Cocoa Beach approves up to $30,000 in‑kind support for 2026 air show, preliminarily budgets 2027 request

Cocoa Beach commissioners approved a request for in‑kind city support for the 2026 Cocoa Beach Air Show and signaled preliminary budget direction for a 2027 event.

James Kohler, representing the AirDot Show, told the commission the event — featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels — would be staged in April with rehearsals and a main show planned for Saturday and Sunday. Kohler said the Blue Angels typically draw materially larger crowds and that organizers request in‑kind assistance for police, fire and public works outside the event footprint and use of Sydney Fisher Park as a staging and parking area for volunteers, vendors and ticketed guests.

City staff estimated the in‑kind cost to the city at about $30,000 based on prior events adjusted for inflation. Commissioners discussed capping the city’s in‑kind support to avoid unplanned budget impacts; one commissioner moved a limit of no more than $30,000 in city in‑kind costs for 2026 and preliminary direction to budget up to $35,000 for a possible 2027 show. The motion passed by a 4-1 recorded voice vote.

Supporters said the event brings significant hotel and local business revenue and estimated attendance in the tens of thousands across the show weekend; some residents and commissioners urged clarity around future funding requests and timing so the city would not face last‑minute additional asks.

The commission’s action provides staff direction to coordinate logistics with event producers and to account for the 2027 preliminary budget request during next year’s budget process.