Cocoa Beach Main Street reports 1,189 volunteer hours, grants and downtown projects as contract renewal approaches

Kenny Wells, executive director of Cocoa Beach Main Street, told the City Commission the organization documented 1,189 volunteer hours over the first six months of the year, which the group values at $31.61 per hour, or $37,584 in volunteer time. Wells said the Main Street contract with the city includes coordination for 12 Friday Fests and cited a $15,000 line item in last year’s city budget and a $25,000 Community Redevelopment Agency grant as past city support.

Wells outlined ongoing and planned projects intended to boost economic vitality downtown, including repainting and repotting decade-old planters, adding wayfinding signage to guide visitors to local businesses and the beach, developing a mural walk and map, and launching a shop-local campaign for the holiday season. He said the organization is pursuing a traveling Smithsonian exhibit and expects to work with the library if a grant is secured.

Wells said Main Street was awarded $12,500 from the Space Coast Office of Tourism and described a planned historical grant for $50,000 that would fund a historical appraisal process expected to take about a year. He also discussed fundraising plans and a signature fundraising event or two in 2026, and said brick sales — a prior important revenue source — are running this year with hopes to approach prior totals.

Commissioners praised Main Street’s work but differed over direct monetary support. One commissioner said the nonprofit should be provided in-kind support for events — staging, power, restrooms and safety — while expressing reluctance to add direct cash beyond existing support. Wells said he has a meeting scheduled with the city manager on Sept. 3 to discuss the contract renewal, which will then be submitted to the commission for approval.

Several elements Wells listed — volunteer hours, the contract’s scope (12 Friday Fests), and the two grant amounts ($12,500 and $50,000 pending) — were provided during the presentation and clarified during the Q&A with commissioners. Wells also described partnerships with local schools, Surfside Playhouse and the police department’s community outreach program, and programs that provide event space and beverage-coupon fundraising opportunities for local nonprofits.