HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 State of the City Annual ReportState of the City Report 2017
THE
BETWEEN ®
Table of Contents
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Mayor’s Message
City Manager’s Message
Cape Canaveral Vision Statement
City Clerk’s Office
Community Development
Community Engagement
Culture & Leisure Services
Economic Development
Financial Services
Human Resources & Risk
Management Public Works Services
Services
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
Canaveral Fire Rescue 185
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Mayor’s Message
It’s been another eventful year in The Space BetweenⓇ!
The City has once again made great strides despite
challenges and setbacks, such as Hurricanes Matthew and
Irma. During these two storms and subsequent extreme
weather events, Staff performed beyond expectations,
acting quickly to keep our Community safe and well
informed. Staff’s can-do attitude is exemplified in the
numerous projects and goals that have been undertaken and
achieved throughout the year as the city manager and City
Council endeavor to uphold our Community Vision
Statement.
We ended the fiscal year with more than $4M in reserves
and with a Fiscal Year 2017 – 2018 budget of $34M, we’re off to a solid start as we head toward the
capital projects we have planned. We’ll see a lot of growth in the City this year, including the new CAPE
Center, the Multi-Generational Center and stormwater improvements that will aid in the efforts to help
clean the Indian River Lagoon.
As we work towards our Vision Statement, the City will also undergo enhancements via our Pedestrian
and Cycling Mobility Master Plan, streetscape completion and wayfinding signage. These undertakings
will be accompanied by controlled-growth development in the Economic Opportunity Overlay District,
affording us a means to generate new revenue. The combination of all of these improvements betters the
quality of life for our residents and allows us to strengthen the City’s economic resources.
In addition, we now host the Space Coast Art Festival, have beaches that meet the Americans with
Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, beautifully maintained green spaces and a highly rated
Water Reclamation Facility, and it’s easy to see why our area is viewed as a favorable location for
developers, visitors and residents alike.
I look forward to the future of our City’s growth and am excited to see what we’ll do together in the
coming year.
Sincerely,
R.E. Bob Hoog
Mayor
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
City Manager’s Message
Staff is pleased to present the 2017 State of the City Annual Report, which outlines the
initiatives, achievements and visioning elements for each department. The objectives,
strategies and actions created by the City’s Leadership Team allow for successful
implementation of the City Council’s areas as established in the Envision Cape
Canaveral Report. As you read the report, you’ll see the many goals that were realized
over this time. We’ve made a lot of progress in the past year, and residents, Council
Members and Staff alike should all be proud of what our City has accomplished.
The Fiscal Year 2016 – 2017 Annual Budget of $34,540,466.00 was a responsible
spending plan that allowed us to provide residents and taxpayers with the same or
higher levels of service as in previous years. In addition, the budget ensured that City
Council and Staff had access to the resources needed to actualize programs, projects
and services that enhance the overall quality of life for our Community.
The improving economy coupled with increased property values and revenues is
encouraging as we move forward. By following sound fiscal policies and maintaining
responsible budget practices, the City will continue to become stronger financially and
prosper in the future.
I thank the City’s Leadership Team and entire Staff for their continued hard work,
professionalism and dedication. We look forward to a positive and successful 2018!
David L. Greene
City Manager
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Cape Canaveral Vision Statement
We envision: A bikeable and walkable Cape Canaveral that retains and enhances its
welcoming residential feel characterized by low-rise buildings. This residential and
business-friendly atmosphere is a livable, attractive, safe, inclusive and sustainable
coastal Community that embraces the oceanside and riverside as the main amenities
and supports and promotes local tourism, culture, recreation, commerce, municipal civic
interests and education.
We envision: A City network of complete streets with a native-landscaped and tree-lined
median with traffic-calming elements and dark-sky street lighting. Complete street
amenities include bicycle facilities, covered transit stops and safe pedestrian crossings
that invite pedestrians and bicyclists to access the beach, river, local neighborhoods
and adjacent Communities. Our improved complete streets will allow us to travel calmly
to intimate waterfront destinations and a walkable uptown core. Multi-use paths lined
with shade trees should be wide enough for bikes and pedestrians and lighted so
anyone can walk or bicycle safely anywhere in town, day or night.
We envision: Welcoming Community entrance features that create a sense of arrival
and unique Community identity as The Space BetweenⓇ. The uptown and other areas
will contain an architecturally rich and unique mix of uses, with wide tree-shaded
sidewalks and umbrella-covered café tables at restaurants and bistros where friends
gather, interact and enjoy drinks and dinner.
We envision: An engaged and compassionate Community that removes or transforms
blighted and unfinished buildings into attractive structures, offers Citywide green
spaces, provides a pet-friendly park with ample shade, acts progressively but
deliberately and actively recruits and supports businesses that enhance economic
viability and serve our residents and visitors with goodwill.
We envision: Open shorelines and rivers accessible to the public including amenities
that take advantage of the water, such as limited and quaint water-view establishments
and intimate public gathering and entertainment places that may include pavilions,
gazebos or a performance stage.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Department Overview
The City Clerk’s Office (CCO) is a department directed by the City clerk and supported by
the deputy City clerk. The CCO provides administrative service to City Council, the city
manager and all City departments, as well as the Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA) Board, the Community and general public in a variety of ways. The department is
primarily responsible for:
●Preparing agendas, agenda items, agenda packets, ordinances, resolutions,
proclamations, minutes and so forth.
●Ensuring the codification of City ordinances.
●Serving as records management liaison to the State of Florida, overseeing the
City’s records management system on Laserfiche and handling public records
requests.
●Serving as the elections qualifying officer for the Mayor and City Council
candidates.
●Providing notary public services.
●Distributing, tracking and receiving bids, requests for proposals (RFPs), requests
for qualifications (RFQs) and the taking of minutes for bid opening meetings.
●Planning, managing and making purchases via the legislative and CCO budgets.
Staffing
There have not been any staffing changes over the past year.
The deputy City clerk attended the first of three yearly, week-long academies organized
by the Florida Association of City Clerks geared towards earning a Certified Municipal
Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Additionally, the
CCO supervised two volunteers interested in helping the City with records management.
Envision Cape Canaveral Effort
The department continues to work toward creating a sustainable Community via
implementation of Laserfiche, a Citywide records management system.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Operational Statistics for Fiscal Year 2016 – 2017
Legislative Services
●Prepared the meeting room and recorded the proceedings (minutes) for 16 City
Council meetings, including regular, special, workshop and strategic planning
meetings. Agenda packets and minutes were produced for each.
●Processed 14 ordinances (10 codified), 30 resolutions (three codified) and 12
proclamations.
●Received and tracked the campaign treasurers’ reports for the five candidates
who qualified for the municipal election in November 2017 for the two open City
Council Member seats.
●Received 11 volunteer advisory board applications.
●Provided and reviewed orientation materials for and with 10 volunteer advisory
board members who were appointed by City Council.
●Recruited, tracked membership and oversaw the management of 14 volunteer
advisory board members who were re-appointed by City Council.
City Records Management
●Scanned and verified 11,631 pages of documents.
●Processed 2,500+ archived digital records and documents using optical character
recognition for searching purposes.
●As of September 30, 2017, sent 357 boxes of records to be held at the City’s
contracted off-site records storage facility.
●Destroyed 170 boxes (or 255.7 cubic feet) of records in accordance with State
statutes and retention requirements. This included a coordinated large-scale
disposition of older boxes of records at the off-site facility.
●Processed 29 substantive public records requests in accordance with Florida
Statute Chapter 119, Public Records.
City Projects
●Distributed, tracked and received one bid, RFP and RFQ.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Volunteer Assistance
●Volunteers contributed 50.83 hours by assisting with scanning and verifying
records.
Notary Services
●Provided 185 notarizations in accordance with the City’s notary services policy.
●Generated $385.00 in revenue from notary services. (First notarizations are free.)
Community Involvement Activities
Brevard Schools Foundation: Take Stock in Children Career Expo — February 4,
2017
The City clerk and deputy City clerk represented the City of Cape Canaveral with a table
in the government and public administration career cluster. This event was part of the
Take Stock in Children Program, an initiative focusing on drop-out prevention, mentoring
and scholarship programs for middle and high school students.
Florida City Government Week — October 23 to 27, 2017
Each year, the CCO works with Cape
View Elementary School to coordinate
an entire week of events with each
City department, the Cape Canaveral
Precinct of the Brevard County
Sheriff’s Office, Canaveral Fire
Rescue and Cape Canaveral Public
Library. This year, more than 350
students learned about how
municipal government operates and serves its citizens. CCO Staff, with Mayor Pro Tem
Brendan McMillin and Staff from the Economic Development, Financial Services and
Community Engagement Departments, conducted a mock City Council meeting for the
third graders. Students were randomly selected to act as the City Council. They
discussed and voted on the issue of dogs on the beach.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Space Coast League of Cities
The CCO planned and attended the Space Coast League of Cities meeting at Radisson
Resort on Monday, April 10, 2017. The meeting was hosted by the City of Cape
Canaveral and Waste Pro.
Brevard County City Clerk’s Association
The CCO coordinated with the City of Cocoa Beach City Clerk’s Office to plan and host a
Brevard County City Clerks Association (BCCCA) meeting in April 2017. The City clerk
serves as treasurer for BCCCA.
Hurricanes Matthew and Irma
In the past fiscal year, the City felt the impact of two major hurricanes. The CCO
coordinated with other City departments and the City Manager’s Office to prepare and
process hurricane-related documents, secure City facilities and records ahead of the
storms, maintain lines of communication between Staff and provide information to the
general public. After each storm, the CCO Staff returned and secured City facilities and
records to normal, processed storm-related City Council meeting agenda items,
provided post-storm and clean-up information to the general public and completed
FEMA documentation.
New City Hall
The CCO worked closely with Staff from the Economic Development Department, the
City Manager’s Office, Administrative Services Department, the Community
Development Department, the City’s IT contractor and AV contractors in brainstorming
and organizing plans for office furniture, record storage and implementation of
recording and AV equipment for the dais in the new City Council chambers. We, along
with the rest of City Hall Staff, are excited about doing business in this brand new
facility.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Department Overview
The Community Development Department is comprised of four distinct divisions:
Planning, Building, Code Enforcement and the Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA). Together these divisions play a vital role in the department’s mission to protect
and enhance the physical environment of the City and to provide for the highest
possible quality of life for its residents.
Planning Division
With respect to development projects in the City during the reporting period (October
2016 through September of 2017), the following is provided:
Oceanside Distillery
Site plan project approved in November 2016 and includes construction of a
7,000-square-foot building that will contain a microbrewery and an associated tasting
room and retail store. It is located at 240 Central Boulevard.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Atlantic Breeze Concept
The project consists of a single five-story structure containing 7,500 square feet of retail
space and 31 apartment units. Twenty-six apartment units are proposed on the top four
floors. In addition, there are five live/work units proposed that will have living facilities
on the second floor with direct access to the work portion of the unit on the first floor.
Springhill Suites
This project is for site plan approval of Phase I of the Cape Canaveral Radisson Resort
Master Site Plan for property located on W. Central Boulevard, north and west of the
Radisson Resort. The site plan includes two six-story structures on a 6.36-acre parcel.
The structures stand 65 feet in height and include a total of 301 rooms.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
8600 Astronaut Boulevard
This project included the level one approval for the renovation of the 63,000-square-foot
building located at 8600 Astronaut Boulevard. The renovation is a result of the property
owner securing a long-term lease with Comprehensive Health Services, Inc. for the
relocation of its corporate headquarters to Cape Canaveral.
RaceTrac
This project included a level one approval for the redevelopment of a RaceTrac
convenience store located at 8899 Astronaut Boulevard. The project includes the
construction of a 5,411-square-foot convenience store with eight fueling pumps (16
fueling stations). The property consists of 2.83 acres and is zoned C-1.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Sunbelt Development
The level one application is for the construction of a six-story, dual-branded Home2 and
Hampton Inn & Suites extended-stay hotel located at 9004 Astronaut Boulevard. The
project is located on a 6.9-acre parcel and includes a 151,500-square-foot building with
224 rooms.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Building Division
The Building Division includes two City functions, code enforcement along with building
and permitting.
The division is comprised of five full-time and three part-time employees. Building Staff
is primarily responsible for the review of plans and inspection of construction projects
to ensure compliance with Florida Building Codes. Code enforcement Staff is
responsible for maintaining a safe and desirable living and working environment
through enforcement of City codes. The division’s Staff also administers the City’s
Business Tax Receipt Program, which is required for anyone operating a business in the
City.
The Building Department extends a warm welcome to its newest employees: Code
Enforcement Officer Chris Robinson and part-time Code Enforcement Officer Robin
Reiland.
Building and Permitting
Projects completed or under construction are as follows.
Holiday Club Vacations, Building 3
This project is a five-story timeshare located at 9026 Tropic Beach Drive and consists of
a 77,418-square-foot building under construction. The project includes 42 units.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Comprehensive Health Services, Inc.
This renovation project is located at 8600 Astronaut Blvd. and consists of a
63,000-square-foot building located on 5.5 acres.
Oceanside Distillery
This development is located at 240 W. Central Boulevard and consists of a
7,000-square-foot building located on a .83-acre parcel.
Cumberland Farms
This development is located at 8000 Astronaut Boulevard and consists of a
4,928-square-foot building with a retail convenience store that includes 12 fueling
pumps under a detached canopy. The project is located on a 1.42-acre parcel.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Photo from Google Maps
Twistee Treat
This development is located at 8200 Astronaut Boulevard and consists of a
602-square-foot building located on 1.1-acre parcel.
Twistee Treats iconic ice cream building and a local (left).
Image from www.facebook.com/TTCapeCanaveral
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Statistics for the period October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017
Fiscal Year 2016 – 2017
Permits issued 1,422
Permitting fees $273,393.00
Impact fees $25,978.00
Building inspections performed 2,609
Business Tax Receipts renewed 1,287
Business Tax Receipts renewed fees $67,909.16
Business Tax Receipts new applications 1,065
Business Tax Receipts new application fees $9,333.68
Improved Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) Building Code
Effectiveness Grade Received
The Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS®) assesses the building
codes in effect in a particular Community and how the Community enforces its building
codes. Special emphasis is placed on mitigation of losses from natural hazards. The
concept is simple: Cities with well-enforced, up-to-date codes should demonstrate
better loss experience and insurance rates can reflect that.
The prospect of lessening damage from catastrophic events and, ultimately, lowering
insurance costs is an incentive for Communities to enforce their building codes
rigorously. The anticipated upshot is safer buildings, less damage and lower insured
losses from catastrophes.
