Local News

2005
December 2005
December 28, 2005	City Hall will be closed on January 2, 2006 to observe the New Year holiday. City Hall Staff and City Commission offer the best wishes for the New Year. *Stay Safe.*
December 20, 2005	The City Commission and Staff wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season. May this City remain pretty and may its residents always be well served. City Hall will be closed on Friday - December 23, Monday, December 26 and Friday December 30.
December 7, 2005	Movies in the Park(ing Lot) at City Hall, held every 1st. Saturday of each Month at 6:00 PM. Please thank the Sponsors.
December 5, 2005	Luminaries ... The Mexican tradition of luminaries dates back centuries. Today, the custom continues... 20 bags, 20 candles - $6. Bags will be on sale through December 23 at the Cocoa Beach Recreation Center - 321 Ramp Road, 868-3252 or 868-3274.
December 1, 2005	Holiday Festivities: Holiday Parade - December 10, 2:00 PM - Contact Pete Cunningham 783-2228. Boat Parade - December 17 - The boats to rendezvous at 5:30 PM at mile marker 101, south of Route 520, near the Banana River bridge. The parade will start at 6:00 PM and proceed east to the Sunset Bar and Grill, then go south and pass through the various canals.
November 2005
November 23, 2005	The City Commission and Staff wish you a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. City Hall will be closed on Thursday and Friday - November 24th and 25th. See you at the Art Show!
November 22, 2005	Brevard County Town Hall Meeting Come Visit with U.S. Senator Bill Nelson who is holding a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, November 28, 2005, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm - Cocoa Beach City Commission Chambers, 2 South Orlando Avenue. For More Info call 888-671-4091
November 21, 2005	Waste Management only takes two holidays a year and works all of the other holidays that most people are off. Thanksgiving is one of the two holidays that Waste Management is closed and Christmas is the other. There will be no garbage service on Thursday. Thursday's route will be picked up on Monday.
November 16, 2005	*Press Release for SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH* 11/19/05- Due to Rain, the Event has been moved to the Pavillion next to the City Pooll ~ ~ JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION OF KELLY SLATER'S 7TH WORLD SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP ~ ~ SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH ~ AT COCOA BEACH CITY HALL, 2 SOUTH ORLANDO AVENUE, COCOA BEACH ~ FROM 12:00 NOON UNTIL 2:00PM ~~ MEET KELLY SLATER IN PERSON ~~ ENJOY "FREE" HOT DOGS, DRINKS, MUSIC AND AN AWARDS CEREMONY HONORING COCOA BEACH'S "FAVORITE SON" - KELLY SLATER Kelly Slater, a native-resident of Cocoa Beach, recently won his 7th World Surfing Championship Title and it's time to celebrate! Come join us in a good ol' Cocoa Beach Cook-Out featuring "free" hot dogs, drinks, music and an awards ceremony on Saturday, November 19th from 12:00 Noon until 2:00PM at Cocoa Beach City Hall located on 2 South Orlando Avenue in Cocoa Beach. Meet Kelly Slater in person and help us congratulate him on his recent victory and unprecedented 7-time World Surfing Championship. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JERRY STANSFIELD, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER(321) 868-3329
November 15, 2005	The City's Finance Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 17, 2005, from 2 pm to 5 pm. Please leave payments in the drop box - do not leave cash. For assistance, please see the City Clerk's Office.
November 4, 2005	42nd ANNUAL SPACE COAST ART FESTIVAL NEARS John “Duke” Pointek won the Space Coast Art Festival poster contest signaling the time is near for this year’s fun and festivities. The SCAF will be held in downtown Cocoa Beach on November 26 and 27 with lots of entertainment and art sales sure to please all audiences. Warm up events include the 5K-Turkey Trot Run on Thanksgiving morning at 7:30am starting at the SCAF offices at 36 North Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Beach. On Friday from 7pm-11pm, a “street party” will be held in downtown Cocoa Beach featuring live-on-stage jazz and rock bands including Smokin’ Torpedoes. The big event continues on Saturday from 9am—5pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm with 235 local and nationally known artists and one of the largest Student Art Shows in Central Florida. The Cocoa Beach Fire Department invites everyone to visit the Fire Department for some good ol’ homemade hot chili and baked goods. And, if you’re lookin’ for Bar B-Q “straight from the smoker”, look no further than the lawn in front of the Police Department. For more information about the SCAF contact Holly Myers at 784-3322. There’s more to do around Thanksgiving time in Cocoa Beach than eatin’ turkey
November 4, 2005	The City of Cocoa Beach wish Cocoa Beach High a good game. Go Beach! City Commissioners "Suit Up" to Wish CBHS Football Team "Good Luck" at Tonight's "Beach Bowl" Football Game Against Arch Rival Satellite High School From Left to Right: "Tight End" - City Clerk Lori Kalaghchy "Wide Receiver" - Vice-Mayor Ken Griffin "Offensive Center" - Commissioner Tony Sasso "Quarterback" - Mayor Leon "Skip" Beeler "Right Tackle" - Commissioner Kevin Pruett "Coach" - City Manager Chuck Billias "Outside Linebacker" - Commissioner Don John GO BEACH! Congratulations Cocoa Beach! Winning Score: 28 to 7!
