Florida Inland Navigation District awards $875,000 to Cocoa Beach for Bicentennial Park

Tom Morgan, representing the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), presented a ceremonial check for $875,000 to the city of Cocoa Beach to support renovations at Bicentennial Park. Morgan described FIND’s role in maintaining and improving access to the Intracoastal Waterway and said the district’s waterway assistance program helped advance both phase 1 and phase 2 of the park project.

"We're proud to be partners with the city of Cocoa Beach," Morgan said, describing previous FIND investments in channel markers, dredging, kayak launches and related water‑access projects. He also announced a FIND public meeting at the Hilton on June 19 at 6 p.m., where the district’s executive director and deputy director will be in attendance and the public is invited.

Commissioners and residents who have worked on the park project recounted the multi‑year effort: a leisure board committee, grant work, design meetings and coordination with state and FIND representatives. One commissioner said the project had roots dating back six to seven years and thanked volunteers and staff, including individuals who helped secure grants from FIND and state sources.

The commission also discussed a planned ribbon cutting and thanked the leisure services team for project management and contractor work. The grant funding supports continued park improvements intended to enhance public access for paddling, boating and shoreline recreation.

No formal action beyond the ceremonial presentation was recorded; the grant was presented and the city acknowledged FIND’s contribution.