The BCEGS program gives each municipality a grade ranging from Class 1 (exemplary
commitment to building code enforcement) to Class 10. ISO develops advisory rating
credits that apply to ranges of BCEGS classifications (1 – 3, 4 – 7, 8 – 9 and 10). ISO
gives insurers BCEGS classifications, BCEGS advisory credits and related underwriting
information.
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
The Building Division worked earnestly to achieve and maintain a Class 3 grading for
one- and two-family residential properties. This is improved from a previous grading of
Class 4.
Code Enforcement Division
Mock Code Enforcement Board Meeting
In support of Florida City Government Week, Staff from the Code Enforcement Division
hosted the Annual Cape View Elementary School Mock Code Enforcement Board
Hearing on October 23, 2017. The 6th graders had a chance to sit in the seats of the
Code Enforcement Board and hear mock cases, ask questions, hold deliberations, and
make and vote on motions. Everyone had a great time learning more about their City.
Code Enforcement Officer Brian Palmer during the Mock Code Enforcement Board Hearing
Lien Payments
The City received the following Code Enforcement lien payments:
●$5,000.00 — 226 Polk Avenue
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City of Cape Canaveral - State of the City Report 2017
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Lighting Violations
Staff continues to monitor for turtle lighting violations during sea turtle nesting season,
which is enforced in Cape Canaveral from May 1st to October 31st each year. Work was
done with several condominium associations for voluntary compliance with the
assistance of Brevard County Natural Resources. Code enforcement Staff dedicated
several evenings to conducting turtle lighting inspections in conjunction with County
Staff. The inspections, generated by four turtle disorientation reports, revealed lighting
violations at several condominiums. Staff worked to resolve these violations by
contacting the appropriate condominium associations and requesting voluntary
compliance. Compliance alternatives include turning lights out from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00
a.m., redirecting light, shielding lights and/or retrofitting structures with turtle-friendly
lighting fixtures and bulbs.
Weekend Code Enforcement
Staff continues to perform random weekend code enforcement to ensure that
compliance is not just expected five days a week, but on a consistent basis.
Specimen Tree Removal
Staff processed the following applications for removal of specimen trees:
●110 and 112 Ocean Garden Lane — Council approved request with mitigation.
●226 Polk Avenue — Council approved request with mitigation.
Statistics for the period of October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017
FY15 – 16 FY16 – 17
Notices of violation issued 70 60
Notices of compliance issued 45 35
Cases presented to the Code Enforcement Board 14 10
Properties posted as unfit for human occupancy 5 2
Illegal signs removed 305 507
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Vehicles posted 30 50
Code enforcement violations resolved in field 92 102
Doors tagged with courtesy requests 58 76
Lien search requests processed 300 409
Citations issued for work without permit 4 2
Stop work orders posted 8 10
Follow-up site visits 265 240
Tree removal applications processed 38 50
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
With passage of Resolution No. 2012-16, the City Council adopted a Finding of
Necessity to establish the Cape Canaveral CRA and declared the City Council to be the
CRA Board. The CRA Board acted on the following notable items in FY16 – 17:
●Approved Resolution No. CRA-05, adopting a budget for the CRA for FY17 – 18.
Highlights of the budget include:
○Total Revenue of $1,158,731.00 ($388,697.00 County, $370,034.00 City
and $400,000.00 transferred from the general fund). The City and County
revenue represents a 59% increase from the previous year.
○Capital outlay of $400,000.00
○Debt service of $741,527.00
○Operating costs of $11,239.00
During the reporting period, the CRA funded the following project within the City:
N. Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project
The project included construction of bio-swales, a pedway/sidewalk system and
installation of solar-powered lighting. In addition to CRA funding, moneys from Brevard
County and Florida Department of Transportation were used.
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Ordinance Revisions
To maintain the City’s ability to protect its citizens and provide for the highest-level
quality of life, community development Staff periodically revises and updates certain
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City ordinances. The following notable ordinance revisions were completed during the
reporting period:
Ordinance No. 04-2017
This ordinance was adopted to establish dimensional standards for automobile parking
spaces. Prior to the ordinance, no minimum width or length was provided in the City
code and created an opportunity for unconventional parking spaces. The new
dimensions that became effective in April were 10 feet in width and 10 feet in length.
Ordinance No. 05-2017
This ordinance constituted an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan to address
35 non-conforming, residential condominium projects. The non-conformities were due
to the projects exceeding the maximum allowed density standards in the respective
zoning districts. The enabling provision is contained in ordinance and provides a vehicle
to determine that certain residential densities (>15 du/acre) are consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan without revising the current established maximum residential
density limits.
Ordinance No. 06-2017
This ordinance implements the new Comprehensive Plan policy contained in Ordinance
No. 05-2017 by amending the City’s low-density residential zoning definition through
creating a process to vest eligible residential projects.
Ordinance No. 08-2017
This ordinance continued the streamlining of the City’s development approval process
by revising the platting process, notably:
●Lot line adjustment — The proposed ordinance creates a lot line adjustment
process (Sec. 98-67), whereby minor boundary adjustments between adjacent
parcels can be administratively approved without triggering platting
requirements. The section also establishes application requirements, a review
process and additional criteria that must be met prior to approval of a lot line
adjustment. A survey of the original and reconfigured lots prepared by a licensed
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land surveyor shall be required. In most cases, affected property owners will be
required to enter into a unity of title agreement with the City.
●Approval criteria — The proposed ordinance adds six criteria that must be met in
order to approve a lot split or preliminary and final plat. The criteria are aimed at
ensuring the compatibility of the application with the surrounding neighborhood
and ensuring adequate public services are available.
●Variance process — Currently, a variance request from the subdivision
regulations is first considered by the Planning & Zoning Board with final action
taken by the Board of Adjustment. As proposed, a variance will be considered by
the Planning & Zoning Board with final action taken by the City Council. An
aggrieved party shall have the right to file an action in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
Ordinance No. 09-2017
This ordinance allowed a six-foot fence to be located 15 feet or more from the public
right-of-way. Previously, a fence could not be 6 feet within 25 feet of the right of way.
This limited property owners to the installation of a four-foot high fence on the side yard
that fronted a City street. This situation resulted in a lack of privacy and security for
nonconforming corner lots.
Ordinance No. 10-2017
This ordinance revised the City’s Coastal Management Element of the Comprehensive
Plan to address new requirements established by the Florida Legislature to include
“development and redevelopment principles, strategies and engineering solutions that
reduce the flood risk in coastal areas which results from high-tide events, storm surge,
flash floods, stormwater runoff and related impacts of sea level rise.”
Ordinance No. 11-2017
This ordinance banned medical marijuana dispensing facilities from the City limits. This
was largely in reaction to the Florida Legislature’s preemption provisions regarding
dispensary facilities contained in the new law. Specifically, the bill provides that a
municipality may, by ordinance, ban medical marijuana treatment center dispensing
facilities from being located within its boundaries. However, if a municipality does not
ban dispensing facilities, it may not place specific limits either on the number of
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dispensing facilities that may be located in the municipality and, further, may not enact
ordinances for permitting or determining the location of dispensing facilities which are
more restrictive than its ordinances permitting or determining the locations for
pharmacies.
Ordinance No. 12-2017
This ordinance represented a conforming amendment to allow hotels and motels as a
permitted use in the M-1 district in the Economic Opportunity Overlay District (EOOD).
Prior to this, hotels proposed within the City’s EOOD were only allowed as a special
exception. Outside of the EOOD, they were permitted in the M-1 district.
Resolution No. 2016-27
This resolution waived permit fees related to Hurricane Matthew for any building permit
filed with the City related to repairing building or structural damage caused by the
storm. All such applications were required to be filed with the City’s Building Department
on or after October 10, 2016, but no later than December 9, 2016.
Resolution No. 2017-15
This resolution constituted a revision to Appendix B, the City’s Fee Schedule, to properly
assign development-related costs, to reasonably capture the cost of providing
department services and to provide relief to the general fund. Many fees associated
with Community Development Department services had not changed since the adoption
of the code in 1983. Since that time, costs had escalated in terms of personnel, fuel,
office supplies, records retention, permitting and equipment. In addition, Florida
Statutes and applicable zoning and building codes had increased the required level of
service that must be performed by law.
Resolution No. 2017-26
This resolution waived permit fees related to Hurricane Irma for any building permit filed
with the City related to repairing building or structural damage caused by the storm. All
such applications were required to be filed with the City’s Building Department on or
after September 11, 2017, but no later than November 14, 2017.
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Ongoing Activities
Low-Impact Development and Mixed-Use Ordinance
In conjunction with the City Attorney’s Office, a draft ordinance to encourage the mixture
of complementary land uses on a single development site has been prepared. The
initiative, which will take the form of an overlay, is proposed to be applicable in the State
Road (SR) A1A EOOD. Proposed language also will encourage use of low-impact
development (LID) techniques. The intent of this code section is to:
●Allow a mixture of complementary land uses that may include housing, retail,
offices, commercial services, light industrial, light manufacturing and high-tech
services, civic uses and public open spaces to create economic and social vitality
and support diversity of housing opportunities.
●Encourage the use of LID techniques, such as permeable parking surfaces,
establishing minimum bicycle parking facilities, reduction of minimum vehicle
parking facilities for mixed-use projects and maintaining minimum open space in
front setbacks.
●Develop mixed-use areas that are safe, comfortable and promote a multi-faceted
pedestrian-friendly and walkable environment to encourage the linking of trips.
●Reinforce streets as public places for additional street level activity that
encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel.
●Provide for efficient use of land and services by facilitating compact, high-density
development and minimizing the amount of land that is needed for surface
parking.
●Provide roadway and pedestrian connections as well as land use transitions to
adjacent neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Permitted Use Table
Creation of a permitted use table for inclusion in Chapter 110 of the Code of
Ordinances. This table will create a much more user-friendly document to assist
customers with determining allowable land uses within the various zoning categories. It
will also allow the list of uses to be updated and expanded.
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Polk Avenue Master Plan
Staff, in conjunction with Kimley-Horn, is preparing a master plan and streetscape for
the Polk Avenue corridor from N. Atlantic Avenue and SR A1A to Ridgewood Avenue.
The effort includes landscaping improvements, sidewalk and crosswalk design
drawings, hardscape treatments, traffic-calming techniques and street-lighting features.
Concepts of a possible future Polk Avenue redevelopment
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Department Overview
The Community Engagement Department was established in June 2016 and is primarily
responsible for the implementation and evaluation of public programs, Community
meetings, public gatherings and more. Current Staff consists of one director, one
community engagement consultant and one shared executive assistant. The
community engagement director is currently also the public works services deputy
director, and many community engagement projects have benefited from having a
presence in both departments. Other regular responsibilities of the Community
Engagement Department are to disseminate up-to-date information via the City website
and social media platforms, perform routine website maintenance and improvements
and provide constant content sourcing throughout the City for various digital and social
media platforms. The department is a bridge between residents and their local
government and is dedicated to ensuring a high quality of life for an engaged
Community. In an effort to meet that goal, the following projects were continued,
developed or executed in 2017:
Health First 2017 Mayors’ Fitness Challenge
The Community Engagement and Culture & Leisure Services (CLS) Departments
recruited a team of 140 participants for the first ever 13-week Brevard County fitness
challenge. Other participating cities were:
●Cocoa
●Indialantic
●Indian Harbor Beach
●Melbourne
●Palm Bay
●Rockledge
●Satellite Beach
●West Melbourne
The participants tracked and reported their active minutes weekly for 13 weeks, at the
end of which the team with the most points and participants would be named Most Fit
City 2017. To accomplish this goal, a Ways to Get Active in Cape Canaveral webpage
was created so participants, residents and visitors had easy access to a list of bikeable
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and walkable areas in the City, exercise classes, run
clubs, fitness apps and a list of upcoming fitness
events throughout the County. Staff also coordinated
a trash pickup, sea oat planting and walk with Bob
Gabordi of “Florida Today” to help team members
earn active minutes. On Saturday, May 6, 2017, Cape
Canaveral was named Most Fit City 2017 for racking
up 556,599 active minutes!
The Honorable Mayor Hoog and Staff accepted the trophy for Most Fit City 2017 at the
Viera Hospital courtyard from Drew Rector, Health First chief strategy officer and plans
chief executive officer. Several members from Team Cape Canaveral were also present.
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For being named the Most Fit City 2017, Health First presented the City with a gumbo
limbo tree. On Wednesday, November 15, 2017, the Honorable Mayor Hoog, executives
from Health First and officials from Get Healthy Brevard, the University of Florida
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and United Way gathered for a
tree-dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting in Manatee Sanctuary Park. Earlier in the
year, the City held a tree-naming competition on Facebook in which residents and
Community members suggested names for the gumbo limbo and voted on their
favorites. The winning name for our tree was Gumby McGumface.
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Report a Concern
The Report a Concern (RAC) webpage form has helped the Community connect with the
City since the 2016 website redesign. The Community submitted an average of 20
concerns a month in 2017, ranging from questions about feral cat colonies to reports of
unpermitted sea grape cutting. The RAC form has been an easy way for the Community
to ask questions, get help and be the eyes and ears on the street in regards to
unpermitted activities. Many of the concerns are neighbor-versus-neighbor issues,
which lead to the director, consultant and other Staff attempting to mediate issues and
foster communication between Community members. Other examples of concerns
reported in 2017 include:
●Solar light timing or malfunctioning
●Irresponsible dog owners
●Speeding on N. Atlantic Avenue
●Condemned buildings post Hurricane Irma
●Code enforcement
●Beach wrack
●Graffiti
●Reports of damage following hurricanes or severe weather events
●Sprinkler malfunctioning
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The Space BetweenⓇ
As a result of the 2009 Community visioning process, the City rebranded itself The Space
BetweenⓇ in 2015. The Community Engagement Department has worked to make both the new
City vision and brand a way of life for residents, visitors and businesses. The City’s branding is
used in multiple marketing and outreach efforts, both online via the City’s website and social
media platforms and in the built environment. Staff from community engagement has advanced
the 2015 Branding Implementation Plan by expanding the brand usage, securing trademarks and
working with the Community to embrace The Space BetweenⓇ lifestyle. By working through and
with multiple departments, Staff has been able to apply the brand in the following ways:
●Silicon wristbands
●Koozies
●Photo booth backdrops
●Park signs
●City event signage, such as flyers, banners and promotional materials
●Advertisements in Brevard County, “Florida Today” and Florida League of Cities
publications
●Street pole banners
●Dog waste bag holders
●And coming in 2018: Bike racks!