November 1, 2005	The next City of Cocoa Beach Auction is scheduled for Satuday, November 26, 2005, @1PM. Cliff Shuler Auctioneers will he holding the auction at 422 Julia Street, Titusville, Fl. Their Website is: http://www.soldfor.com. Phone # (321) 247-8563.
October 2005
October 31, 2005	Waste Management has notified the City that they will only be picking up the canned yard trash this week on the regular schedule. Due to the hurricane, FEMA is sending crews in to pick up the large loose piles. They will be starting at Patrick Air Force Base and moving North until they complete the barrier island.Please pass this on to your neighbors and friends so that they know the yard trash may be laying around longer than usual.
October 27, 2005	Liz Bass, Police Records Supervisor, received the City of Cocoa Beach Employee of the Third Quarter Award on October 27, 2005. Her co-workers nominated her and noticed the great job she does for the City. Liz was singled out for to her willingness to help everyone, her community work, kind heart and camaraderie. Some of her undertakings include: truckloads of donations for the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort, the Ronald McDonald House Pull Tab Collection, the Thanksgiving Families in Need Program and the Christmas Families in Need Program; these contributions are above and beyond the day-to-day management of the City's Police Records and Evidence Division. Liz has worked for the City for 20-years.
October 27, 2005	We are looking for a few good Citizens! ~ Citizen's Academy Class Starts January 17, 2006. “It was a learning experience and gave me a new outlook on the community I live in. I hope to be a more productive citizen either by volunteering or other active involvement in the City.” What is a Citizen's Academy? Participants will gain knowledge and insight about the City of Cocoa Beach through discussions, demonstrations and site visits. The Academy runs for twelve (12) weeks. Sessions last three (3) hours, one (1) evening per week, 5:30 - 8:30 PM. (There will be one (2) Saturday session, 8 AM - 2 PM). Click here for an application. Please Hurry! Next Class starts on January 17, 2006. Class size limited - so...apply today!
October 27, 2005	Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High Mentoring Program - Find out how an hour a week can change the life of a person in your community. If you believe you can provide support to one of our students and would like more information, please contact: Michael Alba - 783-1776 X 225
October 26, 2005	If you, or a family member, need a flu shot, they will be free at Cape Canaveral Hospital on November 12^th from 9 to 12. They ask that you bring a donation of can goods or dry goods for the sharing center.
October 12, 2005	Brevard County Parks & Recreation - regarding Lori Wilson Park, said that they will not be closing down the Nature Trail (the boardwalk is in good shape). However, they will be closing down the Nature Center (which is the building adjacent to the trail). The building is in bad shape and several of the pilings which support the building are severed at ground level. They expect it to be closed at least through this fiscal year. In the interim, people will be able to use the pavilion located just north of the hammock.
October 6, 2005	MOSQUITO-BORN ILLNESS ADVISORY FOR BREVARD COUNTY
October 4, 2005	The Brevard MPO has scheduled two public workshops to seek input on projects to be included in the 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The workshops will be: Tuesday, October 4, 2005 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm, Viera Government Center Florida Room, 3rd Floor, Bldg. C6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Lagoon House 3275 Dixie Hwy, NE, Palm BayFor more information about the meetings and the 2025 Long Range Plan, please view the attached newsletter, or visit the MPO web site: www.brevardmpo.com
September 2005
September 9 , 2005	Mayor Skip Beeler is re-elected for a three-year term. As of closing of the qualifying period at Noon on September 9 , 2005, there was no opposition. Congratulations Mayor Beeler! Since the Mayor's Seat was the only City issue to be voted on, there will not be a City Election in 2005.
