Cocoa Beach introduces new public-works director; recognizes police chief and announces state grants

Cocoa Beach — City Manager introduced Brooks Webb as the city's new public-works director and commissioners publicly congratulated Police Chief Chris Keoughan on receiving a Florida Police Chiefs Association award. Staff also briefed the commission on state appropriations recently secured for local capital projects.

Brooks Webb: The manager told the commission that Brooks Webb brings more than 30 years of municipal public-works experience, including leading an 85-person department in Laramie, Wyo. Webb told the commission he is pleased to join Cocoa Beach and has already been meeting staff and observing operations.

"In the two and a half weeks I've been here, I've met a couple of you, but I've been watching your meetings for months, so I feel like I've met you all," Webb said.

Police chief recognition: Staff announced that Cocoa Beach Police Chief Chris Keoughan received the Florida Police Chiefs Association Guardian and Warrior Executive Director Award for commitment to officer safety and employee wellness; the chief was recognized with applause from the dais.

State appropriations: Staff announced two items included in this year's state budget relevant to the city's capital program: a gravity-fed sewer rehabilitation grant component (a 50% match to $500,000 to be in FY27) and a $4,000,000 grant for Fire Station 50 that requires no local match. City staff said they will bring grant agreements to the commission for acceptance when agency paperwork is completed.

Commissioners thanked staff and the city's lobbyist (named during the meeting) for securing the appropriations and welcomed Webb to the city staff.