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Trademark Initiative
Staff began the trademark initiative in 2016 as a way to uphold the new City Brand and
Vision Statement. The City now owns the following:
●PC-3588T - THE SPACE BETWEENⓇ
●PC-3589T - SUN + SEAⓇ
●PC-3590T - HIGH HEELS + FLIP FLOPSⓇ
●PC-3591T - WAVES + WONDERⓇ
●PC-3593T - LIFTOFF + LANDINGⓇ
●PC-3594T - INSPIRATION + RELAXATIONⓇ
●PC-3595T - FAMILY + FRIENDSⓇ
●PC-3596T - HIGH-TECH + HIGH TIDEⓇ
●PC-3597T - SCIENCE + SANDCASTLESⓇ
Staff hopes to obtain Oceanside + RiversideSM , the Sun, Space and SeaSM City
seal/drawing, as well as the phrase Sun, Space & SeaSM in 2018.
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Bikeable and Walkable Cape Canaveral
The City is actively working towards becoming a more pedestrian-friendly Community
through streetscape projects, decorative crosswalks, Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT)
improvements, park improvements, future planning, grants and partnerships with
pedestrian- and mobility-safety advocacy organizations. The Community continues to
ask for improvements to the pedestrian and pedi-cycle infrastructure of the City at
events, meetings and on social media. The City worked on several projects in 2017 that
directly impacted the bikeability and walkability of our environment, and the director will
continue to spearhead pedestrian-related projects in 2018.
Pedestrian and Cycling Mobility Master Plan
Staff worked with Kimley-Horn to create the Pedestrian and Cycling Mobility Master
Plan as part of the $28,000.00 Department of Economic Opportunity Grant awarded to
the City of Cape Canaveral in 2016. Staff from Kimley-Horn spent the day biking, walking
and observing how residents and visitors travel by foot, bike, assistive mobility device
and car. Staff held a Community brainstorm event focused on pedestrian safety, created
a pedestrian wish list and had the attendees complete a pedestrian survey. The focus of
the Pedestrian and Cycling Mobility Master Plan ran east to west from N. Atlantic
Avenue to Ridgewood Avenue and north to south from Washington Avenue to Grant
Avenue. The final Pedestrian and Cycling Mobility Master Plan has become a modular
blueprint that can be applied to other sections of the City. The director created a
working map of City sidewalks using the mapping software Boondock Cities. The
Pedestrian and Cycling Mobility Master Plan is being used to make Cape Canaveral
more bikeable, walkable and pedestrian friendly.
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To view the map, please visit http://bit.ly/2mklkUD
Pedestrian Environment Improvements
Following the completion of the Pedestrian and Cycling Mobility Master Plan, the
director had four radar-activated, LED-flashing, 25-mph speed limit signs purchased for
installation as part of the ongoing N. Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project. Staff received
complaints throughout 2016 and 2017 about the speed at which people drove on N.
Atlantic Avenue, and this solution is meant to alert motorists to how fast they are going.
Studies show that this form of motorist education does help lower speeds to the posted
limit. The LED signs activate 24 hours a day when cars are driving by at a speed in
excess of 27 mph.
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Another result of the Pedestrian and Cycling Mobility Master Plan was the installation of
pedestrian crossing traffic rebounders at the pedestrian crosswalk located on N.
Atlantic Avenue just north of Church Lane. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma literally ripped
the rebounders out of the pavement in September 2017. As a temporary solution, Staff
installed rebounders on standalone streetscape signs in front of the pedestrian
crosswalk on both either side of N. Atlantic Avenue. Button-activated, rapid-flashing
beacon crosswalk signs were purchased for this crosswalk in 2017 and will be installed
in 2018.
Mobi-matⓇ Installation
The City of Cape Canaveral was issued a permit from the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP) in March of 2017 to install Mobi-matⓇ RecPathTM
non-slip, roll-up Beach Access MatTM pathways at Monroe, Polk and Buchanan Avenues.
The permitting process took most of 2016 to finalize, and the City was given a very
small window to lay down the mats due to sea turtle nesting season. Residents and
visitors have expressed thanks and appreciation for the beach mat installation and have
requested that more mats be installed at other beach crossovers in the City.
The Mobi-mats suffered minor damage in September 2017 due to Hurricane Irma and
subsequent extreme weather events. In October 2017, partial sections of the mats were
re-installed due to the loss of beach sand and changing beach landscape. The director
worked with Deschamps Mat Systems — the manufacturer of Mobi-mats — to order
replacement The Space Between branded panels, connectors and Mobi-mat sections.
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With the addition of Mobi-mats, the City has become an even more attractive
Community with inclusive and fully accessible beaches. Staff hopes that residents who
have been unable to access the beach will again be able to enjoy the natural shoreline,
watch launches from the beach or even build a sand castle with family and friends.
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Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Sea turtle nesting season runs from March 1 to October 31 in the City of Cape Canaveral
and surrounding beach Communities. Staff uses the City website, park kiosks, social
media and Community events to spread the word about how the Community can help
increase the survival rate of our sea turtle hatchlings.
Turtle Tuesday
In July 2017, Staff received reports that sea turtle hatchlings on the City’s beaches were
not surviving because they were drawn towards beach-facing lights rather than the
moonlight over the ocean.
Staff used this as an opportunity to engage the Community via social media, particularly
Instagram and Facebook. Each Tuesday, Staff posted a sea turtle fact along with tips
about turtle-friendly lighting and behavior. The incredible response to this campaign
made Staff aware that residents were fiercely protective of the area’s endangered
wildlife.
In addition to relying on the Community to start conversations about the topic, Staff
worked with the CLS Department and Code Enforcement Division to spread the
message about turtle-friendly lighting. Community engagement has brainstormed ways
to better disseminate the message to Cape Canaveral residents and visitors during the
2018 nesting season, including leave-behinds at rental properties, decals on sliding
glass doors, updated signage at beach crossovers and a renewed social media
campaign.
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WFTV9 #SaveTheTurtles
In July of 2017, Staff worked with
WFTV 9 reporter Racquel Asa to
spotlight issues related to sea turtle
hatchlings in Cape Canaveral. Asa
learned of the matter via social
media, on which Staff used the
hashtag #SaveTheTurtles while
posting the results of disorientation
reports supplied by the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation
Commission and Brevard County.
Racquel met Code Enforcement
Officer Chris Robinson at the
Jefferson Avenue beach to discuss
the importance of turning lights out
for turtles, to show viewers how to
recognize a turtle nest and to
showcase our natural beach.
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Racquel streamed a Facebook Live broadcast and continued to talk about our sea turtle
mission on the 4:00 p.m. news broadcast later that day.
Sense of Place
The director has been exploring usage of the City’s brand along with feedback from the
Community to build a sense of place for residents and visitors. Three signage initiatives
were explored and installed in 2017 to help create a unique Community identity as The
Space BetweenⓇ.
Drug-Free Zone Sign Initiative
The director worked with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and the City
attorney to design a Drug-Free Community Sign to be installed at the entrances of Cape
Canaveral on State Road (SR) A1A, Ridgewood Avenue and N. Atlantic Avenue. This City
Council- and Community-supported idea aims to bring more awareness to drug
problems in the City. Since the signs do not need to be posted for Florida State Statute
893.13 to be effective, they are strictly a way to raise awareness and to remind
residents and visitors that prevention is key to controlling this issue. The signs were
made locally and installed at the four City entrances to greet incoming traffic. Additional
site-specific park and school signs have been designed and will be installed in 2018.
Surfer- and Peafowl-Crossing Signage
Staff designed surfer-crossing signs to be installed on Ridgewood and Washington
Avenues and peafowl-crossing signs for installation on N. Atlantic Avenue and Harbor
Drive. These signs continue the Community vision of creating a “sense of arrival and
unique Community identity.” The surfer-crossing signs were damaged during Hurricane
Irma, and replacements will be installed in 2018.
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Solar Street Light Banners
To further the City brand and create a unique sense of place in The Space BetweenⓇ, the
director designed branded banners for the N. Atlantic Avenue and Ridgewood Avenue
streetscapes. The vibrant banners feature designs with sea turtles, rockets, planets,
stars, astronauts, palm trees, waves, sandcastles, beach umbrellas and flip-flops. Each
banner has a different The Space BetweenⓇ trademark tagline and hashtag. Two
banners were damaged during Hurricane Irma.
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Quality-of-Life Projects
It’s the job of the director to listen for Community quality-of-life ideas at brainstorm
meetings, City events and through daily interactions. These are the types of ideas that
bring smiles to faces, make walks in the park better, help families and residents enjoy
their days and so forth. In 2017, we saw the launch of several new ideas, as well as the
expansion of existing ones.
The Little Free Library Project
In May 2017, community engagement worked with Staff from the CLS and Public Works
Services (PWS) Departments to install the City’s first Little Free Library (LFL). The book
exchange box is located in Patriots Park, just north of the Community garden and was
literally an overnight success. The Honorable Mayor Bob Hoog and library
representatives attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was livestreamed via
Periscope.
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The City’s second LFL was installed at the Polk Avenue beach crossover in August
2017. It has become an international ambassador of Cape Canaveral, as visitors from
around the world have taken to signing the LFL’s guestbook.
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Local artist Shelby Kasowski painted the second Little Free Library
The motto of the Little Free Library program is "Take a book. Return a book." Staff has
received positive feedback about the LFLs via social media and in casual conversations
with residents. The LFLs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have
motion-activated LED lights for those looking for a late-night read. Anyone wishing to
donate books can simply leave them at the LFLs — children’s books are always in high
demand.
Each LFL was painted by a local artist who used the City’s The Space Between branding
as inspiration. The book exchanges are stewarded by Cape Canaveral residents, and the
combination of the artwork and stewards’ enthusiasm gives each LFL its own
personality.
The community engagement team hopes to install two more LFLs by spring of 2018.
One will be placed in Manatee Sanctuary Park, while the other will be located near (and
stewarded by) Cape View Elementary School.
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The Little Free Pantry Project
Motivated by the success and popularity of the Little Free Library program and a desire
to strengthen ties in the Community, Staff purchased three Little Free Pantries in
October 2017. The Little Free Pantry (LFP) is a grassroots, crowdsourced solution
program whose motto is “Neighbors helping neighbors.”
Staff is currently working with Cape View Elementary School to decorate two Little Free
Pantries, which will be stewarded by Cape View students, faculty and staff. It is the goal
of community engagement to have three LFPs installed by spring of 2018.
Community Garden
The City of Cape Canaveral Community Garden was established in September 2016 as a
partnership with Mayor Pro Tem Brendan McMillin and a grant from the National
Recreation and Parks Association. The project stemmed from ideas submitted by
members of the Community at various City events, in casual conversations with
residents and during Community brainstorm events. The Community garden was also a
talking point of Council Member Mike Brown and Mayor Bob Hoog. The implementation
of this project was a joint effort between the Community Engagement and PWS
Departments.
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Season 1 (September 2016 to March 2017)
In September 2016, gardeners of all ages and experience levels were drawn from a
lottery they entered earlier in the year. The City provided supplies, plants, tools and
water (both in barrels and via a reclaimed water drip system) for the gardeners. ACE
Hardware and Sunseed Food Co-Op were both kind enough to donate seeds. All
gardeners pay a one-time $10.00 fee to participate in the garden. These fees go straight
back to the Community garden fund.
Season 2 (March 2017 to September 2017)
Gardeners of all ages and experience levels contacted Staff and were entered into a
lottery drawn in March 2017. Two Season 1 gardeners were asked to stay on as garden
masters to strengthen the sense of Community and help new gardeners.
In Season 2, Public Works Staff enlarged the growing area by adding 10 railing boxes
and creating small raised beds directly outside of the eastern side of the garden
fencing. Gardeners used this additional space as a common area in which they planted
a variety of vegetables, herbs and wildflowers. This was the first season in which
gardeners tracked their harvests. Below is a very modest estimate of the Season 2
harvest. (Some items — such as leafy greens — are not included.)
Season 2 Approximate Harvest Numbers
Tomatoes 854 Cucumbers 104
Okra 100 Brussels sprouts 89
Eggplants 68 Peppers 81
Jalapenos 51 Herbs 98 bunches
PWS also designed, built and installed the four LED flowers that are affixed to fence
posts. The flowers are on a timer so that they light up at night, adding a splash of color
and cheer that creates a sense of place along SR A1A.
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Season 3 (November 2017 to present)
In November 2017, the garden underwent its first expansion as the result of the
combined efforts of community engagement and PWS. The garden was lengthened by
16 feet and PWS Staff removed the window railing boxes and added four large shaded
plots which were built from upcycled Hurricane Irma debris. The garden also has three
new water barrels, a custom-built storage bench, a storage shed and a larger compost
bin.
There are now a total of 13 plots in which gardeners are growing a variety of vegetables
and herbs relying solely on organic methods of fertilization and pest control. The beds
outside the eastern garden fence are now only used for wildflowers.
Season 3 also marked a change in the garden’s operating model. Rather than each
having their own plot to grow from, gardeners collaborated to determine what to plant.
Additionally, gardeners work as teams to care for the plots and will share the entire
harvest. Optional meetups are held every week so that gardeners can get to know one
another and reach out for gardening tips and advice.
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Tech Talk and Computer ABCs
Tech Talk and Computer ABCs are a series of
modern technology-themed classes that were held
over the course of 2017 at the Cape Canaveral
Public Library and on site in several Community
homeowners association clubhouses. Since the
inception of the Tech Talk Program, Staff has seen
an increase in residents being able to access and
navigate the City website and connect using social
media and Nixle. There was an obvious drop in
class attendance over the course of 2017, so the
director will look for new ways to attract attendees
in 2018.
Community Brainstorm Events
Several Community brainstorm events were held in 2017 that included topics such as
sustainability, the City’s Pedestrian and Cycling Mobility Master Plan, bat houses, the
Multi-Generational Center, the Community garden and allowing on-leash dogs in public
areas. This forum was created to open a casual dialogue between City Staff and
residents to discuss Community desires for Cape Canaveral. The informal all-ages
meetings consist of creative conversations structured around the idea that nothing is
impossible. The short- and long-term goals submitted by residents at these meetings
are usually in line with the City’s Vision Statement. Some other ideas that have been
submitted at Community brainstorm meetings include a splash pad area in the City, a
sustainability-related projects webpage, a concert stage or shell, riverfront restaurants
and bars, and outside shopping district, skate park, more parks, bike lanes and off-leash
dog parks and beaches. Three brainstorm events were held in the Nancy Hanson
Recreation Complex with an average attendance of five residents. These meetings have
been a wonderful way to gain insight into the wants and needs of the Community and
explain City information and procedures to residents.
