Cocoa council urges Orlando Health to delay Rockledge Hospital closure

The Cocoa City Council on a voice vote adopted a resolution expressing “deep concern” about Orlando Health’s announced closure of Rockledge Regional Hospital and urging the system to delay the shutdown until a replacement facility is operating and no gap in critical care exists.

City Manager Stockton Whitten, who said he had discussed the matter with state Representative Saroy, read the resolution aloud during the special meeting and framed it as an expression of concern and a request for more information. “Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Cocoa as follows: expression of concern,” Whitten read as he presented the text, which calls on Orlando Health to postpone the closure until a new facility is operational, provide a clear plan for continuity of services and to engage in open dialogue with local governments and providers.

The resolution asks Orlando Health to provide regular updates, to collaborate with local stakeholders and to support affected employees; the text read aloud refers to support and resources for the “940 employees impacted” (as stated in the resolution). City staff said the resolution will be forwarded to Representative Saroy for possible elevation to the governor’s office and to Orlando Health officials.

Councilwoman Koss made a motion to adopt the resolution and Deputy Mayor Weeks seconded. The presiding officer called the question and recorded the vote as “ayes have it unanimously.” No roll-call count was read into the record beyond the verbal unanimous approval.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said they worry the announced closure could create gaps in emergency care and behavioral health services for Cocoa and central Brevard County while Orlando Health transitions operations. Multiple councilors and staff referenced recent layoffs already under way at the hospital and the potential for nearby systems to absorb displaced clinicians.

Next steps: The resolution is an expression of the council’s position, not a legally binding order. The council directed staff to forward the adopted resolution to Representative Saroy; the city manager said Saroy planned to raise the matter with state officials and Orlando Health as part of his advocacy.

The council did not adopt any ordinance or require action by Orlando Health; the text requests information and collaboration and emphasizes transparency during the transition period.