.50 Coronas and $5 Modelo drafts The three-pound burrito eating contest starts at 5 p.m and the band Bullet Dodgers starts at 8 p.m – Cocoa Beach police on Sunday asked the public to avoid the area of a Winn-Dixie during a reported bomb threat that turned out to be false Police and fire crews were said to be at the Winn-Dixie in Canaveral Plaza as of around noon, the Cocoa Beach Police Department said on social media the post was updated to state the area had been secured and all emergency activity had returned to normal A news release shared later that afternoon described how police responded around 11:14 a.m with the Cocoa Beach Fire Department and Brevard County Fire Rescue to a reported bomb threat at the Winn-Dixie The building and surrounding area were evacuated while the sheriff’s office’s bomb squad searched the premises No explosive devices were found and the scene was deemed safe Detectives are still investigating and ask anyone with information to contact the police department’s Criminal Investigations Unit by calling 321-868-3251 joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021 This story was updated to include a statement from Brevard Public Schools former principal at the 263-student Roosevelt Elementary School campus in Cocoa Beach was charged with one count of child neglect Cocoa Beach police were called to her home to investigate multiple reports of a disturbance Jan was charged with one count of disorderly conduct and another count of disorderly intoxication “Florida’s laws dealing with open house parties and underage drinking are meant to keep our young people and communities safe These laws are in place to deter the conduct that exposes our youth to harm and gives rise to these criminal charges," Brevard State Attorney William Scheiner said in a statement issued Tuesday Hill-Brodigan could face up to five years in state prison along with fines of at least $5,000 would face up to 60 days in county jail along with a minimum fine of $500 Hearing dates have not yet been set in the cases director of communications for the district said both women remain on administrative leave "The district is actively reviewing the state attorney’s charges against former Roosevelt principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan and teacher Karly Anderson," she said in an statement emailed to FLORIDA TODAY Tuesday afternoon "We take these charges extremely seriously and will continue to closely follow any updates from authorities." The two woman were arrested in January after an investigation into the Jan 19 house party that took place at Hill-Brodigan's home Officers were called to the home multiple times and asked Hill-Brodigan to shut it down repeatedly They arrested a girl leaving the party on a charge of driving under the influence and found a boy having an alcohol-related medical episode on the lawn of the home students from multiple different schools interviewed by Cocoa Beach Police said parties like this occurred once or twice a month at Hill-Brodigan's home adding that some of them showed up early to help prepare for the party They reported alcohol being available in coolers inside the home the use of marijuana and multiple fights taking place A video recorded by a student showed a male juvenile with a mask on taking videos with a firearm Students told police that Hill-Brodigan didn't attempt to stop the party and that she seemed "okay with what was happening," according to the affidavit though they went on to say that she told her son to stop the party No information about her son's age or name was provided Both woman were initially arrested on charges of child neglect without great bodily harm and contributing to the delinquency of a minor with Hill-Brodigan facing an additional charge of open house party Hill-Brodigan and Anderson were placed on administrative leave and an interim principal was placed at Roosevelt Elementary School according to a statement from Brevard Public Schools said she "essentially lost her job," saying the district gave her the option to retire "or else." The issue has previously gone unaddressed at meetings despite members of the public calling on the board to discuss the district's handling of the situation In a January interview with FOX 35, School Board Chair Gene Trent said the incident "isn't anything new." adding that the police report appeared to indicate it was a teenage party "You cannot be a parent and not have seen of "I've read articles (about parties) that have led to students' deaths As far as I know … that didn't happen here." Cocoa Beach has nearly tripled the fees to operate a short-term vacation rental making it the highest such cost of any municipality in Brevard County The beachside city had found itself overwhelmed by vacation rentals with city officials estimating that one in every five single-family homes might be in use as a vacation rental the initial application cost was $525 with operators paying another $525 each subsequent year Now vacation-rental operators must pay $2,500 for the application and then an annual cost of $1,500 per year for single-family homes allowing condo associations to regulate the use of their properties with Mayor Keith Capizzi casting the sole vote against the measure Fines were also hiked for violating the city's rules around short-term rentals including instituting a $1,000 daily fee for every day a rental operates without a permit the city collected $100,306 in vacation rental fees which city officials said is not enough to pay for staff to enforce current rules The city believes many properties are operating without a permit but doesn't have sufficient staff to go after them