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Bat Houses
Staff installed five three-chambered bat
houses from Nature’s Friend, a Deltona,
FL-based manufacturer. These bat
houses can hold upwards of 200 bats
each. Nature’s Friend is a certified
vendor through the Bat Conservation
International organization, whose
mission is to conserve the world’s bats
and their ecosystems to help ensure a
healthy planet. Nature’s Friend also
attached a site survey of optimum bat
house locations throughout the City,
including:
●Manatee Sanctuary Park (2)
●Banana River Park (2)
●Center Street Park (1)
●Patriots Park (1)
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The City installed bat houses in these locations as an insect-control experiment and to
provide area bats with safe places to roost and raise pups. Certain species of bats can
eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes per hour and have been a proven form of mosquito and
insect control in other areas of the world.
Before installation. Staff asked City event attendees to paint wooden bats to use as
decoration on the bat house signs. Each bat house is accompanied by a unique sign
that displays different bat facts and the bat art painted by residents. During the 2017
National Bat Week, Staff ran a contest on multiple social media platforms to bring
awareness to bats and the benefits they provide to our ecosystem. Daily clues regarding
the location of bat houses and signs were posted to social media. The first person to
direct message or tag the City’s social media accounts each day won a plush bat toy.
LIFETM Rescue Project and Drown Zero
In February of 2017, Staff entered into an agreement with the LIFE Rescue Project to
install LIFE Rescue stations on the City of Cape Canaveral’s public beaches. Due to the
number of lifeguard rescues, injury treatments and searches for missing persons in our
area, Staff is always exploring means of promoting water safety and preventative
education. The LIFE Rescue Project’s mission was to reduce drowning and teach
drowning prevention methods. The community engagement director worked with local
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artists to design station pole wraps allowing the project to foster a sense of place. The
project was ultimately brought to an end in September 2017 by Hurricane Irma.
Throughout 2017, the City worked with the LIFE Rescue Project to educate Cape View
Elementary School students during National Beach Safety Week, was named in a list
best beaches in America to lifeguard and was featured on the Lifeguard TimesTM
website and in the Melbourne Beachsider newspaper. Lifeguards performed four
personnel rescues, 5,610 preventative actions and located 35 missing persons. They
treated 490 for minor injuries and provided major medical care to seven patients. Staff
is exploring an independent project to reduce drowning and teach drowning prevention
methods.
Electric Vehicle and Chargers
In 2017, the City purchased its first fully electric vehicle
(EV), a white Ford Focus. The City is continuing to take
progressive steps to create a more sustainable
environment for the Community and future generations.
The City currently has four free EV chargers located at the
Cape Canaveral Public Library and Manatee Sanctuary Park,
and has plans to install stations at the new City Hall
building, Banana River Park and the Cultural Arts
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Preservation Enrichment Center (CAPE) Center. The stations hold two universal
chargers and are easy to find using a free app called PlugShare. For more information
about the EV charger in Manatee Sanctuary Park, please visit
www.plugshare.com/location/117522
Screenshot from the PlugShare app
Hurricane Season
As a coastal Community bordered by water and historically affected by storm events,
it’s vital the community engagement department help the Community prepare for
extreme weather events on an annual basis. To accomplish this mission, the director
and consultant joined the Brevard County Public Information Network (PIN), which
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coordinates correct and timely information to all Brevard County Cities via unified
messaging. The director also attends Brevard County Emergency Management
Department monthly meetings and training sessions to help prepare for hurricane
season.
An example of the Brevard County PIN messaging
In the case of a storm event affecting Cape Canaveral, the director assumes the role of
incident commander in order to assess and coordinate a response with Brevard County,
BCSO and Canaveral Fire Rescue (CFR). During September and October 2017, the
Community was affected by Hurricane Irma, multiple tropical depressions and several
extreme rain events that caused property damage, beach erosion and flooding. The
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2017 storm season left a mess throughout the City, but due to preparation, messaging
and the resiliency of our Community, Cape Canaveral fared better than many Florida
Cities.
Instagram post from 10/1/17, the night of the extreme weather event and citywide flooding
Hurricane Irma
Staff used social media to disseminate information about Hurricane Irma to residents
and followers before, during and after the storm. Staff used the City News webpage,
Nixle and social media platforms to broadcast, retweet and engage with residents, news
agencies and neighbors. From September 6, 2017 to September 18, 2017, Staff sent out
42 storm-related Nixle updates directly to residents’ cell phones via text message or
recorded message. The City also gained 324 new Nixle users between September 1,
2017 and September 14, 2017.
In the same timeframe, Staff sent out over 900 Hurricane Irma-related tweets and
retweets on Twitter and posted 45 messages via Instagram. Staff was answering
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questions on Twitter and Instagram around the clock during the storm event, making
sure residents had up-to-date information. Messages were related to:
●Storm preparation, including where to find sandbags and shelters
●Mandatory evacuation and State of Emergency proclamations
●Regular storm updates via the National Weather Service
●Cocoa Water information and boil alerts
●United States National Guard water stations
●Bridge openings
●Power outages and Florida Power & Light (FPL) progress
●Waste Pro and debris cleanup
●Local store openings and closings
●Hurricane Irma recovery assistance
●Volunteer opportunities
Instagram post letting the Community know that WastePro was in town and removing debris
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One of the ‘calling all volunteers’ social media posts used to connect those in need with volunteers
Nixle
The City changed notification systems from Blackboard Connect to Nixle after Staff
researched the features and prices of both. The City has been reaching our Community
with emergency notifications like robocalls and emails since 2011. With Nixle, the City
can also send brief non-emergency notifications straight to text-enabled mobile phones
and smartphones. The messages sent out in 2017 were related to hurricane season,
Hurricane Irma, flooding and City events.
The director has been using all possible forms of communication to encourage
Community members to sign up, but there are still fewer than 500 total users. The
Community has been reluctant to sign up to both Nixle and the “Weekly Update,” in spite
of the fact that the community engagement department sees numerous social media
posts from residents asking for ways to stay informed.
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Sykes Creek Bridge
The director was notified that the Sykes Creek Bridge on Sea Ray Drive in Merritt Island
was closed after post-Hurricane Irma inspections showed it suffered severe damage
during the storm. Unless shored up, the bridge — which contained the sole-functioning
water main for Cape Canaveral and the rest of the Barrier Island — was in imminent
danger of collapse. The indefinite loss of potable water raised serious issues regarding
the public health, safety and welfare of residents and local businesses.
Staff did everything in their power to immediately rectify the matter by reaching out to
U.S. elected representatives to request the Sykes Creek Bridge repair be funded under
the President’s Major Disaster Declaration (DR-4337). The bridge has been closed to
traffic since October 2017, and action to repair the bridge is proposed to begin in 2018.
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Community Events
Staff uses City events, meetings and classes to start real, Community-related
conversations with attendees about the City’s goals and current initiatives. Casual
settings allow Staff to gain unbiased insight from residents about how they feel about
living in Cape Canaveral. The current surge of new residents is opening the door to a
large pool of excited volunteers with new perspectives and ideas. City events have been
a great place for Staff to engage with residents, especially with the photo booth.
Annual Sea Oats Planting
The City hosted its Annual Sea Oats Planting Project on Saturday, February 4, 2017. A
total of 82 volunteers attended and worked from south of Jetty Park to Johnson
Avenue. They planted 7,200 sea oats to help support the natural dune line on our
beaches. City Staff from the Community Engagement and Public Works Services
Departments put on the event and provided refreshments, wristbands and planting tools
for volunteers. After attendees were signed in, they were given a how-to demonstration
before heading out to the beach. Many of the volunteers were first-time sea oats
planters and had seen the information on the City’s website and social media platforms.
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Arbor Day
In April 2017, Staff from multiple departments, the Honorable Mayor Hoog, Council
Member Mike Brown, his wife, Linda, and Rebekah McLain (then Community volunteer
and garden master) joined students from Cape View Elementary School to celebrate
Arbor Day in Manatee Sanctuary Park. Mayor Hoog delivered a proclamation about
Arbor Day and then students learned what an arborist does, presented the City with
Arbor Day artwork, received a lesson in propagation and participated in a scavenger
hunt. The winners of the scavenger hunt were given trophies to take home, and all of the
students went home with the trees they propagated.
Trash Bash and Founders’ Day
The director worked with Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB) to coordinate the Annual Trash
Bash Community Beach Cleanup competition between Brevard County Cities. The
attendees — including City Council Member Betty Walsh — helped clean up the beach
and Community areas around Chandler Street. The event started at Cherie Down Park
and worked its way to Founders' Day, which was held in Manatee Sanctuary Park on the
same date.
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The director, along with Rebekah McLain entertained and educated the Community at
the City photo booth. Residents enjoyed a day of giving back and making new friends.
Pet-Friendly Initiatives
In 2017, the director explored more pet-friendly initiatives in line with the City Council,
advisory boards and the Community Vision Statement. The director applied to the
PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ Grant Program but was unsuccessful. However, the
Community has been very vocal about changing park rules in order to allow on-leash
animals and about the desire for an off-leash park in the City.
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Concept of a possible future off-leash dog park located inside Xeriscape Park
National Night Out
In October 2017, the community engagement consultant joined BCSO for a fun night
that united law enforcement, first responders and the Community for food, laughs and
fun. BCSO deputies served up hot dogs, sodas and smiles while providing live music,
demonstrations of K9 units, bomb-detection robots and more. The U.S. Coast Guard and
the fire department also came out to have a great time with the Community. The windy
night made it tricky to play football, but couldn’t stop the sweet vocal harmonies of
Deputy Erik Botsford. Several Cities in Brevard County cancelled the event due to recent
extreme weather events, which lead BCSO Commander Linda Moros to invite law
enforcement officers and residents from other Cities to join Cape Canaveral. The
Community and City benefit from having such a great team and commander.
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Click here to visit the City Instagram for more images
Event Support
Over the course of the year, the Community Engagement Department worked with CLS
and local organizations to promote, support and ensure a fun Community time for and
at a variety of events, including:
●Cape View Elementary School Back-to-School Bash
●Fido Field Day
●Friday Fest
●Light Up Cape Canaveral
●Movie in the Park
●Reindeer Run 5K
●Second Annual Trunk-or-Treat & Monster Mash
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Ongoing Projects
In 2017, the director worked with multiple departments on exciting new projects that
have taken years to plan and budget for. Some of the projects require extensive FDEP
permitting, Federal partnerships, grant requirements and progressive ideas. Many of the
current projects have extended over years and the director hopes to see them come to
completion in 2018.
Long Point Road Estuary Conservation Area and Park
Following Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the City utilized several Career Source Brevard
crews to clean up and remove roughly three acres of trees and foliage at the end of
Long Point Road. About 98% of the vegetation removed consisted of invasive Brazilian
pepper trees. The cleared trees were chipped into a 40-yard roll-off dumpster before
being removed from the work site. This piece of City-owned land at the end of Long
Point Road is part of a larger long-term and ongoing Army Corps of Engineers grant
project to create a natural conservation area that extends west to the Banana River.
Possible concepts for this conservation area could include an elevated boardwalk
extending all the way to the Banana River, a nature center, a passive parking lot and
bathroom, a future bike share station location, a two-story observation deck with views
of the Banana River Lagoon, information boards describing native plants and animals
living in the conservation area and access to the river edge. The City was contacted in
2017 by a contractor interested in using this area to mitigate a project within City limits.
Staff will be working in 2018 to create a conservation area with the St. Johns Water
Management District that can be utilized by the Community for generations to come.
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Long Point Rd area post Brevard Career Source clean up
Southgate (Wagner) Park
In 2016, the owner of the Southgate Mobile Home Park, Bruce Wagner, donated a
triangle-shaped parcel located on the north end of N. Atlantic Avenue to the City for use
as a pocket park. In 2017, the director worked with City Civil Engineer Consultant John
Pekar to create a concept for the Southgate Pocket Park, including features and
estimated costs. Staff is working to create this passive green space with amenities
such as drinking fountains, benches, a Little Free Library, public artwork, shade
structures, a butterfly garden and custom bike racks in Fiscal Year 2018 – 2019. The
focus of the green space is Community, creativity and sustainability.
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Concept for a future Wagner Park
Bike Share
The City’s bike-sharing project was initiated well before the Community Engagement
Department was even formed, and it looks like 2018 will be the year this idea comes to
fruition. After exploring various bike share organizations, the City has decided to
connect with Space Coast Florida on a Zagster Bike Share partnership between Cape
Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. Staff was unsuccessful in finding local businesses to
sponsor one or more stations in the City, which resulted in the City sponsoring a station
at Manatee Sanctuary Park. The director is working with multiple Brevard County
organizations to participate in the B4 (Bikes+Bus+Beach+Brevard) transportation
summit in January 2018. Look for Zagster bikes in 2018!
Outside the Norm
Staff from community engagement is always looking for new ways to reach the
Community, learn from the residents and increase the City’s presence within Brevard
County. Sometimes that involves meetings about partnerships with other municipalities
or working with the BCSO and CFR. Regardless of who we meet with and what we’re
doing, one thing remains a constant: There’s never a dull moment in Cape Canaveral!
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BCSO Operation Cash Me Outside
Now former Commander Alan Moros of BCSO invited the director to play an active role
in the March 2017 Cash Me Outside Operation. The goal of the operation was to serve
22 arrest warrants and three search warrants in the City of Cape Canaveral. Staff’s role
was to observe the briefing and to ride along as warrants were issued. The Cash Me
Outside Operation involved the Special Investigation Unit and the Canaveral Road Patrol.
These warrants were part of a much larger ongoing investigation related to drugs and
prostitution in high-crime areas. Staff was very impressed by the BCSO’s gathered
intelligence, precise movements and safety-first attitude.
Executive Leadership Institute (ELI)
The director was accepted into and began the 18-month Brevard County Executive
Leadership Institute (ELI) Program in March 2017. During this course, the director works
with peers, instructors and a mentor to become a better leader. This is the 12th time the
ELI Program has been offered. The program consists of participants from various
Brevard County government agencies and municipalities.
