Cocoa Village Named Florida Main Street Program of the Month

• Recognition of Community Spirit and Growth: Secretary Byrd explicitly praised Historic Cocoa Village Main Street, stating, "Historic Cocoa Village Main Street embodies community spirit, and I am proud to witness their continued growth.” This underscores the core value and ongoing positive trajectory of the program.
• Strategic Focus on Economic Development and Heritage: The designation acknowledges HCVMS's dual focus on driving economic growth while preserving and utilizing its historical assets. Secretary Byrd noted that the area "is committed to economic development and leveraging its history to shape a strong future."
• Historical Context of Cocoa: The source provides a concise history of Cocoa's establishment and development:
• Settlement by American fishermen around 1860.
• Establishment of a post office at Magnolia Point in 1871.
• Erection of the first commercial building in 1881.
• Initial plotting as "Indian River City," later rejected by the U.S. Postal Service.
• The name "Cocoa" suggested in 1884, possibly due to the cocoa tree.
• Founding of the S. F. Travis Hardware store in 1885, which remains the "longest continuously operating business in Cocoa and one of the oldest hardware stores in the state of Florida." This longevity highlights the enduring spirit of the community.
• Overcoming challenges such as an 1890 fire and the 1894-1895 "Great Freeze."
• Population fluctuations, dropping to 382 in 1903 but rebounding to 2,200 by 1930.
• Significant population boom following World War II and the arrival of NASA and the space industry, increasing from 3,098 in 1940 to 12,244 in 1960.
• Emergence as a tourist destination due to proximity to Cape Canaveral.
• Current population of over 19,000 residents with a revitalized downtown.
• Impact and Achievements of Historic Cocoa Village Main Street (HCVMS):Active participant in the Florida Main Street program since 1995 (30 years of involvement).
• Significant investment and job creation in recent years: "In the last 8 years alone, HCVMS has received more than $20 million in public and private investments, established 110 net new businesses in the district, and created 610 net new jobs." These figures demonstrate the tangible economic impact of the program.
• Substantial volunteer contribution: "The organization has logged 8,300 volunteer hours over the same time span." This highlights the strong community engagement and dedication to the Main Street program.
• Active involvement in community improvement initiatives: HCVMS leads efforts in "community clean-ups, landscaping installation and maintenance, and the development of zoning ordinances, interactive maps, and directory signs." This showcases a holistic approach to downtown revitalization.
• Preservation of historical landmarks: HCVMS played a "crucial role in preserving the Historic Derby Street Chapel, built in 1916." This demonstrates their commitment to preserving the town's heritage.
• Promotion of economic activity through events: HCVMS hosts "annual events including Art and Craft Fairs, Sip and Strolls, Book Festivals, and Sidewalk Sales to boost foot traffic and promote economic development."
• Community-focused holiday celebrations: The "Hot Cocoa Holidays" event in November and December, in partnership with the City of Cocoa, features various activities and "proceeds benefiting local charities," further emphasizing community spirit and support.

Conclusion:The designation of Historic Cocoa Village Main Street as the March 2025 Florida Main Street Program of the Month is a well-deserved recognition of its long-term dedication to economic development, historic preservation, and fostering a strong sense of community. The program's significant achievements in attracting investment, creating jobs, and engaging volunteers underscore its effectiveness and positive impact on the Coco