Increasing the fees could allow the city to hire more enforcement staff in the future Currently the city's estimated cost for unregulated short-term rentals is more than $700,000 annually meaning that permanent residents are paying the difference Vacation rentals: 'Property rights issue'Short-term rentals have proved a controversial subject over recent years as they've become a popular way to generate revenue for homeowners but can have unpleasant effects on their surrounding communities described it as a "property rights issue" with mounting tension between opposing interests "The other side is the property rights of the people who own these vacation rentals to make money off their property," Williams said "But it doesn't always make it neighborly when you have these in a neighborhood." Jim Vadic an Indialantic resident who owns a short-term rental in Cocoa Beach appeared before the commission to describe the policy change as overkill I understand the fees being raised for non-compliance," Vadic said Others like Art Hitch said he moved here with his family decades ago and has always operated family motels "You have to do something to regulate and enforce these," Hitch said "I live in a residential neighborhood and you have some good ones and you have some nightmares and we know some are not registered." "You've got to do something," he added said the registration fees were "exorbitant" while acknowledging funding was needed for enforcement and that fines for violations should go up Capizzi said he didn't want to punish those who were "doing it right." The city of Cocoa Beach this week has been moving into its brand new City Hall Cocoa Beach Mayor Keith Capizzi said the opening of the new City Hall was a step forward and would bring a welcome home for city staff who have been working out of the city's public works building during construction The new facility is on the same site as the former city hall, which was called "undersized lacking necessary spaces and has falling into disrepair" by city staff More: SpaceX pushing boundaries: Fram2 crew launches from Kennedy Space Center to polar orbit The 29,900-square-foot facility features a community room with kitchen according to Rockledge-based W+J Construction The building also features a large outdoor green space with a performance stage for future events City Commissioners approved the $11 million project after a smaller one-story City Hall had been previously considered The process of replacing the old city hall went through years of debate before settling on the new facility City officials and personnel will occupy secure office spaces on the second floor which will also house the Cocoa Beach City Commission chamber "It's nice to just finally get it situated It was confusing for some people with City Hall being in public works and now city staff will have a designated place to work," he said "We're still in the process of moving in," Capizzi said "They're moving different departments in at different times It's nice to finally have the project done It'll be a nice place to hang out for Friday Fest." Brevard County is getting national attention once again One of the county’s coastal communities was ranked on the USA Today 10Best list of best small towns in the South. Cocoa Beach came in at No It was one of three Florida cities to make the list and it also has some of the most beautiful and diverse small towns in the country,” according to USA Today 10Best A panel of travel experts nominated 20 small towns each with a population of less than 25,000 Readers then voted to determine the top 10 Here’s what the travel experts at USA Today 10Best had to say about Cocoa Beach. “Famous for its gorgeous location on the Space Coast it’s a magnet for those looking to catch waves or relax on the sand while the historic Cocoa Beach Pier offers incredible dining The city, located along six miles of the Atlantic Ocean, is celebrating its 100th birthday this summer. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com MIAMI, Florida—Driftwood Capital has secured a total of $207 million in senior construction financing and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing for its Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa on Florida’s Space Coast 502-key resort is part of Driftwood’s decade-long investment to grow the region’s hospitality profile and meet demand The Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in 2027 City National Bank of Florida provided $70 million in construction financing at a competitive interest rate LLC providing $137 million in C-PACE financing Driftwood also secured $50 million credit facility from Amerant Bank at the holding company/fund level (Driftwood Florida Space Coast Portfolio) “This milestone in securing financing reflects the unwavering dedication and resourcefulness of our team,” said Carlos Rodriguez Sr. “The Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa will not only set a new standard for luxury in the region but also symbolize the innovation and ambition that drive our vision for the Space Coast.” “In tandem with the Space Coast’s vision for ingenuity and exploration the Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa is a leap for the future of hospitality in the region and a direct response to the business and leisure demand that is building up in and around the region—filling a much-needed void in the market,” added Carlos Rodriguez Jr. the Space Coast saw 93 launches that further our investment thesis and support projections As we witness this growth in the Space industry this resort is set to become a beacon of luxury and convenience for all types of travelers positioned to cater