Retreat exercises in Orlando, FL
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Second-Safest City in Florida
The director was contacted by LendEDU, a free financial resource company, regarding
their report of the safest cities in Florida based on the combined risk of rape, murder,
assault, robbery, burglary, larceny and vehicle theft compared to the national average. In
this report, Cape Canaveral was ranked as one of the safest Cities in Florida! In fact,
Cape Canaveral has a crime index that makes it the second-safest City in Florida,
according to LendEDU! The full report and a more detailed breakdown of LendEDU’s
methodology can be found here: www.lendedu.com/blog/safest-cities-state/.
Social Media
Staff has been diligently spreading the City of Cape Canaveral vision, lifestyle and The
Space Between brand on numerous social media platforms. Since May 2016, there has
been a significant increase of followers, likes, hearts, reposts and retweets.
Social Media Numbers
●Facebook page likes have increased by 1,012 for a total of 4,687.
●Twitter followers have increased by 660 bringing us to a total of 1,503.
●Instagram followers have increased by 476 for a total of 1,008.
●Periscope hearts have increased by 2,142 for a total of 38 live broadcasts.
●MailChimp “Weekly Update” subscriptions have increased by 62, meaning there
are now 342 total subscribers!
Hashtags
A hashtag (#) is simply a way for people to search social media for a common topic that
allows them to gain information or begin a conversation. Staff has been using the
following hashtags to promote the City of Cape Canaveral’s brand and image:
●#TheSpaceBetween
●#CapeCanaveral
●#MyCapeCan
●#CapeLife
●#StopAndEnjoy
●#CloseToOrlando
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●#CapeStrong (Hurricane Irma-related posts)
●#OceansideDestination
●#FloridaBeaches
●#CommunityUnity
YouTube and Periscope
Staff has begun recording City Council meetings in a new initiative to increase meeting
attendance, improve resident knowledge base and ensure transparency. The meeting
videos are embedded on the City’s website via YouTube. Meeting videos on the website
have received an average of 43 views each. The meetings are also being livestreamed
using a free app called Periscope. Our average live audience is 42 viewers.
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Department Overview
The Culture & Leisure Services Department has evolved exponentially since its first
inception as the Recreation Department in 1965. Its purpose is to improve quality of life
in the Community through exceptional recreational and cultural engagement programs
and facilities. The department maintains a system of nine parks that range from passive
to active recreation, organizes numerous Community-building cultural events, promotes
health through various athletic leagues, programs and exercise classes and serves as
the liaison for both the Brevard County Public Library System and the City’s Outdoor
Event and Entertainment Permit (OEEP) process.
2017 Events
Founders’ Day
The April 1, 2017 Founders’ Day Spring Festival at Manatee Sanctuary Park brought the
Community together to celebrate all things Cape Canaveral. The theme for this year’s event was
Community involvement. Staff presented certificates of recognition to volunteers that serve the
City on assorted advisory boards. In the Community showcase area, representatives from local
businesses and non-profits set up booths to sell products and promote their services. City Staff
hosted an outreach table with a photo booth to promote the City’s brand and discuss ideas for
the future with residents. A variety of local historical organizations set up outreach booths along
the boardwalk, and entertainment included an assortment of bounce houses, a touch-a-truck
exhibit, free face-painting and a kids’ craft workshop. This event has become a tradition for
many local families and helps establish a sense of place for the Community.
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Mayor Hoog recognizing advisory board members
Dragon Boat Festival
On April 8, 2017, Manatee Sanctuary Park hosted the annual GWN Space Coast Dragon
Boat Festival. This event welcomes both competitive and recreational teams and marks
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the kickoff for the dragon boat racing season. Many of the recreational teams are
non-profit organizations that participate as a way to raise awareness for a particular
cause. Some of this year’s participants included Dueling Dragons of Orlando — a team
comprised of law enforcement volunteers and members of an at-risk youth club — and
the Lighthouse Sun Dragons — a team crewed by rowers with varied levels of visual
impairment. This year’s event boasted 16 teams and included race distances of 200m,
500m and a competitive 2K race. There is no admission fee for the event, which helps
attract hundreds of spectators that line the boardwalk to get a great view of the races.
Photos from Florida Today
Annual Egg Hunt
The annual Egg Hunt was held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Canaveral City Park. Staff
hid more than 4,000 eggs throughout the park, which was separated into three areas for
different age groups. Special prize eggs were hidden, giving participating kids the
chance to win a toy or stuffed animal at the end of the hunt. Families enjoyed
refreshments, and the kids loved getting their photos taken with the bunny, played by a
youth volunteer from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Police Athletic League
(PAL). More than 200 children and their parents attended.
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National Kids to Parks Day
On Saturday, May 20, 2017, children in Cape Canaveral took part in a national grassroots
movement to discover America’s parks through play, honoring the National Park Trust’s
6th Annual Kids to Parks Day. The City took part in this initiative by partnering with the
Cape View Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization and hosted a children’s
kickball tournament at Canaveral City Park. With food, music and raffle prizes, the event
doubled as a fundraiser for a new playground at the school. After the main kickball
tournament, parents and kids played a family game. Later in the evening, the families
returned for an outdoor showing of “Star Wars: Rogue One” in the park’s outfield.
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Backpack Jamboree
Local teenagers from the PAL Youth Director’s Council (YDC) Program and City
volunteers assisted in stuffing 264 backpacks which were given out during registration
at Cape View Elementary School. Special thanks to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
10131 and the Auxiliary for their generous donation of the backpacks and $1,000.00 to
use towards school supplies. This is a true collaborative effort which directly benefits
Cape Canaveral families.
Fido Field Day
On August 26, 2017, the City hosted its first dog-friendly event at Manatee Sanctuary
Park to celebrate National Dog Day. The event was a huge success! Guests of all ages
flocked to Manatee Sanctuary Park for a morning of fun with their canine companions.
BCSO made a big presence at the event with their mobile adoption unit, Pet Posse group
and PAL YDC Program, who provided a delicious pancake breakfast. The Brevard
County Dog Training Club hosted an obedience demonstration and opened their
obstacle course to the public. The north end of the park was sectioned off to create a
contained off-leash catch-and-fetch zone with complimentary tennis balls. In addition,
Staff filled several kiddie pools so that pups had a place to cool off during the event. As
always, the community engagement photo booth was a huge hit, giving guests the
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chance to commemorate the day at the park with photos of themselves and their pets.
Everyone cheered for their pups at the two dog races, which were also the City’s first
Facebook Live event. To add to the overall success of the event, one dog was adopted
on site.
Movie in the Park
Movie in the Park started in March 2009 and contributes to the City’s vision of creating
public gathering and entertainment places. The program has also provided a source of
funding for the Cape Canaveral chapter of PAL, who have sold concessions during the
movies since 2011. The program is held in the spring and fall, taking advantage of the
best weather the region has to offer. From bringing families together to supporting local
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youth organizations, Cape Canaveral’s Movie in the Park event has become an
institution for the Community, and we are happy to continue this tradition.
Government Week
On Monday, October 17, 2017, 45 fourth graders from Cape View Elementary School
visited the Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex for a short presentation on the
department’s role in the City. The students were then divided into three groups that
rotated through a circuit of high-energy physical activities. During this one-hour visit,
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each student learned how to play GaGa Ball, participated in a Zumba class and enjoyed
a quick round of dodgeball.
Friday Fest Family Street Party
With only two rainouts, this was a great year for the Friday Fest event series. Vendors
gather to sell everything from arts and crafts to clothing and food to the hundreds of
guests who regularly visit the event. Live music fills the streets, while the kids’ zone
adds to the family-friendly feel of the night. This event also allows local non-profits to
raise funds by vending adult beverages. Space Coast Little League, Cape Canaveral
Soccer Club, Cocoa Beach Optimist Club, Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Club and Cocoa Beach
Junior/Senior High School Booster Club have all benefited from this fundraising
opportunity. Friday Fest is in direct line with the City’s Vision Statement in that it
provides a public gathering and entertainment place in a bikeable and walkable
Community.
Street Eats on Taylor
Street Eats on Taylor Avenue is a food truck event for the Community that has been
going strong for almost three years. Now held quarterly, the event attracts residents and
guests with menu items ranging from chicken and waffles to international cuisine. Each
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event brings a new set of trucks with diverse offerings. Music and communal tables
contribute to the casual feel of the event and provide a unique Community-building
opportunity for residents and visitors alike.
Monster Mash and Trunk-or-Treat on Taylor
For more than 10 years, the Monster Mash has been a popular autumn event for Cape
Canaveral families. Kids of all ages look forward to the excitement and activities of this
annual Halloween dance party. For the second year in a row, the City invited local
residents, businesses and non-profit organizations to take part in a trunk-or-treat,
providing local children with a safe, supervised trick-or-treat experience and giving
members of the Community an opportunity to engage with one another. This year’s
event saw record attendance and included special-effects lighting, fog and fake snow.
Uniting the Community through volunteering time and handing out candy to the children
makes this a truly enjoyable event for everyone involved and helps create a sense of
place for our residents and guests.
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Holiday in the City
Formerly known as Light Up
Cape Canaveral, the City’s
annual holiday celebration was
revamped this year to
maximize the audience
exposure for our young
performers. Xeriscape Park
was decorated with its
traditional holiday flair along
with the addition of more
lights, colorful orbs and an
illuminated gateway for guests
to enter through. For the first time, this event was held in conjunction with December’s
Friday Fest, which resulted in record-setting attendance. A second stage was placed in
the courtyard adjacent to the Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex, allowing residents
and visitors to enjoy holiday performances by the Cape View Elementary School Chorus
and the Cocoa Beach High School String Ensemble. The Cape Canaveral Public Library
added to the event by hosting a children’s craft activity, and the City’s community
engagement Staff set up a holiday-themed photo booth.
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22nd Annual Reindeer Run
The 22st Annual 5K Run/Walk took place on Saturday, December 9, 2017. This year’s
event boasted 550 runners and walkers and raised over $13,000.00 for the BCSO PAL.
As in previous years, the Reindeer Run/Walk partnered with local race directors in the
Beach Run Series, which includes the Fall into Winter 5K and the Turkey Trot 5K. For the
third year, BCSO PAL organized the event with support from the City.
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OneBlood — Cape Canaveral Blood Drives
The Culture & Leisure Services (CLS) Department serves as the City’s liaison to the
OneBlood organization and coordinates regular Big Red Bus visits to the City of Cape
Canaveral. This year, OneBlood hosted five blood drives in the City. Overall, these visits
merited more than 70 individual donations with the capability to save more than 210
lives! The blood drives take place at the Cape Canaveral Public Library.
Programs
Sea Turtle Preservation Society Monthly Beach Cleanups
The Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS) and Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB) adopted
the stretch of shoreline extending from Cherie Down Park to the jetty at Port Canaveral.
Going into its third year, this partnership continues to host beach clean-up events on the
first Saturday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Volunteers meet at Cherie
Down Park where STPS and KBB provide trash bags, safety supplies, bottled water and
educational materials relating to conservation and Florida ecology.
Summer Camp
For the seventh year in a row, Summer
Camp was offered at the Cape Canaveral
Youth Center for children ages five to 10. It
was held from May 30, 2017 to August 4,
2017 and saw more than 250 participants
over the 10-week span. The cost was
$45.00 per week for residents and $55.00
for non-residents. Camp was open from
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with childcare
available beforehand and afterward for an
additional fee.
Summer Camp’s mission is to offer its
participants a safe, inclusive and affordable cultural, educational and recreational
experience. It is designed to foster large group interaction with activities including
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games, sports, crafts, special entertainers, field trips and science experiments. The daily
schedule consisted of indoor and outdoor games and activities, sports, arts and crafts,
free time, lunch and snack.
The City provided weekly field trips and educational guest speakers for the campers.
Field trip expenses were included with the weekly price of Summer Camp, and
transportation was provided by a local shuttle service company. Each week, Staff
arranged for campers to enjoy a special outing or activity. These ranged from afternoon
ice cream parties and scavenger hunts to scooter tag using equipment purchased
through the National Recreation & Parks Association’s (NRPA) Out-of-School Time
Grant. Twice a week, campers ventured down to the Cape Canaveral Public Library to
take part in their summer reading program and engage in educational games and
activities with the youth services librarian. Each Friday, the Camper of the Week title was
awarded to the individual who demonstrated exceptional behavior and leadership skills
throughout the week. All the campers worked hard to earn this title.
Field trips included:
●Coastal Elite Gymnastics
●Cobb Theatres Merritt Square 16
●Florida’s Adventures in Paradise
●Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center
●Shore Lanes Bowling Center
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Special guests and educational visitors included:
●Cocoa Beach Karate
●Cox Farms Pony Parties with Princess
●David and Judy Cox, Jolly Magicians and Funny Business
●Dr. Dan the Magic Man
●JiggleMan
●Magician John Anderson
●Mr. Science
●Pet rescues of Brevard
●University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
●Ventriloquist David Wade
The 2017 Summer Camp program was very successful, with all 10 weeks filled to
capacity and many weeks selling out shortly after registration opened. Staff delivered a
positive camp experience and served as role models for the campers that attended.
Everyone is looking forward to next summer, when we will continue to expand and
improve the program for 2018. The City is proud to offer the most affordable, safe and
fun municipal summer program in Brevard County.
Activity and Fitness Classes
The City of Cape Canaveral offered numerous social activities, youth athletic programs
and fitness classes in 2017. These programs — led by Staff and independent
contractors — improve the quality of life for the Community by encouraging healthy
lifestyles and promoting positive social engagement.
2017 Adult Programs 2017 Children’s Programs
Aikido Cape Canaveral Soccer Club
Ballroom dance lessons Group tennis lessons
Beach yoga Kicks 4 Kids
Belly dancing Kids yoga
Brevard’s Premier Fitness Bootcamp Parents’ Night Out
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Country line dancing Space Coast Little League
Duplicate bridge Youth Center indoor gardening project
Jazzercise and Jazzercise Lo Youth football skills classes
Karate
PiYo
Zumba
Yoga in the Garden
Contracted instructor Rebecca
Chapman hosted Yoga in the Garden
in November at the Community
garden at Patriots Park. Families
enjoyed a great morning of fresh air
and exercising in one of the most
tranquil places in the City.
Youth Tennis Group Lessons
This popular introductory tennis program was filled to capacity for its second run. Staff
introduced students ages five to 12 to the fundamentals of tennis to in a casual group
setting. The seasonal program gives local kids the opportunity to learn a new sport and
encourages the development of healthy lifestyle habits.
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Disc Golf
Staff created Night Disc Golf with funding
support from the NPRA’s Out-of-School Time
Program Grant. The family-friendly outdoor
activity is now entering its second successful
year. An illuminated nine-hole course is set up
in Manatee Sanctuary Park once a month and
draws players of all ages and skill levels. This
fun Community event embodies the City’s
visioning by providing places for the public to
gather, interact and be engaged in healthy
lifestyle activities.
