Cocoa Beach Turns 100: Celebrate with Drones, Music, and History!

Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA - Cocoa Beach, a gem in Brevard County, is gearing up for a vibrant celebration as it marks its 100th anniversary this month. Known not only as the surfing capital and the hometown of legend Kelly Slater but also as the backdrop for the beloved TV show „I Dream of Jeannie,“ Cocoa Beach has much to honor this July. The city is poised for a weeklong centennial celebration starting July 5, coinciding with the Fourth of July festivities. Mayor Keith Capizzi has emphasized that Cocoa Beach is more than just its stunning shores, highlighting the hidden treasures of rivers, mangroves, and the dolphins that call this paradise home. Celebrations will feature a spectacular drone show instead of traditional fireworks, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees, as Florida Today reports.

The storied evolution of Cocoa Beach began with Native American settlers, followed by Spanish explorers and freed slaves who established the area’s early communities post-Civil War. In 1888, a group of Cocoa citizens purchased the land, though it remained largely undeveloped until attorney Gus Edwards took charge of its development. Cocoa Beach was officially founded on June 5, 1925, and incorporated on June 29, 1957. Its growth accelerated in the 1960s due to the proximity of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, which lies just 15 miles away. This connection attracted families involved in the space program, sometimes affectionately referred to as „Cape Brats,“ as highlighted by the Cocoa Beach History.

Centennial Celebration Events

The schedule is packed with exciting events for the centennial celebration. Kicking off on July 5, activities will include:

• Pickleball Tournament at 9 a.m., open to all skill levels, featuring 32 coed doubles teams in a fun, round-robin format.
• Aquatic Center Open Swim from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those looking to beat the heat, with options for swimming laps or splashing with kids.
• Street Party beginning at 6 p.m., featuring live music, NASA speakers, and plenty of options from local food trucks.
• Drone Light Show Spectacular at 9:30 p.m., with the best views within a 3-5 mile radius of City Hall, encouraging attendees to secure a good viewing spot early.

The celebrations continue on July 6 with a golf tournament and an open house at the Country Club, followed by a Friday Fest and pilot meet and greet on July 11. Further details about events on July 12 and 13 are yet to be announced, as noted by the City of Cocoa Beach.

Cocoa Beach is not just a place—it’s a blend of history, community spirit, and vibrant culture. With its colorful past and promising future, residents and visitors alike can look forward to an unforgettable centennial bash that celebrates everything that makes Cocoa Beach beloved. Whether it’s the laid-back beach vibe or the electric atmosphere of the centennial celebrations, there’s certainly something to be said for this iconic Floridian city.