September 2 , 2005	*MONETARY DONATIONS* *Salvation Army* The Salvation Army is launching emergency disaster relief efforts. They will be providing help to residents and first responders in Hattiesburg, MS, Mobile, AL and New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Donations, in the form of a check made payable to THE SALVATION ARMY, can be sent to the Personnel Department. In the memo section please add "Disaster Relief" to ensure the contribution goes to this effect. American Red Cross Donations, in the form of a check made payable to THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, can be sent to the Personnel Department. In the memo section please add "Hurricane Katrina" to ensure the contribution goes to this effort. *CLOTHING/FOOD DONATIONS* *Jaycees* *Area Jaycees Clubs are collecting the following items for delivery to Hurricane Katrina victims.* *- Personal hygiene items,* *- Baby/children's supplies,* *- Work equipment and supplies,* *- Cooking supplies,* *- Items such as: candles, flashlights, lanterns, batteries, first aid items, and sterile gloves,* *Drop-off location: 1470 Adamson Road, Cocoa, FL* *For pick-up: Call Cocoa Jaycees contact Will Stormant at 917-2461 or Ruth Wilburn at 961-7356.* *Titusville PD* Accepting donations of underwear, boots (rubber and regular), socks, T-shirts (small to XXX), pants and any toiletries for delivery to law enforcement personnel in Mississippi's Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. For information call 264-7800. *Palm Bay Fire Rescue* *Beginning today, donations of clothing for hurricane victims can be made at Palm Bay Fire Rescue stations. Clothing of all types, clean and in good condition, will be accepted.*
September 1 , 2005	Noon September 1 - Noon September 9, Qualifying Period to run for Office of Commission Seat #1. For more info call the City Clerk 868-3235 or visit the Election Page under the City Hall tab of this website.
September 1 , 2005	PRESS RELEASE - HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF. Donations accepted to either the American Red Cross or he United Way for Huricane Katrina victims. Checks collected by Fire Departments.
September 1 , 2005	Commission Meeting at 7:30 P.M. Cocoa Beach City Hall . Public Hearings will be held for Ordinance No. 1404 and Ordinance No. 1413. Click here for Agenda.
August 2005
August 18, 2005	A Volunteer Work Day is scheduled for September 10, 8am – Noon, to help weed and mulch the Martime Hammock, located off Cocoa Isles, south of the Denny's Restaurant.
August 10, 2005	~ ~ ~ 5K Run ~ Scheduled for September 24th, 2005 at 7:30 am, Start & Fish. Brochure on Recreation Page found under City Life, Recreation and Parks, Recreation Tabs.
August 3, 2005	Detective Wes Mullins receives Employee of the Quarter Award! Wes was nominated and selected by his piers for his great attention to detail, his ability to prioritize criminal cases and handle them effectively. There is no doubt - Wes has a passion for protecting the rights of innocent victims! Congratulations!
July 2005
July 22, 2005	Transportation Planning Public Meeting The Brevard Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) annually adopts a list of all transportation capital improvements for the upcoming five years for which state and federal funds are requested. The program is called the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). To develop the TIP, the MPO must indicate the priority order for implementing major transportation projects. The Brevard MPO is holding a public meeting on the development of project priorities to give the public an opportunity to review current plans and programs and to provide input on transportation improvement needs. Information on other planned federal, state and county transportation projects will also be available for review and comment. Tuesday, August 2, 2005 4:30 p.m., Viera Government Center 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Building C, 1st Floor, Supervisor of Elections Room For more information or a list of projects, please contact the MPO Office at 321-690-6890, or send an e-mail to: mpostaff@brevardmpo.com.
July 20, 2005	City of Cocoa Beach - PRESS RELEASE July 20, 2005 LOREDANA KALAGHCHY, CITY CLERK CITY OF COCOA BEACH, RECEIVES FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF CITY CLERKS (FACC) PRESIDENT'S AWARD On June 21, 2005 in Orlando at the Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC) Organizational Meeting, Cocoa Beach City Clerk Loredana Kalaghchy was presented with the organization's President's Award. Immediate Past President of the FACC, Faith Miller, addressed the membership and over 250 City Clerks in attendance and presented the award to Ms. Kalaghchy for her overall outstanding support to the FACC over the past year. Ms. Kalaghchy, who has been employed with the City of Cocoa Beach as City Clerk for over 18 years, received her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) certification in 1990. For many years she has served on numerous FACC committees to improve the organization's responsiveness and support to its general membership. Ms. Kalaghchy most recently took over the responsibilities as Webmaster for the FACC's new WebPage.