Athletic Leagues
Several days a week, the City’s recreation facilities are home to a host of co-ed athletic
leagues. Tennis and racquetball leagues engage players of all skill levels, from the
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highly competitive evening leagues to casual doubles groups. For the fourth year in a
row, two of the Space Coast Ladies’ Tennis teams called our courts home. Pickleball
continues to be a hit with part-time residents, and adult co-ed kickball and softball
leagues operate year-round at Canaveral City Park. This was the first year Staff
streamed softball and kickball championship games live on the City’s Periscope
channel. The first broadcast logged more than 600 viewers, and some of the team
sponsors have even streamed the games in their establishments so customers could
cheer the teams on.
Canaveral Police Athletic League
BCSO PAL offers a Youth Directors Program for the City’s youth. These young people make
unique and valuable contributions by volunteering their time and skills. Through their service,
they learn lessons that help them mature and develop into good citizens and leaders. BCSO PAL
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currently has one member serving on the Youth Conference Council, which is considered the
most prestigious board at the State level. The program continues to grow and has members
from Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach.
Memorial Tree and Bench Program
This year, a memorial bench was added to Manatee Sanctuary Park and two memorial
plaques were placed at the crossover at 8502 Ridgewood Avenue. This program is
supported by the City’s infrastructure maintenance Staff who ensure proper irrigation for
the trees and assist with creating the foundations to secure the benches. The program
creates a sense of place by allowing residents to memorialize loved ones while
beautifying public spaces.
Cultural Programs
15th Annual Central Brevard Art Association (CBAA) Art Show
The Central Brevard Art Association (CBAA) held its 15th Annual Fine Art Show and Sale
February 10 to February 12, 2017 at the Cape Canaveral Public Library. This year’s show
featured more than 30 juried pieces of art and included a fundraising raffle to support
the CBAA’s Student Art Scholarship Fund.
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18th Annual Cape Canaveral Student Art Show
The 2017 Student Art Show was one of the largest in City history, boasting a record 12
participating schools with over 200 pieces of art. Due to this expansion, the show was
held in the City Council chambers at the Cape Canaveral Public Library. In keeping with
the City’s vision for sustainability, the displays were constructed from repurposed
pallets donated by local businesses and contractors from some of the City’s projects.
Prizes were awarded for best in grade, best in show and the poster contest. Winners
from younger grade levels received art supply kits, while the older students won gift
cards. Awards were presented by the Honorable Mayor Bob Hoog on stage at Friday
Fest. Funding for this program came from donations collected at the beverage booth
during select Friday Fest events.
2017 Participating Schools:
●Andrew Jackson Middle School
●Cape View Elementary School
●Enterprise Elementary School
●Herbert Hoover Middle School
●John F. Kennedy Middle School
●Merritt Island High School
●Rockledge High School
●Roosevelt Elementary School
●Space Coast Junior/Senior High School
●Stevenson Elementary School
●Tropical Elementary School
●Viera High School
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Student Art Show Poster Contest
As part of the Student Art Show, students from participating schools are given the
opportunity to submit a design for the event poster that advertises the show. While the
regular show submissions don’t have to adhere to a theme, entries for the poster design
contest have to reflect the City’s motto of Sun, Space and Sea. This year’s winning artist
was Haley Keller, a 7th grader from Herbert Hoover Middle School. For creating the
winning design, Miss Keller received a $100.00 gift card and a framed copy of her poster
(most right poster design).
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Mural Unveiling at the Cape Canaveral Library
The Friends of the Library commissioned a mural from world-famous local artist Rick
Piper for the children’s area of the library. Mr. Piper was chosen because of his
expertise in painting local nature scenes. The mural reflects some of our area’s most
precious natural resources and wildlife and takes viewers on a 360-degree journey from
the beach to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The open house took place in
conjunction with the Student Art Show.
To view more images click here to visit the Brevard County Public Library Facebook
City Hall Call for Artwork
As part of the City’s burgeoning Public Arts Program, Staff initiated a campaign
encouraging local artists to become stakeholders in Cape Canaveral’s cultural
landscape by showcasing their talents in the City’s public spaces. In May 2017, the CLS
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Department issued a call for artwork, inviting resident artists to loan or donate pieces of
art to be put on display in the new City Hall. Numerous local artists have responded to
the call, and the City continues to acquire new pieces for display.
Midge Conley-Davey "Cape Canaveral" Melissa Bass "Quirk Canaveral”
2017 Brevard Cultural Alliance Summit
In July 2017, the City’s Cultural Programs Manager attended the Second Annual Brevard
Cultural Alliance Summit held at the KSC Visitor Complex. Attendees were invited to
take part in three professional skill-building seminars that focused on audience
engagement, Community outreach and STEAM trends in arts education. The summit
attracted artists, musicians, writers, arts administrators and art educators from all over
Brevard County, as well as some from Orange and Marion Counties. Participants
networked and took part in discussions with Staff from the Brevard Cultural Alliance and
the national arts advocacy group, Americans for the Arts. Speakers at this conference
included Representative Thad Altman, KSC Visitor Complex Chief Operating Officer
Therrin Protze and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) President and Founder
Paula Wallace. This local learning opportunity is just one example of the amazing
services that Brevard Cultural Alliance provides to the arts professionals in our
Community.
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Photo from www.facebook.com/arts.brevard
2017 Economic Study Reveals How Cultural Tourism Fuels Brevard’s Economy
The local non-profit arts organization, Brevard Cultural Alliance (BCA), has released the
findings of its “2017 Economic Contribution of Arts & Culture to the Space Coast” study.
With tourism being a substantial component of our local economy, it’s important to
know what appeals to our guests beyond warm weather and beautiful beaches. It’s no
secret that local arts and cultural institutions attract visitors by hosting events,
exhibitions and offering special programs. To measure the impact these organizations
have on our bottom line, the BCA conducts this study in conjunction with the Americans
for the Arts “Arts & Economic Prosperity” study. Their most recent findings reveal some
staggering numbers. According to the BCA, event-related spending by arts and cultural
audiences in Central Florida exceeds $200M dollars annually, not including admission
costs.
In Brevard County specifically, their study reports that residents spend an average of
$23.00 per person to attend a cultural event and attendees visiting from other areas
spent $51.00 per person. Once again, this does not include the money they spend to
enter the event. This is the money spent within the surrounding Community on lodging,
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transportation, souvenirs, meals and drinks. The direct, indirect and induced financial
impact that arts have on our County accounts for $128M in total sales, adds $71.3M to
our gross domestic product and supports more than 1,464 local jobs. These numbers
are too large to be ignored. This data paired with the myriad other positive impacts the
arts have to offer results in a self-sustaining catalyst for improving the local economy
and the quality of life for the Community. To read the full report or find out more about
what the BCA has to offer, visit www.artsbrevard.org.
Beach Safety Poster Contest
Our Saviour Catholic School and CLS Staff had the pleasure of taking part in a contest
sponsored by local non-profit LIFE™ Rescue Project, which helped educate area children
on the importance of beach safety and proper rip current escape techniques.
Elementary students from Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach schools attended
presentations by retired Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief Wyatt Werneth — known as
Wyatt the Waterman — and were asked to make posters illustrating what they learned.
The City’s cultural programs manager served as a judge for the contest, reviewing the
student submissions from grades one to four at Our Saviour Catholic School and also
helped present awards to winning students.
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Brevard County Historical Commission
In February 2017, Cultural Programs Manager Molly Thomas was elected to serve as
vice chairperson of the Brevard County Historical Commission (BCHC). She has written
numerous articles for both of the commission’s local history publications, has assisted
with the acquisition of two State historical markers and has represented the BCHC at
several local events, including the re-dedication of Titusville’s Veterans Memorial
Fishing Pier. She was honored by this appointment and the opportunity to help the
commission achieve its 2017 goals of expanding the Oral History Project and acquiring
more State historical markers for sites in Brevard County.
Also, the City of Cape Canaveral was prominently featured in both of the 2017
publications circulated by the BCHC. The Spring/Summer volume of the “Indian River
Journal” featured the second article in a series highlighting Cape Canaveral’s
involvement in the American Revolutionary War, with the third installment appearing in
the Fall/Winter edition. These periodicals are free to the public and all publishing costs
are funded by the Brevard County Tourism Development Council. Digital copies of these
and previous BCHC publications can be found at
www.brevardfl.gov/HistoricalCommission.
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Space Coast Art Festival 2017
After 53 years and an abrupt venue change in 2016, the Space Coast Art Festival now
calls the City’s Manatee Sanctuary Park home. 2017 was the festival’s first year at the
park, which offered a picturesque setting for the two-day event that takes place during
Thanksgiving weekend. This is one of the most prestigious juried art shows in Florida,
and the City is very excited to be the host for the next five years.
City to Partner with VSA for Student Art Show
In an effort to increase the inclusivity of its annual Student Art Show, the City’s cultural
programs manager toured the Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) and met with a
representative of VSA Florida, The State Organization on Arts and Disability. Now
entering its 19th year, the Student Art Show can accommodate 15 schools, each of
which submits 40 pieces of art. While the City has always encouraged teachers to
submit artwork from students of all abilities, forging this partnership with the VSA will
ensure that at least 40 students who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to
participate will be able to take part in the 2018 show.
Rewriting Florida History
The City of Cape Canaveral and its port have long celebrated the role they played in the
last naval battle of the American Revolution. Cultural Programs Manager Molly Thomas
researched this event and recorded her findings in a three-article series for “The Indian
River Journal,” a local history publication. With the help of modern technology, she was
able to dig a little deeper into the story, uncovering records likely inaccessible to
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previous researchers. These included digitized images of handwritten ship logs, primary
sources penned by Commodore Barry himself, which gave day-by-day details of his
extraordinary journey out of Havana. Using the coordinates and times listed in Barry’s
records, she was able to map out his route from start to finish. After hours of reading,
mapping, calculating and re-calculating, the disappointing truth became abundantly
clear: The last naval battle of the American Revolution did not happen anywhere near
Cape Canaveral.
This is a prime example of how legends evolve into facts and how quickly these facts
can change with the introduction of newly available sources. It is the responsibility of
those in public history to ensure that consensus history does not prevail over the truth,
even when the truth is not in their favor. To help promote these findings, “Florida
Frontiers” published an article in “Florida Today” discussing the cultural programs
manager’s research and what it means in the scope of Florida history. If you would like
to learn more about this series or catch up on back issues of the “Indian River Journal”
visit: www.brevardfl.gov/HistoricalCommission/TheIndianRiverJournal.
In addition to the newspaper article, Ms. Thomas sat for an interview with Dr. Ben
Brotmarkle, the executive director of the Florida Historical Society, to discuss this event
and Florida’s role in the American Revolution. Her interview aired on the “Florida
Frontiers” television series, produced by the Florida Historical Society. For more
information on the “Florida Frontiers” series or to view past episodes, visit:
www.myfloridahistory.org/frontiers.
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Staff Assists With Transfer of Irma Canoe for Conservation
In September 2017, the City’s
cultural programs manager and
staff historian assisted the
Florida Division of Historical
Resources and Bureau of
Archaeological Research (BAR)
in loading a historic dug-out
canoe for transport to
Tallahassee for conservation.
The Irma Canoe, as it has come
to be called, washed ashore
during the storm and went viral
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on social media after the hurricane. It is about 15 feet long, and initial reports indicate
that it is constructed of cypress. The BAR announced this week that the carbon-14
(C14) dating analysis suggest that the canoe dates back several hundred years, but
further testing is required to confirm these findings. Florida has a very rich boat-making
tradition that extends at least 7,000 years. While this canoe is not a prehistoric relic, it is
a significant piece of local history and exemplifies the long culture of canoe-making and
water transportation that was a necessary part of life for those living on Brevard
County’s barrier islands prior to the construction of the bridges we use today.
(Photo credit: Michael W. Hallberg)
Special Projects
Tennis Court Light Maintenance
Staff braved the chilly February temperatures to do some much-needed maintenance on
the tennis court lights at the Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex. Age, weather and the
corrosive beachside environment make such repairs a necessity to keep things in good
working order.
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Canaveral City Park
After the completion of the exfiltration project, work continued at Canaveral City Park to
get the ballfields ready for games. Staff also completed some upgrades to the interior
of the Little League announcer’s booth in preparation for the program’s return to the
facility.
Manatee Sanctuary Park Fence Line
Thanks to a program administered by Career Source Brevard, the City was provided with
free Staff labor and tools to assist with hurricane cleanup and repairs. The perimeter
vegetation screening and fence line on the eastern side of the property at the park was
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replaced with a two-rail fence. Park neighbors have complimented the City on the
replacement, as it has visually opened the park to passersby and residents along Thurm
Boulevard. Cleanup of the southern property line where many trees had fallen was also
completed using this program.
Banana River Park Kayak Launch and Dock
An unprecedented high storm surge from Hurricane Matthew rendered the Banana River
Park dock inaccessible to the public in October 2016. Staff worked with the City
engineer and a dock builder to remedy the situation. It was decided an extension to the
existing dock was the best course of action to restore safe access. Restorative work to
the dock was completed and the launch ramp was addressed through the City’s
Shoreline Protection Grant in the spring of 2017.
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Patriots Park Storm Damage Repaired
In January 2017, repairs commenced at Patriots Park to repair damage from Hurricane
Matthew and a Florida Power & Light (FPL) truck mishap that took place during storm
preparations. The park now has new wood perimeter fencing and a new chain-link gate
at the southern entrance.
Canaveral City Park Dugout
In February 2017, the finishing touches were completed on the Canaveral City Park
dugout project.
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Manatee Sanctuary Park Playground
The City was chosen as the winner of a new playground set in the Great Play Giveaway
from Burke in a contest presented by “Parks & Rec Business” and “CampBusiness”
magazines. The new equipment — worth an estimated $27,000.00 — was installed at
Manatee Sanctuary Park over the summer. As part of the City’s commitment to
Community engagement, local children enrolled in the City’s Summer Camp program
chose the colors of the playground’s components. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took
place June 2, 2017. Honorable Mayor Hoog presided over the ceremony alongside
Council Members Brown and Randels. City Staff, members of the CLS Advisory Board
and residents also attended the event. Children from the City’s Summer Camp Program
had the privilege of being the first to enjoy the newly installed playground equipment.
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Hurricane Irma Damage to City Parks
All City parks were affected by Hurricane Irma, from small vegetative damage to large
structural issues. Staff continues to work on clean-up and repair efforts, giving priority
to safety issues. At the drafting of this report, the only areas off limits were the
playground at Sandpiper Park located within Canaveral City Park and the shoreline at
Center Street Park, which was severely eroded. Staff is in the process of acquiring
quotes for the restoration of the shoreline at Center Street Park. The following pictures
were taken immediately after the City was safe to re-enter.
The shoreline restoration project
completed in June of 2017 at Banana
River and Manatee Sanctuary Parks
played a part in preventing severe
erosion. Without these enhancements,
the westernmost fence of the soccer
field might have caved into the river
from the winds and storm surge. A total
of $230,000.00 was spent on the project,
and $98,400.00 of those funds came
from grants. This project was worth
every penny as the parks were ready for
action shortly after the storm with only
minor erosion at the entrance of the
dock at Banana River Park.
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Canaveral City Park dugout
Banana River Park kayak launch during high water period
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Canaveral City Park Redevelopment
The City acquired a Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant from the State to
create a Citywide Mobility Master Plan and a Master Redevelopment Plan for Canaveral
City Park. The first step included a needs survey to identify deficiencies in the park,
underutilized amenities, barriers to mobility within the park and desired amenities for
redevelopment. A wide demographic from the Community was selected to participate in
the survey and the result yielded a master plan, which was unveiled at a public meeting
on February 22, 2017. The master plan addresses mobility by connecting the park from
all directions and allows for pedways throughout. It addresses highly desired amenities
from the Community, such as a child and family splash pad, a skate park, gathering
areas for passive recreation, improved playground equipment that can also be used by
teens and a Multi-Generational Center for indoor recreation and events. The master plan
was well received by attendees, and there was excitement the future of the park.
Early concept of a future Canaveral City Park
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Research at Manatee Sanctuary Park
Scientists from the United States Geological Service were on hand at Manatee
Sanctuary Park in March 2017 to research non-native fish species living inside the lake.
This is part of a two-year longitudinal study of non-native species living in the Indian
River Lagoon Watershed and the lake is of particular interest due to its proximity to the
lagoon. According to scientists, lakes like this one are common dumping grounds for
people’s aquariums, which can result in devastating consequences to an already fragile
ecosystem. The good news is that they
only found one non-native or invasive
species at the lake: blue tilapia. This fish
stems from Africa and is already very
prevalent in the lagoon. Although the
blue tilapia only eat algae, scientists are
further studying whether or not this
species’ excrement contributes to the
high nitrogen levels found in the lagoon.
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Department Overview
The Economic Development Department (EDD) consists of one director and one shared
executive assistant. The department was created in Fiscal Year 2014 – 2015 as a result
of a departmental restructuring to increase focus on the City’s future through economic
development. The EDD is located in City Hall.
The department’s primary functions include leveraging the City’s market position
relative to its assets (beach, port proximity, quality of life, heritage and so forth), acting
as City and Community liaison with developers, Community business owners, other
Cities, Port Canaveral, Brevard County, the Economic Development Commission (EDC)
of Florida’s Space Coast and others to attract positive, lasting and significant quality
economic development and redevelopment. The department supports the City’s
Development Review Committee, provides support to the Hurricane Preparedness Team
and Damage Assessment Team, provides Staff support to the Business and Economic
Development Board, processes motion and still photography production permits,
provides assistance as needed to Staff planning, zoning, building, code enforcement,
the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Business Tax Receipts Program
administration.
Visioning and Economic Development Accomplishments
In 2009, Cape Canaveral engaged in a Community-based, citizen-driven process to
create a vision for the City’s future. Over 200 citizens participated in six public
workshops resulting in a Vision Statement promoting a vibrant Community that meets
the economic, recreational, social and retail needs of its citizens. A visioning report was
produced and listed recommendations to implement the visioning, which included
increased code enforcement, revisions to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning
code to allow for mixed-use development and a town center, a proactive approach to
economic development and others.
The primary goal of Staff has been implementation of the Vision Statement. The
Economic Opportunity Overlay District (EOOD) is the primary attractor for new
commercial interests. It was created to address Community goals raised in the
visioning initiative. This tool leverages opportunities for economic development
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resulting from the City’s proximity to Port Canaveral by attracting services desired by
the citizens. Additionally, it facilitates mixed-use and town center-type development. The
EOOD includes increased design standards for architecturally significant buildings, a
mechanism for increased building heights, revised hotel requirements and increased
landscaping requirements. Staff is continually seeking improvements to the way we do
business which are related to the guiding principles of the Vision Statement, several of
which are included in this report.
We welcomed several new businesses, including:
●Cumberland Farms
●Lowlife Bikes
●MSG Power Systems, Inc.
●New York Super Subs, LLC
●Ocean Gifts and Memories
●Southern Charm Café/Dreamboat Café, Inc.
●Southerly Engineering Services, LLC
●Sunward Tours, Inc.
State Road (SR) A1A and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
For many years, residents and businesses in Cape Canaveral have requested SR A1A
improvements. Over those years, City Councils, boards and Staff have been responsive
to Community needs in providing FDOT with input. However, more movement has
happened in the last five years than ever before.
FDOT generally uses a three-phase process for its roadway improvement projects, and
each requires its own dedicated funding:
1. Prepare a conceptual design —This creates a scope and helps identify project
funding needs for Phases II and III.
2. Prepare an engineered design — This is informed by the conceptual design and
signals that the project is shovel ready.
3. Construct the improvements — This stage takes place when funding is available.
Projects can languish in any of these three stages for years. However, for the majority of
SR A1A in Cape Canaveral — from south of International Drive to George King Boulevard
— the project has gone from not being on the radar in 2011 through Phase I in 2012 –
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2013, according to the SR A1A Action Team. The project will enter Phase II in 2018, as
FDOT has funded the design phase of the SR A1A Project in addition to the previously
funded International Drive Intersection and Re-Alignment Project.
The City has seats on the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization’s (SCTPO)
Citizens Advisory Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee. City Council
passed back-to-back resolutions in 2014 and 2015, approving the City’s list of SR A1A
improvement priorities, calling attention to its desire for design work with the strongest
emphasis on public safety items, especially walkability — specifically additional
pedestrian crossings — and bikeability. As a result of this focus on walkability and
bikeability, FDOT is now proposing seven-foot wide buffered bike lanes on each side of
the roadway, rather than the standard four-foot wide bike lanes. Also to be included in
the design are new six-foot wide concrete sidewalks. FDOT will continue design work
with an access management plan to determine specific median opening locations and
will coordinate with the City to assure there is public input.
The design will remake SR A1A into a complete street roadway. Complete streets focus
on safety, reduced speeds, pedestrian and bicycle travel, transit accommodations and
beautification.
Underscoring our repeated public safety concerns in 2016, Smart Growth America — a
coalition of advocacy organizations that have a stake in how metropolitan expansion
affects the environment, quality of life and economic sustainability — published its
latest edition of “Dangerous by Design.” The report ranks Brevard County as the second
most dangerous metropolitan area in the nation for pedestrians. City of Cape Canaveral
Council Members and Staff will continue to lead the charge and support the
Community’s Vision Statement with safe bikeability and safe walkability being two of
our core priorities.
Speed Limit Reduction
In 2016, the speed limit on SR A1A from Barlow Lane to 1,000 feet north of Columbia
Drive/Church Lane was reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph. The remainder of SR A1A to
the northernmost City limit remains 45 mph. We continue to work to reduce the speed
limit on all of SRM A1A to 35 mph throughout the City.
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In 2017 the SCTPO Governing Board approved the urbanization design of SR A1A
improvements from Long Point Road to George King Boulevard. This $2M design is
based on the SR A1A Action Plan and will incorporate the City’s vision of bikeable,
tree-lined streets. It will include curb and gutter, managed turn movements and
landscaped medians, a wide bike path and sidewalks. The design work is scheduled for
FY18 – 19. Funding for construction will be determined at a later date.
Last year, the International Drive realignment project was funded and design work is
underway. Staff attended a multi-agency coordination meeting for this segment from
south of International Drive to north of Long Point Road. The proposed improvements
include the reconstruction of SR A1A to an urban, four-lane, divided typical section with
the installation of curb and gutter, an eight-foot sidewalk on the northbound side, a
six-foot sidewalk on the southbound side and a seven-foot buffered bicycle lane. The
proposed project also includes intersection improvements, median modifications,
drainage improvements, landscaping, utility coordination and relocation and transit
coordination. The design phase for this project is anticipated to be completed by August
2019. The construction of the proposed improvements is currently not funded.
Thurm Boulevard
Staff attended an FDOT meeting regarding evaluation of a lighted intersection at Thurm
Boulevard and SR A1A. The proposal is to realign the existing driveway on the east side
of SR A1A to create a plus-shaped intersection (+) with Thurm Boulevard and install a
traffic signal. A signal warrant analysis will need to be completed showing that the
existing and/or proposed level of demand meets signal warrant thresholds. See
conceptual alignment sketch below.
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Concept for a possible future signal at Thurm Boulevard and SR A1A
Acting Building Official
The director performs the duties of building official, as needed.
Business and Economic Development Board
The board held one meeting this year in which members heard presentations and
discussed the following agenda items:
●Interviews of two board candidates who were later appointed by City Council
●Presentations:
○Business and Economic Development Board duties
○Sunshine Law and Public Records Law
○Board member code of conduct
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○Review of economic development tools
■CRA
■EOOD
○Review of Ad Valorem Tax (AVT) Exemption Program
○Status update on development trends
○Undeveloped C1, C2 and M1 property north of Imperial Boulevard
○Status update on Cape Canaveral and Port Canaveral initiatives
■Connector roads
■Port Master Plan draft
○Status of pending State legislative actions
Business Recruitment, Attraction and Expansion
Comprehensive Health Services, Inc.
The facility at 8600 Astronaut Boulevard is currently undergoing a major redevelopment
to support a new tenant, the corporate headquarters of Comprehensive Health Services,
Inc. (CHSi), a medical services and management company. CHSi was considering
staying in their current location in Reston, VA or, depending on the advantages offered,
possibly relocating corporate headquarters to this 63,000+ sq ft facility. The company
currently employs approximately 300 people in the City and plans to create 150 new
jobs over three years with an average annual wage of $66,000.00. CHSi also intends to
invest $4.5M in new capital expenditures. At full capacity, CHSi will have approximately
500 jobs in the City of Cape Canaveral.
CHSi sought certain AVT abatement incentives through the EDC, Brevard County and the
City’s AVT Program. These types of incentives are commonplace as county and local
governments vie for highly sought, job-generating companies that invest capital in the
local economy. Recognizing that CHSi represents economic diversity and that the
high-wage job climate will likely attract additional corporate investment in the City, the
Council approved an AVT abatement for 10 years. Occupancy is scheduled for April
2018. The tax abatement will commence the following tax year, and Staff will continue
to monitor the situation. We look forward to the completion of this beautiful building!
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Hotels
Research indicates it is likely there will be another three to four 150-room hotels in the
City and Port area within the next few years. In 2017, there were several inquiries into
the hotel market. Some proposed hotels have progressed through one or more City
board approvals, while others have not. They include:
●A 150-room hotel property redevelopment project in the southern section of N.
Atlantic Avenue corridor. No current board approvals.
●A 125-room hotel property development in the northern section of the City, with a
view looking into Port Canaveral. No current board approvals.
●Springhill Suites, a 150-room hotel located north of, and adjacent to the Radisson
Resort. The developer anticipates the construction of a second 150-room hotel on
the property west of Zachary’s Restaurant and north of the Radisson Resort.
These two hotel developments will represent a $40M capital investment in the
City’s CRA and will bring approximately 100 full-time jobs to the City.
●LBA Property Group — Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites, a dual-branded,
224-room combination hotel, located behind the Homewood Suites hotel. Exterior
elevations were approved by the Community Appearance Board at its November
1, 2017 meeting. This same developer brought the new Homewood Suites to
Cape Canaveral in 2015. This next hotel development will be located on the
6.9-acre parcel immediately behind the Homewood Suites and will represent a
$40M capital investment in the City’s CRA. These developments will bring
approximately 50 full-time jobs to the City.
Potential Future Projects and Ongoing Development and Redevelopment Interest
Staff regularly guides or assists entities toward appropriate development or
redevelopment which contributes to the goals of the EOOD with a focus on
infrastructure, quality, uses, intensity, aesthetics, walkability, bikeability, pedestrian
friendliness, sustainability and so forth. Meetings included:
●A potential mixed-use development on 2+ acres of undeveloped property along N.
Atlantic Avenue. The project includes the discussion of a City easement
dedicated to a pocket park with N. Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Phase II
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amenities, including public art, a storyboard, shade structures, bike racks,
benches and the like.
●A re-zoning of R1 (single-family) properties to R2 (multi-family) to prepare for
construction of townhouse units.
City Hall Project
This remarkable Mediterranean Revival design includes a two-story, 18,517-square-foot
building located on a 1.29-acre parcel at the northeast corner of Polk Avenue where it
intersects with SR A1A. Construction commenced in April 2016 and was originally
expected to be completed in April 2017. Construction is nearing completion as of the
writing of this report.
The Community Development Department facility at 110 Polk Avenue will be
demolished as part of the overall new City Hall project. The old City Hall facility will be
repurposed to expand Culture & Leisure Services activities, becoming the home of the
new Culture Arts Preservation and Enrichment (CAPE) Center. The space shuttle statue
on the front lawn is already a draw for tourists and will remain as part of the plaza area
supporting the new City Hall campus. As part of this project, a portion of the Polk
Avenue right-of-way was closed to accommodate the creation of a brick paver plaza
adjacent to SR A1A. This area will support the goal of a connected Community campus
of buildings as well as provide a public gathering place. Since the inception of City Hall,
sustainability has been the focus with such green amenities as:
●Public transportation access.
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●Bicycle storage.
●Water-efficient landscaping and reclaimed irrigation water.
●Minimum-energy performance appliances.
●Recycled content building materials, where achievable.
●Outdoor air delivery monitoring.
●Increased ventilation.
●Low-emitting adhesives, paints and carpet.
●Lighting systems controllability.
●LED lighting.
●Electric vehicle charging station.
●Lagoon-friendly site features, such as an underground vaulted stormwater
collection system that prevents over 1.5 acres of site stormwater from
discharging to the Indian River Lagoon.
Additional features include:
●Cast-stone architectural column treatments.
●Decorative banding, cornices and quatrefoils.