to the influx of visitors eager to be a part of this dynamic area’s ascent.” Serving to fill a 160-mile gap of Marriott beachfront resorts along the Atlantic coast between Daytona Beach and Hutchinson Island the Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa will feature: “We’re not just building a hotel; we’re crafting an experience where the stars meet the sand,” added Jay Cooper managing director of development and construction at Driftwood Capital “Our goal is to ensure that the Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa not only meets expectations creating a new standard for what it means to stay on the Space Coast.” The resort will offer 72,000 square feet of open-air venues for meetings and events complemented by 51,500 square feet of indoor space designed for gatherings and conferences As part of Driftwood’s Florida Space Coast portfolio Driftwood is projected to own more than 1,200 guest rooms and 21 food and beverage venues on 36 beachfront acres along Florida’s Space Coast from Cocoa Beach to Melbourne it is projected that Driftwood Capital will own approximately 62 percent of the region’s beachfront inventory and 11 percent of its total hotel inventory The Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa is expected to generate about $3 million in tourist taxes in its first year of operation and $4.5 million a year by its fifth year of operation while creating approximately 1,800 direct and indirect jobs in its first year We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns “We’re excited to bring something unique to the area -- an inviting space where locals and visitors can kick back enjoy amazing food and drinks and soak in the beach vibes,” Todd said in a news release full menu and hours have yet to be determined the owners said the new spot will have a one-of-a-kind menu as well as island-inspired craft cocktails "We're thrilled to bring an innovative and exciting cocktail program to Dirty Birds Tiki Bar & Grill We want every cocktail to tell a story and make every visit unforgettable,” said Matt Bramkamp co-owner and general manager of The Alibi Kitchen & Cocktails The space will provide ample room for casual get-togethers relaxing outdoor evening drinks and an array of late-night bites The former Area 142, which closed November 2024, had opened in 2022 and quickly became a staple of downtown Cocoa Beach. As the bar and restaurant scene in the city grew with a massive outdoor lawn area for concerts and other events right at the corner of Minutemen Causeway and Highway A1A But the establishment became embroiled in a messy legal dispute before closing for good Home » Home » WATCH: Boat Catches Fire in Cocoa Beach By  //  January 11 A post shared by Only in Florida (@onlyinfloridaa) Anderson was originally arrested as well on suspicion of child neglect the state attorney's office confirmed Monday Anderson's return to work comes after the state attorney's decision on the felony charge "(The) Department of Children and Family Services cleared Ms "She is a certified teacher and as of today she’s been placed by the district back into a classroom." who has worked for BPS for about 19 years and was a third-grade teacher at Roosevelt at the time of her arrest is now teaching at Saturn Elementary in Cocoa The other educator involved in the incident The incident that sparked the educators' arrest unfolded after Cocoa Beach police were called to Hill-Brodigan's home to investigate multiple reports of a disturbance Jan they found a teen having an alcohol-related medical episode on Hill-Brodigan's lawn Another teen was arrested as she left the party on a charge of driving under the influence according to interviews later conducted with students in attendance marijuana usage and fights between attendees told FLORIDA TODAY earlier this month that Anderson had nothing to do with the house party and that he believed she "didn't do anything wrong." and the police made all kinds of assumptions," he told FLORIDA TODAY adding that Anderson had been out to eat with Hill-Brodigan when officers called the former principal to alert her that a party was going on at her home Hearing dates have not been set for either woman's trial Hill-Brodigan may face up to five years in state prison would face up to 60 days in county jail with a minimum fine of $500 Britt Kennerly is education/breaking news editor at FLORIDA TODAY Contact Kennerly at 321-917-4744 or bkennerly@floridatoday.com Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly – Cocoa Beach city commissioners signaled they are amenable to adjusting recent changes to regulations on short-term vacation rentals During a three-hour commission meeting Thursday night commissioners voted unanimously to enact a 30-day “grace period” for the payment of vacation registration fees and late fees the commission took a controversial vote to raise registration fees from $525 - $2,500 making them the most expensive in the state The yearly renewal fee is now $1,500 — up from $325 owners who are registering their rentals can pay a fee of $500 Owners who are renewing their rentals are not eligible for a reduced rate “We’re trying to get people in compliance so we don’t need to use more staff,” Mayor Keith Capizzi said Capizzi was the sole member of the Cocoa Beach commission to vote against the initial hike last month as well as another item to apply vacation regulations city-wide as opposed to just in the residential district “I’m trying to make it fair for everybody,” Capizzi said The commissioners also hinted at a future vote to stiffen penalties against “bad actor” vacation rental owners as well as a possible measure to lower the recently