July 16, 2005	Just a reminder that our recreational swim team will be having its final meet here this Saturday. Warm-ups for the athletes begin at 7:30am and the meet begins at 8:30am. The pool will be closed to the public for the day, but will re-open Sunday at 11am. We are hosting summer league teams from Brevard County and are expecting approximately 400 athletes and their families. It is always a lot of fun, so stop by - if you have time! (Parking and admission are free). Thanks! Shannon Keleher Pool Manager
July 31, 2005	The next City auction is scheduled for Sunday, July 31^st , 2005. @ 1PM - Cliff Schuler Auctioneers - 422 Julia Street Titusville, 32796. Office: 321-267-8563 ** Fax: 321-383-3147 http://www.soldfor.com/
July 8 , 2005	Brevard Coounty Health Department - Immediate Release On Tuesday July 5, 2005, we received confirmation of a raccoon positive for rabies located at Hass Avenue, Cocoa, and on Wednesday, July 6, 2005, a raccoon postive for rabies located at Wilson Avenue, Satellite Beach. We advise everyone in the area , who has been exposed to any stray animals or even if their own pet has been exposed, to call Animal Services and Enforcement at (321) 633-2024. Report strange behaviour of animals. Avoid direct contact with a raccoon or bat. Have cats and dogs immunized. Report animals running at large. Report animal bites sustained by any individual. Keeps pets on leash.
July 5 , 2005	COCOA BEACH SKATE PARK TO OPEN ON JULY 4TH ~ ~ The newly constructed SKATE PARK in Cocoa Beach, located between Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School and Roosevelt Elementary School on Minutemen Causeway, is scheduled for a "soft opening" on Monday, July 4th 2005 at 12:00 Noon. Since this is a "soft opening event", skaters are asked to bring their own equipment. Helmets, elbow and knee pads are required before park entry will be granted. A fee of $3.00 per person for a 3-hour skate session will be charged. All skaters will be required to sign a liability waiver before gaining access to the facility. Skaters under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by their parents in front of a Cocoa Beach Skatepark (CBS) employee or notarized and on file before participating. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SKATE PARK OPERATING HOURS AND SKATE CONDITIONS CONTACT DAN HATCHER AT 752-2588
June 2005
June 23, 2005	FIREWORKS NOTICE: City of Cocoa beach Police and Fire Departments want you to know: Use of Fireworks that fly or explode is ILLEGAL in the State of Florida without a permit issued by local authorities. These inlcude, but are not limited to: Roman Candles, Firecrackers, Bottle Rockets and Mortars. THE WAIVER YOU SIGNED AT PURCHASE IS *NOT* A PERMIT FOR USE! Violators may be cited or arrested. For More info call (321) 868-3251. City Ordinance 15-37 and Florida Statutes 791.02.
May 2005
May 11, 2005	Tickets for Sale - $15! June 3, 2005 - 80th Anniversary Gala . Pick one up at the City Clerk's Office/City Hall and the Golf Course.
May 11, 2005	The Finance and Development Services Departments will be closed all day on May 11 for Training.
May 2 , 2005	Congratulations Lori Manfredi! Lori represented the Public Works Department well by receiving the Employee of the 1st Quarter Award. The Award is offered by the City for outstanding service. Thanks Lori! Your co-workers have noticed your willingness to assist and your professionalism Also nominated were Eileen Clark - Finance, Thomas Cooper - Police, Dave Furman - Public Works, Steve Lewandowshi - Water Reclamation, Steve Miller - Building and Scott Shear - Fire. Keep up the good work! A Cocoa Beach EmployeesTeam , whose members change on a quarterly basis, selects the Employee of the Quarter from the nominated Employee list.
April 2005
April 21 , 2005	History of Cocoa Beach Display By Local Artist June Blum at the Cocoa Beach Library throughout the month of June.
April 21 , 2005	The Records Division of the Police Department will be closed on April 21, 2005. Back to regular businees hours on Friday, April 22.
