[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6166020,"mediaKeyId","5416515-fddc8b3678f2595000dd59ddcb923a44","parentId",5416515,"title","USTA Florida to invest $1.15 million to renovate Cocoa Beach tennis courts under new 10-year agreement","audioSeconds",203,"startMs",7383000,"endMs",7586000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416515-fddc8b3678f2595000dd59ddcb923a44&start=7383&end=7586","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416515-fddc8b3678f2595000dd59ddcb923a44/thumbnail_7383000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166020/Cocoa-Beach/Brevard-County/Florida/USTA-Florida-to-invest-115-million-to-renovate-Cocoa-Beach-tennis-courts-under-new-10-year-agreement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166020-a692f5d91285a8549119f7bee948172a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775602323&Signature=gxQVbbD08ZFEJEqn25V8pt01LJXcDANP0YaZq3kEIIobu~JGl-bIu5GIEvFBwomO6i5k-XgCR0q6~Dftq~aJWl04FrbMbkjcQiemjSNq2QKkSzj3LR247V1pYbIrUTK0LrKxeQ6rBOFtjn37B2DhXJsReT089DR04WXqcUngVgqfdtOBiTagK40OnWAdG8W5GMHLlYtpJ3Ogglu63Sb1BO6gHQ-CMT4ojiSik8F8KKMDBFHtliriBtV-BUGI~Tckvbsyibay0yx6vJmbWQAX1a2duEo5wwKZq-URf1l2PapJmN9gU~a5Z65eL3k0lA1fWC9~Iqo-NXPBLq6yOx9HOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cocoa Beach, FL","date","2025-07-17T14:45:43Z","article","The Cocoa Beach City Commission approved an amended agreement with USTA Florida that extends the organization's term at the city tennis facility for 10 years in exchange for a one-time capital investment of $1,150,000 to renovate six existing paved courts.

\"We took these prices to our board and we added a contingency,\" Laura Bowen, executive director at USTA Florida, told commissioners. \"We did agree that would be used to cap off the electrical units once the light poles are removed.\" Bowen said the vendor Musco will provide a long-term warranty for the new lights.

Nut graf: USTA Florida\u0000will fund rebuilding the front six courts, re-locating and modernizing light fixtures (addressing dark spots and safety concerns), and contributing contingencies for unforeseen costs; the city will continue to maintain clay courts, plumbing, HVAC and other existing infrastructure and will remove the existing light poles so work can proceed.

Details: City staff summarized current obligations under the existing contract: the city maintains plumbing, electrical, HVAC, clay-court watering, mowing and structural maintenance, while USTA provides coaching, operation of the facility and currently pays $12,000 annually under the contract. Bowen said the proposed renovation would include stabilizing underlying base materials, resurfacing and installing perimeter lighting that Musco warranties for two decades.

Commission discussion focused on long-term maintenance obligations, inclusivity of programs (pickleball raised in public comment) and whether city maintenance costs would rise. Interim City Manager AJ Hudson and staff said the city will continue regular maintenance of surfaces not covered by the USTA capital investment and could pursue resurfacing grants in future cycles. Commissioners raised questions about fencing replacement and whether the city should fund any additional elements if needed; Bowen said USTA had funded the major renovation items and would absorb certain overages.

Ending: The commission approved the 10-year renewal unanimously. Staff said routine maintenance obligations remain with the city for clay courts and day-to-day facility upkeep; USTA's capital work is expected to address chronic cracking and lighting deficiencies on the front six courts and include a long-term maintenance warranty on the new lighting system.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","17 July 2025- CRA & City Commission Meeting 6:30PM","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved a 10-year renewal with USTA Florida that commits the nonprofit to a $1,150,000 capital investment to rebuild six paved courts (including pole relocation and new lighting) in exchange for the extended term; the city\u0000will remove existing poles and continue routine maintenance obligations.","taxTitle","Cocoa Beach, Brevard County, Florida","taxId",58510,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166025,"Cocoa Beach sets maximum proposed millage at 6.00 mills; two budget hearings scheduled",2857,3185000,6042000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416515-fddc8b3678f2595000dd59ddcb923a44&start=3185&end=6042","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416515-fddc8b3678f2595000dd59ddcb923a44/thumbnail_3185000.jpg","/articles/6166025/Cocoa-Beach/Brevard-County/Florida/Cocoa-Beach-sets-maximum-proposed-millage-at-600-mills-two-budget-hearings-scheduled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166025-58f5d98b6219a0c924bf91816baf6501/orig.mp4?Expires=1775602323&Signature=owJnavgaR6p7l90X1T-Oad4Ux699mz3Gqyugls37DZhHaBVAN-vsaHcwzUGMTo9Rnjti10anOSFN5E~hswZ6Tn1M80oARFJesFOwK-Nbe7EOKvmAHPlZBQAB5r~0DWkP-xIzzDKrnN6itAAXHOVvKgPMw9WuVHkkcqONXb-iI~Rh8nGnaIVWbt5D-YgqQhoseP9Ft0F2D-b0Uczwl5wsJ9i0rOZlofR5RIxgkSsGa44mPNeyAYLZSO-wVZofF67yRgtGoH68L1NW8VlPjy2BjEZesOuwozyP28KUQSxX~l6oQnkXvrFynShnjoPLbg3Xthazx1W7HHYvDPLAxmxtRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cocoa Beach City Commission set a proposed maximum millage rate of 6.00 mills for the 2025-26 fiscal year after staff presented options comparing the city\u0000rollback rate and the current rate.

Finance Director Hannah Juman explained the statutory process and two rates under consideration: the rollback rate (5.6945 mills), which would generate the same ad valorem revenue as the prior year, and the current rate the city used previously (6.1644 mills). \"The rollback millage rate brings in the same dollar amount received in the prior fiscal year,\" Juman said, and noted state Truth in Millage (TRIM) requirements set deadlines for adopting proposed rates and for public notices.

Nut graf: Commissioners debated whether to hold the millage steady or to capture some of the revenue created by rising property values to restore reserves and fund higher operating and personnel costs driven by tourism and inflation. After an initial vote on the 6.1644 rate failed to achieve the required majority, the commission approved a motion to set the proposed maximum at 6.00 mills and scheduled the two required public hearings.

Key points: Juman said the taxable value of Cocoa Beach real estate reported by the property appraiser is roughly $3.2 billion. At the rollback rate (5.6945 mills) staff estimated a budget near $17.8 million with $1 million allocated to the CRA; at the current 6.1644 rate the budget would be about $19.2 million with the same $1 million CRA contribution. The difference between the current rate and rollback rate was presented as roughly $1.4 million in potential additional revenue.

Commission debate focused on resident burden versus city needs. Interim City Manager AJ Hudson and multiple commissioners described rising operating costs, staffing and capital replacement needs tied to tourism demand. Others emphasized the impact of property re-assessments on long-term residents and urged fiscal restraint. Juman noted that a required two public hearings on tentative and final millage and the budget are set for Sept. 4 and Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Ending: The proposed rate adopted Tuesday is the ceiling used for statutory notices and does not finalize the budget; the commission will consider a tentative millage and the final millage and budget during the September public hearings.","After a lengthy presentation and debate on rising property values and service costs, the commission set a proposed maximum millage rate of 6.00 mills for fiscal 2026 and scheduled the statutorily required public hearings for Sept. 4 and Sept. 18.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166030,"Cocoa Beach narrows CRA facade-grant caps, approves three downtown awards",987,361000,1348000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416515-fddc8b3678f2595000dd59ddcb923a44&start=361&end=1348","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416515-fddc8b3678f2595000dd59ddcb923a44/thumbnail_361000.jpg","/articles/6166030/Cocoa-Beach/Brevard-County/Florida/Cocoa-Beach-narrows-CRA-facade-grant-caps-approves-three-downtown-awards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166030-75c8a1779498d37bbe85364b1814115d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775602323&Signature=HTYiAdGhDufadUPdpO8Iviui45BCwbNfzT~R1Gto0qcZzxzNoke2yEre-X1fsiVRR1TM34Bnsav~jjN8zoGk5GwcbMWdx1oq1ecreI-KgYXe5jBaH1~PsgrFIPVpViw6QN4-GUshNI0ZV7kW3jz3dKmWtugNtMI3klqseS9sQMPj4z85VvKuu2EGUHy2RnZ2KG4vhijxImsEzumeVbNKSM4GAKdQg~-VGL70rauzu4z80C58oyWP~9Xy7BJVU6~rffxBIDpGqP98uGw466EhMkfI~qa~928QLa9dvK4li3pzWEApfI7n~9d~LYru8~UbcrgITcFvRLoDfEQdIbzC8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cocoa Beach City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), on Tuesday approved a revised commercial visual-improvement grant application that reduces the CRA\u0000maximum contribution from $50,000 to $25,000, restricts awards to one grant per structure and sets a new application window tied to the city\u0000fiscal year.

The change, presented by Devin Talley, deputy finance director, will also set the limited acceptance window for applications from Oct. 1 through Jan. 1 each fiscal year and clarifies that projects already started are ineligible. \"We dropped the threshold down to $25,000 as the maximum CRA contribution,\" Talley said. \"There was a misconception that people could apply for work they had already done; this application makes clear it's for projects that have not started and stays within the parameters of our CRA plan and Florida statutes.\"

The amendment to delay the new rules' effective date to July 18, 2025 was offered to avoid changing requirements while two high-dollar applications already on the docket were pending. Commissioner Skip Williams made the amendment and it passed 5-1; the revised application then passed the CRA vote 4-1.

Nut graf: The revision is intended to stretch limited CRA funds across more downtown businesses and to reduce timing problems that have prevented approved projects from being completed within a single fiscal year. At Tuesday's meeting commission members debated fairness to applicants who had already gathered documentation under the old rules and how the city should treat multiple storefronts under single ownership.

Details: Talley said staff compared Cocoa Beach to other cities and concluded a $25,000 cap better matches local need and project scale. He said the program will be advertised under the revised application and that only projects that have not yet begun construction will be eligible for reimbursement after the city manager and finance director sign off on required documentation (invoices, building permits, canceled checks and engineer reports as applicable).

Commissioners discussed two pending applications that exceeded the new cap: one for $75,000 and another for $35,000. Talley said those applications were submitted under the prior rules and would be processed under the terms the applicants used to apply. Business owners and applicants were allowed to make their case at the meeting; Mark Granger, representing Dirty Birds and Epic Board Sports, told commissioners his businesses had incurred unexpected stormwater costs and that the grants would enable final phases of their projects. \"We are not rich business owners,\" Granger said. \"We could use the grant money. It's for a specific new thing: palm trees and pavers and irrigation.\"

The commission voted separately to approve a $35,000 visual-improvement grant for Dirty Birds and a $40,000 grant for Epic Board Sports, after hearing public comment about each project's scope and eligibility for reimbursement. Talley clarified reimbursable costs must match the approved scope on the application; items listed but not eligible would be rejected when applicants submit receipts.

Commissioners and staff also discussed program administration details the city attorney will draft for future meetings, including how to treat changes of ownership or tenant splits so the one-grant-per-structure rule cannot be gamed.

Ending: Talley said staff will return with draft language at the next CRA meeting or via the commission if the CRA meeting schedule is irregular. He warned that projects approved late in the fiscal year may still need rebudgeting to be carried forward for completion in the next fiscal cycle.","The Cocoa Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved a revised commercial visual-improvement application that lowers the maximum CRA contribution to $25,000, limits awards to one grant per structure and changes the program\u0000effective date; commissioners also approved grants for Dirty Birds ($35,000) and Epic Board Sports ($40,000).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

USTA Florida to invest $1.15 million to renovate Cocoa Beach tennis courts under new 10-year agreement

Cocoa Beach sets maximum proposed millage at 6.00 mills; two budget hearings scheduled

Cocoa Beach narrows CRA facade-grant caps, approves three downtown awards