enacted high rates — More charges could be on the way for a principal and teacher who were arrested after being accused of holding a house party at the principal’s Cocoa Beach home on Jan Police say more than 100 minors were drinking and intoxicated when they responded to the home Roosevelt Elementary principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan is now on administrative leave and is being replaced by Dr the district's director of school leadership When officers arrived at Hill-Brodigan’s home they say Roosevelt Elementary teacher Karly Anderson approached officers intoxicated and identified herself whose grandson is a kindergartener at Roosevelt “I’m really not sure how to feel about it," Bound said "I had kids go to Cocoa Beach High School as well it’s a really bad choice of decisions." Hill-Brodigan has been charged with child neglect contributing to the delinquency of a minor and holding an "open house party." Anderson is charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor Hill-Brodigan is a former Brevard Public Schools teacher of the year who has taught kindergarten and served as assistant principal at Ocean Breeze Elementary in Indian Harbour Beach and Oak Park Elementary in Titusville Both Hill-Brodigan and Anderson have been released on bond The popular bar and music venue previously known as Area 142 is currently under renovation as new owners are preparing the site for a future endeavor Property owner Giuseppe Conoscenti said in a phone call with Florida Today that Area 142 is no more and that he has parted ways with all previous business owners at the site the owner of popular Cocoa Beach food and drink spots 4th Street Fillin Station and The Alibi Kitchen & Cocktails has since taken over the business Todd said simply that "Area 142 is gone and it doesn't exist anymore." Currently we're in the process of getting it cleaned up We're working with the city and we've got a concept but we're not ready to make our official announcement," Todd said Todd added that by early February he would be ready to announce the new business venture underway Area 142 opened in 2022 and quickly became a staple of downtown Cocoa Beach. As the bar and restaurant scene in the city grew closing briefly before reopening again and subsequently closing Those running the popular business had become involved in a messy legal dispute before being evicted by property owner Conoscenti "I'm really excited for this project," Todd said "I already have a concept in mind that we're in the process of designing and we think it's going to be a success."  Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County and North Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com James Sparvero COCOA BEACH, Fla – The State Attorney’s Office for the 18th Judicial Circuit on Tuesday filed charges against two Brevard County educators related to a teenage house party in Cocoa Beach Police said the January party was attended by more than 100 juveniles many of whom had been drinking and had access to alcohol available in coolers at the home owned by Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan the former principal at Roosevelt Elementary School The state attorney’s office charged Hill-Brodigan with one count of child neglect a third-degree felony that could result in up to five years in prison Hill-Brodigan is charged with five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor Each count carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine She is also charged with one count of holding an open house party a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail six months of probation and/or a $500 fine a former third-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary is charged with one count of disorderly conduct a second-degree misdemeanor that could lead to up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine Anderson is charged with one count of disorderly intoxication which carries the same potential penalties as the disorderly conduct charge Anderson approached officers while intoxicated and said she was a teacher and had been at the party Anderson denied being at the party in an interview with Inside Edition many of whom were wearing matching T-shirts police located a juvenile on the front lawn who was so heavily intoxicated that Brevard County Fire Rescue had to treat them Hill-Brodigan was seen by officers in the driveway of her home turning off the outside lights and entering her residence causing BCFR to use auxiliary lighting on their vehicle to treat the child Police also conducted a traffic stop near the home which resulted in the arrest of the juvenile driver for DUI The state attorney’s office released the following statement on Tuesday These laws are in place to deter the conduct that exposes our youth to harm and gives rise to these criminal charges A Cocoa Beach man bicycling in front of the school told News 6 reporter James Sparvero he hoped they would be prosecuted “That’s poor judgment,” John Wilson said in January but there definitely should be some action taken cause that’s unacceptable.” Cocoa Beach police are also still investigating a fake call to 911 police believe was meant to distract them from the party and send officers somewhere else detectives said they’re waiting to obtain phone records Hill-Brodigan and Anderson remain free on bond and their cases are being prosecuted separately Their next court hearings have not been scheduled as of March 31 Haley is a digital content producer for ClickOrlando.com and first started as a News 6 producer in October 2014 She's a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in journalism She specializes