April 20, 2005	May the celebrations of the City's 80th Anniversary Begin! The City's Public Works Crew installing the banners in Downtown Cocoa Beach.
April 20, 2005
April 14 , 2005	The new phone books should start to be delivered this week. The recycling bins will be delivered Monday to City Hall. There will be one behind City Hall at 2 South Orlando Avenue, at the corner of the Police Department parking lot. The recycling dumpsters will have a big sticker on them "Phone Books Only" Please recycle! Our landfills are getting full. Last year's hurricane season and the debris caused by it, used up 2 years of the life expectancy of the Brevard County landfill.
April 12 , 2005	Senior citizens who meet certain income criteria can begin signing up now for FREE minor home repairs The deadline to sign up for the project is Monday, April 18th. From May 2nd through May 8th, volunteers from Brevard County will conduct home safety and security checks as Brevard County TRIAD, Inc. spearheads Independent Living Week 2005. Volunteers will be inspecting homes of seniors who have financial limitations and limited access to help. When completed the homes will have added security features, along with a living environment that is more comfortable. Most important, the project enables the individual to live independently in their home as long as possible. In Brevard County, TRIAD and Community Services Council's Seniors Assistance Program will team up to provide much-needed repairs to approximately 75 homes. In addition to volunteer labor, several businesses help support this endeavor with generous financial and material donations. Community support plays a critical role in TRIAD's efforts. Success over the years is attributed to The Home Depot, Lowe's Home Improvement Stores, The Boeing Company, United Space Alliance, Senior Life Magazine, the Brervard County Office of the State Attorney, and the Children's Services Council. Brevard County TRIAD's Independent Living Week project is for seniors age 60 and over who earn less than $900 a month for a single person or $1,200 a month for a couple. The deadline to sign up for the project is Monday, April 18th. Staff at the SENIOR HELPLINE will take inquiries for assistance at 631-2747.
March 2005
March 28, 2005	Item of Interest. Did you know that new Federal Law allows you to get one free credit report per year? Click "here" for more info.
March 24, 2005	Time to Recycle Phone Books! Click here for info.
March 3, 2005	Volunteers Needed! - The Finance Department is looking for a volunteer who could help with the financial reconciliation of records. Basic computer skills required and some field work. Great opportunity for students! Positions available now. Please contact Charlie at 868-3320 - The City Clerk's Office needs volunteer participation and assistance with clerical duties. Computer skills favored. Position Available end of March. Call Barb at 868-3286
February 2005
February 9, 2005	Invitation to Local Artists! Looking for entrance sign concepts for each of the three gateways to our beautiful City. Click "here" for details. Please hurry - deadline February 24! ~~~~ Deadline extended to March 15, 2005
February 11, 2005	You are invited! --- Join Your Downtown Neighbors. These is an interest for a blueprint to guide the future of Downtown Cocoa Beach. Offer your ideas at Meeting held on February 24th from 5 to 9PM, and March 12 from 9AM to 1PM, at the Cocoa Beach Country Club Complex at 500 Tom Warriner Boulevard. Click here for flyer. Invite your neighbor too!
February 8, 2005	Patrick Air Force has notified the City that some time between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. tonight (Tuesday), SR A1A will be closed for 1/2 hour so they can move a crane across the highway
February 7, 2005	Maritime Hammock Preserve – Status Check
January 2005
January 14, 2005	Enter the Indian River Lagoon Photo Contest! Just a note to let you know that the Indian River Lagoon photo gallery has been updated to included ALL the photos that were submitted in 2004. There are really some great pictures to view. Also available at this time is the application/entry form for the brand new 2005 IRL photo contest! Both are on-line at: http://irl.sjrwmd.com Remember that all you have to do is click on an individual photo and it will enlarge automatically. Please help to get us get the word out by forwarding this to folks you know! Our Indian River Lagoon calendar will only be as good as the photos that are submitted!
January 14, 2005	Cocoa Beach City Hall will be closed on Monday January 17, 2005, to observe Dr. Martin Luther King Day.
January 5, 2005	The City Fire Department and the Brevard County Sheriff's Dept Bomb Squad will be doing some practice detonations in the old Howard Johnson's building the afternoon of January 5. The noise may sound like a bomb or shooting. This is just a training exercise.
January 4, 2005	City Hall flags are lowered to half-staff through this Week to respect the impacts caused by the tsunami tragedy - President Bush order.

Past Years Announcements
2004
2003