Secretary Byrd Designates Historic Cocoa Village as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Historic Cocoa Village Main Street, located in Brevard County, has been designated the March 2025 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.

"Historic Cocoa Village Main Street embodies community spirit, and I am proud to witness their continued growth,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “This special place on the Space Coast is committed to economic development and leveraging its history to shape a strong future."

Around 1860, American fishermen settled the area that became Cocoa, which is located on the Indian River in Brevard County. In 1871, the United States Post Office Department established a post office at nearby Magnolia Point. The first commercial building in the community was erected in 1881. Initially plotted as “Indian River City” on land owned by Captain R. A. Hardee, the U.S. Postal Service rejected the name as too lengthy for postmark use. In 1884, Captain R. C. May suggested the name "Cocoa" at a town meeting because of its association with the cocoa tree. However, accounts differ of what inspired the community’s name. In 1885, the S. F. Travis Hardware store was founded as a community hub for business activity. The hardware store remains operational today, making it the longest continuously operating business in Cocoa and one of the oldest hardware stores in the state of Florida.

Photograph provided by Kram Kran Photo

Throughout the late 19^th century, Cocoa continued to develop and saw significant growth despite setbacks, including a devastating fire in 1890 and the “Great Freeze” that crippled the citrus industry throughout the state in the winter of 1894-1895. By 1903, Cocoa’s population had dropped to 382, but it rebounded to 2,200 by 1930. The arrival of NASA and the space industry into the community after World War II spurred dramatic population growth, skyrocketing from 3,098 in 1940 to 12,244 residents in 1960. The town also became a tourist destination as thousands visited to witness rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral. Today, Cocoa boasts over 19,000 residents, with a revitalized downtown area featuring a waterfront park and more than 200 shops, including restaurants, bars, art studios, and fitness services.

Historic Cocoa Village Main Street (HCVMS) has proudly served as a Florida Main Street since 1995, actively participating in various community improvements for the past 30 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. The organization has logged 8,300 volunteer hours over the same time span. HCVMS leads initiatives such as community clean-ups, landscaping installation and maintenance, and the development of zoning ordinances, interactive maps, and directory signs. Additionally, HCVMS played a crucial role in preserving the Historic Derby Street Chapel, built in 1916. 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. During November and December, HCVMS celebrates the holidays with their "Hot Cocoa Holidays" in partnership with the City of Cocoa. This event features activities like a Boat Parade, Bike Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and a Movie in the Park, with proceeds benefiting local charities.

For more information on Historic Cocoa Village Main Street, visit VisitCocoaVillage.com. 

To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit FloridaMainStreet.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 54 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida’s downtowns – the community’s heart and soul.