in theme parks and lifestyle writing James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism Home » Home » Downtown Cocoa Beach Main Street’s Tacky Tourist Sip-N-Stroll Set for March 1 By  //  February 20 BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – The Tacky Tourist Sip-n-Stroll Cocoa Beach Street Party is set for Saturday and is the perfect opportunity to gather your friends dress up in your most colorful and tacky tourist attire Don’t forget to don your best Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops to embrace the tacky tourist spirit fully Your ticket includes a commemorative cup and a swag bag This event is proudly hosted by Downtown Cocoa Beach Main Street a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting the heart of Cocoa Beach the Tacky Tourist Sip-n-Stroll is a fantastic way to connect with the Cocoa Beach community and support local businesses Tickets are available now at HERE – A Central Florida beach town now has the most expensive fees for registering a vacation rental home in the entire state Cocoa Beach is raising the registration and renewal fees by five times for short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods The sharp increases divided audience members at Thursday night’s commission meeting [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos] “You’ve gotta do something because Airbnbs they do not belong in a residential neighborhood,” one man said Mayor Keith Capizzi was the only member of the commission voting against the substantial hike in fees “I don’t like raising fees for people that are doing it properly,” Mayor Capizzi said “I have absolutely no qualms about raising the fines through the roof.” Just to start running a vacation rental home now will cost an owner $2,500 Airbnb said that’s the most expensive application fee in the entire state and by more than $1,500 The company released a statement to News 6 that read in part “Dramatically increasing registration fees—potentially to the highest level in the state—risks undermining these residents’ ability to share their homes and welcome visitors.” also voted to raise the yearly renewal fee for owners to $1,500 “To those who say we’re charging fees too high just listen to what some of me and my neighbors have had to endure over the last year,” another man said during public comment after one party at a short-term rental down the street from us we picked up 16 beer bottles floating in the canal.” City Manager Wayne Carragino told News 6 reporter James Sparvero the new fees will help with shifting the costs of regulating the vacation rentals from the taxpayers to the owners and help with enforcement the enforcement is a burden on the city and we don’t have the staff to properly enforce the issue,” Carragino said “So this will give us the opportunity to hire the staff.” Carragino then responded to opponents of raising the fees who say it will hurt owners and tourists they’re gonna have to play by our rules,” he said The city is looking right now to hire a code enforcement officer. Anyone interested can apply on the city’s website here. Home » Home » Cocoa Beach Police Officers Work to Enforce Speed Limits Within the City By  //  March 11 FLORIDA – Cocoa Beach Police Department’s dedicated night shift officers have been working hard to keep the roads safe and their vigilance has been put to the test in recent days some drivers are learning the hard way that excessive speeding is not worth the risk Several individuals were recently caught driving at twice the speed limit an impaired driver crashed into a pole and attempted to flee the scene on foot as officers quickly apprehended them before they could get far This swift response highlights the commitment of law enforcement to ensure public safety “Speeding and impaired driving continue to be serious concerns but thanks to the efforts of our night shift officers dangerous drivers are being held accountable,” said a Cocoa Beach spokesperson “A huge thank you to the team for their tireless work in keeping our roads safe for everyone!” If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below) so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue Cocoa Beach's Area 142 remains closed amid legal dispute between business partners as well as an eviction filing against both by the landowner the situation is described as a "chaotic" and "messy business divorce" that has become further confused by claims and counterclaims by owners Edward Rose and the other partners in Cows in Space While the owners of the business are tied up in a legal dispute with each other has filed to evict the business from 142 Minuteman Causeway alleging failure to pay rent and other violations of the lease agreement Conoscenti's filing claims that the tenants failed to pay the rent for October of this year and removed all of their equipment and fixtures from the building Because the lease agreement went through the year 2030 the business owners may be legally obligated to pay the full amount Rose and those new business partners both dispute who are the rightful owners of the bar They were gonna come in and take care of everything But they did absolutely nothing and they failed tremendously," Rose said "They then came in and claimed they still own the company," he added Rose's partners could not be reached for comment as of Friday afternoon Phone calls to Area 142's listed number are sent directly to a voicemail box that is full Rose's partners has alleged that Rose was fired from their company in September but was subsequently able to make unauthorized withdrawals of over $140,000 from company accounts documents show he signed a separation