Cocoa

Cocoa's history goes back the the 1860's when it was founded by fishermen. The first plats of the new settlement were made in 1882 under the name "Indian River City" on land owned by Captain R. A. Hardee. The U. S. Postal authorities rejected the name "Indian River City", claming it was too long for use on a postmark, so the name was changed.

The coming of the railroad served as a catalyst for growth, and the settlement continued to grow in spite of setbacks. The business district was destroyed by fire in 1890. Then the "great freeze" of 1895 set back the local citrus industry.

Origins of the name "Cocoa" are unknown, although there are several different local legends. The town was incorporated in 1895.

Growth was slow during the early 20th century, but the population increase dramatically with the development of the space industry.

Cocoa is located on 9.5 square miles in central Brevard County. It fronts about four miles of the Indian River to the east. The location provides easy access to the beaches, Port Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. It is just north of Rockledge and is about 50 miles east of Orlando and its attractions.

The 2005 Census estimates the population at about 16,898 with the largest age group in the 20-44 age range, and a median household income of $24,062.

Cocoa is home to Brevard Community College and the Cocoa campus of the University of Central Florida.

The historical Cocoa Village has a quaint "old time" atmosphere with cobblestone sidewalks, period street lamps, landscaping, unique restaurants, and over 60 specialty shops. It also hosts year-round special events, street celebrations,a nd parties.

For recreation, cocoa residents enjoy boating, parasailing, water skiing, sailing, fishing, horse back riding, golf and hunting. For more cultural pastimes they can go to the Cocoa Village Playhouse, Brevard Museum of History and Science or the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory.

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