Council directs staff to pursue trailhead plan tied to Florida Communities Trust management plan; asks for environmental and permitting review

The Cocoa City Council voted on April 22 to direct staff to pursue a trailhead and parking concept consistent with the original Florida Communities Trust (FCT) management plan for the Cocoa Conservation Area and to return with cost estimates, permitting steps and environmental review. The direction focused on the Cox Road access concept in the FCT plan.

Staff reviewed two main options: 1) implement the FCT management‑plan trailhead and parking at the Cox Road access that the grant plan originally identified; or 2) pursue an alternate access across drainage easements adjacent to a recent Integra development and State Road 524. Staff and the city attorney outlined significant constraints on the 524/easement option: portions of the drainage easement are narrow and partially in wetland/floodplain, the existing drainage and stormwater storage are tied to the Integra development as compensatory storage, and any work there would likely require permits and mitigation from St. Johns River Water Management District and coordination with FDOT and Integra.

Council discussion also noted recurring problems at the Cocoa Conservation Area: vandalism to restrooms and park facilities, unauthorized ATV use, and concerns about who would open and secure gates. Staff said the city would pursue a formal arrangement for an authorized volunteer or contractor to manage gate access if needed.

Councilmember discussion balanced the benefits of improved public access and trail use against the permitting complexity and safety issues at the 524 easement. After debate the council voted to direct staff to pursue the Cox Road trailhead option in the FCT management plan, to prepare cost and permit estimates and to return with an implementation plan. The motion carried 4–1.

Staff said they will prepare a narrower permitting pathway when possible (self‑certification if project elements avoid regulated wetlands or are within allowable thresholds), identify mitigation needs and report back with a proposed schedule and budget. The council instructed staff to include coordination with St. Johns River Water Management District, FDOT (for access/apron design) and private owners where easements are shared or affected.

This action is direction to staff rather than a commitment of funds; any budget appropriations or agreements to change easements would require subsequent council approval.