agreement with Cows in Space in September Rose has vehemently denied the claims made in the lawsuit he changed the locks on the building as a way to maintain ownership "The only people hurt by this thing are the building owner and the city while it's closed," Rose claims Cocoa Beach mayor Keith Capizzi said that whatever may be happening with the venue which had become a popular hub in the bar and restaurant industry downtown It was a great place for people to hang out and have fun," Capizzi said "It's unfortunate that whatever happened has happened," he added "A lot of people including locals enjoyed themselves there." Home » Home » Order Your Cocoa Beach Constitution Bicentennial Park Engraved Brick Through Dec By  //  December 27 show your love for Cocoa Beach in a truly lasting way but don’t wait—the deadline to order is December 31 Personalized bricks are heartfelt messages etched in time or simply celebrating your love for this beautiful community a custom-engraved brick is the perfect holiday present Order your brick HERE today and leave a mark that will stand the test of time These bricks will be prominently displayed in Cocoa Beach’s Centennial Park Constitution Bicentennial Park is a one-acre roadside recreation site Constitution Bicentennial Park is marked as a Permanent reminder of the importance of the U.S Constitution Bicentennial Park is great for anyone looking for a relaxing day next to or on the water  The park features 23 car/trailer parking spaces For more information, email kenne.cbms@gmail.com or visit www.cocoabeachmainstreet.org A beloved Cocoa Beach establishment that has been serving shaved ice for more than 18 years including its own take on Harry Potter's famed Butterbeer Oasis Shaved Ice owner Vicki Tyner said the building at 157 N was recently sold and the new owners said her lease would not be renewed The news came as Tyner faced an unexpected health emergency that has left her uncertain about what's next Tyner said she doesn't have an official date to move yet and is still hoping for a last chance to say goodbye to her customers "Oasis will be a legacy in Cocoa Beach for a long time I've worked so hard to be a part of this community and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to do so," said Tyner Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support — from offers of a new location to purchasing the business to moving help — Tyner admits needing to focus on her health and recovery before she can consider next steps for Oasis Shaved Ice "I'm so incredibly blessed to realize the impact that Oasis has had on this community Part of my reasoning for wanting to open was that the local kids didn't have anywhere to go and hang out after school if I could just be one tiny little thread and the fabric of these kids' lives then it's worth it," Tyner tearfully told FLORIDA TODAY Vicki,” this shop owner has been serving shaved ice to beachside communities in Brevard for more than 18 years Tyner first opened shop in 2007 at a gas station on State Road A1A in Satellite Beach later relocating near Heidi’s Jazz Club in downtown Cocoa Beach Now those kids are bringing their children in because they want them to experience what they did — when they were young It's just really become this incredible family," she said More: Cocoa alumni to play in Super Bowl 59: Where to watch and eat Tyner takes immense pride in her homemade syrups free from high fructose put Oasis Shaved Ice on the map: Butterbeer “The Budder beer flavor is legendary,” Tyner said “Universal Studios contacted me several years ago as they were bringing employees to Cocoa Beach ‘We can’t wait to try it,’ and they loved it.” Oasis Shaved Ice is about an hour east of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios which is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade and Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley The theme parks serve Butterbeer “hot” (like coffee) and “cold” (like a slushy and like a soda) The flavors resemble a mix of cream soda and butterscotch — it’s a secret recipe — and are only available at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter locations For those who’ve tried Tyner’s Butterbeer-inspired shaved ice treat there was a “Budder beer” syrup available to make it at home more than 12,000 spectators flocked to the sandy shores to cheer on over 400 surfers dressed as Santa Claus bringing the total funds raised since 2013 to over $400,000 “Surfing Santas has been called the ‘Greatest Show on Surf,’” said event organizer George Trosset after a news photographer captured him surfing in a Santa suit “Watching this explode into one of the largest and most-talked-about holiday events has been nothing short of phenomenal.” This year marked a major milestone with Orlando Health debuting as the presenting sponsor of Surfing Santas The partnership aligns with Orlando Health’s expansion into Brevard and Indian River Counties following its September acquisitions of Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital and Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital Orlando Health’s East Region Chief Financial Officer and an avid surfer further cementing the community connection The 2024 event also spotlighted health and safety initiatives a non-profit committed to preventing sudden cardiac death educating over 400 participants on life-saving techniques the organization provided free EKG screenings for more than 40 children As the sun set on another successful Surfing Santas Cocoa Beach once again proved that the holiday spirit can create waves of positive impact across the region Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress