Council directs staff to explore 524 trailhead alternatives after debate over Cox Road plan

Council discussed a staff recommendation and a proposed task order (survey, design and permitting, $131,807.50) to design a trailhead with parking for the Cocoa Conservation Area off Cox Road. Staff said the design would include a picnic pavilion, children's play area, sand-volleyball court, trail connections and interpretive signage.

FDOT permitting staff and council conversation noted that any trailhead access directly from State Road 524 could trigger mid-block crossing requirements; FDOT said a traffic-engineering study demonstrating pedestrian demand (typically at least 20 pedestrians per hour) and safety criteria would be required and that mid-block crossing infrastructure (flashing beacons, etc.) can cost on the order of several hundred thousand dollars. Council members and residents raised neighborhood concerns about privacy, drainage/fill near homes on Cox Road and security at an off-Cox entrance.

After extended public comment from neighbors and conservation volunteers, the council voted 4'1 to direct staff to explore 524-based trailhead alternatives and partnerships (including private-property approaches and FDOT coordination), rather than immediately authorizing the Cox Road design task order. Councilmember Weeks cast the lone dissenting vote. Staff did not record an approval of the Cox Road task order at the meeting; the motion provided direction to examine alternatives and coordinate with agencies and property owners.