●Two large wall clocks (analog and tide).
●Porte cochere (passenger drop-off point).
●Concrete paver public plaza with mature palm trees, irrigation, landscaping,
bench seating, flagpoles, bike racks and a compass rose inlay featuring the City
seal.
●Detailed interior casework and crown molding.
●Access control and proximity card reader system.
●Closed-circuit TV coverage.
●A/V enhancements in Council chambers, including expandability and an A/V
production booth.
●A/V in conference rooms and training room.
●Multiple Wi-Fi access points.
●Fiber optic and phone lines installed between new City Hall and the CAPE Center.
●An 800 MHz bidirectional amplification system has been installed in the new City
Hall facility to ensure a strong radio signal for first responders.
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Select Timeline Photos Taken Throughout 2016 – 2017
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Education and Training
In FY16 – 17, the director underwent the following education and training:
●Equal employment opportunity awareness training
●Hurricane preparedness workshop
●2017 disaster preparedness symposium held at the City of Cocoa Civic Center
●Continuing education for Department of Business and Professional Regulation
licenses, including building official, building inspector and plans examiner
licenses
Port Canaveral Engagement and City/Port Connector Roads
In late 2015, City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2015-21, supporting a
report submitted by the Staff-led, joint-task committee regarding future connector roads
between the port and City.
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Also in late 2015, the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) Commission unanimously
approved port Staff to engage with consulting services and officially authorized the
Staff-led, joint-task committee. The CPA opted to turn the project over to Bermello,
Ajamil & Partners, master planning consultants. The port officially kicked off the master
planning process in March 2016.
Since then, the mayor and economic development director have attended various
meetings with port leadership Staff and the port’s master planning consultants to review
the City/port connecter road initiative. Staff continues to stress the importance of future
uses of CPA property located in the City’s EOOD and the connector roads.
Staff attended the Port Master Plan public briefing. A brief summary:
●While no specific information was provided about a connector road in the City of
Cape Canaveral, port and City Staff maintain that it deserves ongoing
consideration.
●The Cove area land uses should complement City of Cape Canaveral land uses.
●There is support for a port-based multi-company vehicle rental facility.
●More cruise terminals will be added.
●The CPA plans to cut into the channel to connect The Cove waterfront (photo
below).
●The CPA will retain Jetty Park with plans to expand and create additional
recreational uses at the east end of the south side of the port.
●Restaurant Row will remain intact.
Public Outreach and Engagement
Economic Development Commision (EDC)
The City benefits from a close working relationship with the EDC. The director attends
various investor updates and board of directors’ meetings and is a voting member on
the EDC’s AVT Abatement Council. This Council makes recommendations to the
Brevard County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on the County’s tax abatement
program designed to encourage commercial growth in target sectors. The percentage
of taxes abated and length of the abatement term are qualified through performance
standard matrices, interviews and council deliberation. As with all abatement approvals,
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the companies must demonstrate performance to continue receiving the abatement.
The EDC’s role in CHSi was pivotal. The EDC also assists by funneling select
commercial development interest to the City.
Foreclosure/Code Enforcement Case
The director supported the City’s legal action and direction by attending and testifying at
several hearings at the Orlando Federal Courthouse regarding the City’s code
enforcement lien and subsequent foreclosure action on the property located at 7521
Magnolia Ave. In accordance with the following rulings:
●The property owner is currently being given the opportunity to demonstrate
that he has the means to repair the building consistent with applicable
building code regulations.
●Parties entered into court-ordered mediation. The economic development
director and building official met onsite with the property owner and his
contractor to review building code requirements.
●The director attended a court-ordered mediation hearing. After eight hours of
mediation, the mediator declared an impasse. The case will return to the
owner’s bankruptcy case proceedings in February 2018 before continuing
with the City’s foreclosure case.
Government Affairs Committee Meeting
The director attended a meeting at the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The special guest speaker was Senator Dorothy Hukill. Staff questions focused on
priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
Lift Station #3 Force Main Re-Routing
The economic development director and capital projects director held a teleconference
with the property owner of 8550 Astronaut Boulevard to negotiate and coordinate the
in-easement placement of our coming re-routing and upgrading of the Lift Station #3
force main. After a successful negotiation, the appropriate engineering firms were
introduced and will work together.
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Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening Events
The economic development director,
Honorable Mayor Hoog, the
community engagement director and
other Staff members attended a
Community meet and greet and
ribbon-cutting event hosted by the
ANSA-McAL/Florida Beer Company.
ANSA-McAL, a large Caribbean
conglomerate, recently purchased the
Florida Beer Company to add to their
holdings. Company representatives
were on hand as they welcomed City
and port officials, Community leaders
and the public. We are very proud to
have ANSA-McAL in the City of Cape
Canaveral.
The director, along with Honorable Mayor Hoog, attended the Edible Arrangements
grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting event.
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Senator Marco Rubio’s Staff
Staff, along with Mayor Pro Tem McMillin, met with Community leaders and two staffers
from Senator Marco Rubio’s office. At the Melbourne luncheon, one staffer spoke about
Rubio’s various initiatives and his commitment to seeking input directly from the leaders
of Florida’s Communities. One-on-one discussions included state grant funding
possibilities, the name legacy of Cape Canaveral and working toward matching
perception to reality as we redevelop SR A1A. Networking opportunities included a
beneficial discussion with Brevard County Commissioner Kristine Isnardi.
Speaking Engagements
●Puerto del Rio men’s breakfast meeting on current City initiatives
●Local Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club luncheons at which several topics were
addressed from how Cape Canaveral is getting fantastic results and initiatives to
how the EOOD works
●Cocoa Beach Area Hotel and Lodging Association at which topics included
economic development in Cape Canaveral, the status of current hotel
development applications and a best-practices model realized from the City’s
visioning through our implemented ordinances
●An introductory speech at the Florida Association of Business Tax Officials
meeting held at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Canaveral Precinct
Tourism Development Council (TDC)
Tax Reallocation Support
The director attended the BOCC meeting to support the TDC’s request to reallocate a
portion of the 5% bed tax to appropriate capital projects. The board approved the
change by supermajority vote. This change will make tourist-related capital projects —
such as our Multi-Generational Center and CAPE Center — eligible for funding by the
TDC.
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Bike Share Program
In 2016, Staff began discussions with the Brevard County TDC regarding establishment
of a bike share program. The TDC had expressed interest in supporting start-up
expenses for the City of Cocoa Beach. A bike share is something the City of Cape
Canaveral has long been interested in. The economic development director and
community engagement director worked with representatives from Zagster to further
develop the program. Staff contacted several local businesses in 2017 to establish
sponsorships to expand the program and connect our beach areas with an ideal vision
of connecting Port Canaveral to the City of Cocoa Beach. Ultimately, the business
support did not come to fruition, and the City sponsored five bikes and a bike share
station at Manatee Sanctuary Park, which is scheduled to open in early 2018.
Cherie Down Park
Cherie Down Park is a 6.99-acre beachfront facility located on Ridgewood Avenue. It is
owned by the BOCC and Brevard Public Schools (BPS). The BOCC has a lease from BPS
to use the property as a park and beach access point until 2080. Amenities include a
bathroom, small pavilion, lifeguard shack, outdoor shower and boardwalk. Use
restrictions are in place and must remain in place regarding usage as a public park and
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) staging and conservation area. Much of the facility is
dated, dilapidated and unusable.
In 2016 and 2017, Staff met on a number of occasions with BPS superintendent, BPS
board chairman and separately with the District 2 (D2) commissioner regarding the
City’s desire to own, operate and upgrade the park, ensuring that it would remain
available to Cape View Elementary School students and Staff, BPS and the general
public. Our goal was for the park to become a flagship beachfront facility for the City as
a family-centric attraction and destination for residents and tourists, further enhancing
Community-offered amenities with new revenue opportunities to offset upgrading,
operating and maintenance costs, including pavilion rentals and a concessionaire.
County Staff and the D2 commissioner had indicated a general desire and willingness to
see the park come under City ownership and control should BPS be willing to explore
the option of modifying their lease.
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Understanding the advantages of City ownership, the BPS superintendent and BPS
chairman expressed an interest in exploring the idea of shifting the lease from Brevard
County to the City of Cape Canaveral. The superintendent was prepared to place the
item before the BPS board for consideration.
Staff then received notice that the D2 office would not support the transition should the
City institute a paid-parking program and sought to condition the approval on a
paid-parking restriction. Staff replied that we would need a revenue stream to advance
the concept of a flagship park and would not agree to condition the deal on any revenue
limitations.
Weeks later, Staff was contacted by the TDC with a new proposal for uniform paid
parking at all county-owned beachfront parks facilities. Staff was informed that the D2
commissioner was supportive of the parking concept and that Brevard County would
retain ownership of the park, with upgrades and maintenance funded by a future
enterprise fund which would be supported by a paid-parking program.
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
The City of Cape Canaveral’s CRA was approved by the BOCC in 2012 and covers
approximately 56% of the City. It has produced significant results in the form of
infrastructure projects without any additional costs to City taxpayers. In the last two
years, CRAs have been scrutinized and criticized by a minority of State and County
legislators as an unnecessarily forgone revenue stream with little oversight. Certain
CRAs have been investigated for impropriety. The City of Cape Canaveral’s CRA is not
the subject of an investigation and has consistently complied with regulations by filing
accurate and timely reports and audits. Staff consistently defends the City’s highly
productive and beneficial special district.
●The economic development and community development directors met with
several county commissioners to discuss the City of Cape Canaveral CRA in light
of overtures to restructure all municipal redevelopment districts. Discussions
were positive and Staff is optimistic about the City’s CRA.
●Staff continues to work with county Staff to define parameters for an upcoming
interlocal agreement.
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●Staff assisted with the City’s website updates consistent with current and new
CRA standards.
Strategic Planning Initiative
The city manager and directors met collectively with a facilitator to participate in a
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analyses and their
respective roles in conducting an organizational analysis. The facilitator then met
individually with each City Council Member to review the basics of the strategic planning
process and engage in a discussion of what he or she views as the most important
goals for the City in the coming fiscal year. Lastly, the City Council and Staff attended a
publicly noticed strategic planning retreat workshop at the Radisson Resort. Clear,
specific capital projects and goals were defined, to include the Multi-Generational
Center and the CAPE Center as priorities for 2018:
CAPE Center
Established as a funded capital project as a result of the 2017 strategic planning retreat,
the Culture Arts Preservation and Enrichment (CAPE) Center will be a repurposing of the
old City Hall building as an accredited institution of cultural enrichment with a focus on
public engagement in all aspects of the arts, as well as the promotion and preservation
of Cape Canaveral history. Early potential sketches are shown below. Supporting culture
and education is one of the tenets outlined by the residents in the City’s Vision
Statement.
The initiative began in May 2016 with a visit to the Air Force Space and Missile History
Center, located adjacent to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station property. The director
spoke with representatives regarding the possibility of establishing a version of the
history center with a SR A1A presence in the City. After meeting with City Staff, it was
decided to explore the establishment of a City-owned, City-staffed heritage center to
showcase our diverse history at the old City Hall building.
Once the new City Hall building is complete, the City wants to ensure the old City Hall
facility serves the needs of our residents and visitors. The facility will additionally
transform our City Hall civic plaza and become an engaging landmark worthy of our rich
past. Ideas include rotating local history exhibits (from Native American history to
current space exploration endeavors), art exhibitions, youth history fairs, lectures,
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presentations, networking functions, artist workshops and other culturally engaging
activities.
Staff began preliminary work on interior and exterior redesign of the building to support
the vision of bringing life to a new City of Cape Canaveral arts and cultural heritage
center. Design work was considered in the preparation of the FY17 – 18 budget.
Concept of a future CAPE Center
Multi-Generational Center at Canaveral City Park
Also established as a funded capital project as a result of the 2017 strategic planning
retreat, the Cape Canaveral Multi-Generational Center will be located at Canaveral City
Park. The facility will feature an indoor basketball and volleyball court, fitness area, a
youth and teen area, a banquet and gathering area and an indoor walking path. The
facility will be utilized by all demographics and will serve as the host site for the City’s
youth center, summer camp program, Police Athletic League (PAL) program and youth
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basketball program. It will be the only indoor fitness facility open to the general public. A
grant-funded preliminary master plan was created in FY16 – 17.
Concept of a future Canaveral City Park including the Multi-Generational Center, splash pad, skate
park, playground, ropes course and little league field.
Potential Design and Construction Grant Funding
Staff met with TDC Executive Director Eric Garvey to discuss:
CAPE Center
The TDC director indicates there will be Staff support of partial funding of the design
and the construction up to a maximum of 50%.
Multi-Generational Center
The TDC director indicates there will be Staff support of a portion of the project to be
used for a conference and meeting space.
Staff met with the city manager and culture and leisure services director regarding
engaging a design firm for the Multi-Generational Center Capital Project. Staff created
and reviewed a new design firm request for proposal for the upcoming capital projects.
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Department Overview
The Financial Services Department is responsible for the management and support of
all aspects of City business. The department provides accurate and timely information
regarding the City's financial affairs and has continually increased its focus on analysis
and efficiency. Current leadership has focused specifically on what drives the City’s
success and ensures the elements are in place to meet and exceed our objectives.
Transparency and thoroughness in all we do are paramount in performing at a superior
level. This focus and persistence will help ensure residents are receiving the most return
from their investment in their City. To achieve this, financial services provides the
following dedicated services:
Collection of Revenue
Revenue is collected from a variety of sources including user charges, ad valorem tax
(AVT), utility service taxes, franchise fees, State-shared revenues and communication
service tax. Other revenue sources of note include local option gas taxes, leisure
services revenues and interest earnings. This pursuit of revenue streams has been
examined to insure it enables the City to grow without overburdening the residents. This
was clearly evidenced by the City’s Fiscal Year 2017 AVT rate, which was the third
lowest in Brevard County at 3.5432 mills.
Purchasing
Purchase orders are managed for acquisition of equipment, supplies and services
needed for the City to accomplish its mission. This entails reviewing, approving or
holding purchase orders for accuracy, proper account assignment and compliance with
purchasing procedures. As a member of the Brevard County Cooperative, the City
continues to take full advantage of contracts that will help ensure it is getting the best
price for materials, allowing more funds to be available in the City’s overall budget.
Moving forward, the City has revamped its purchasing policy — which is pending
approval — to better align with present-day financial sustainability.
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Owner-Direct Purchase
Execution of the Owner-Direct Purchase Program has allowed significant tax savings in
material purchases. This method of purchasing allows the City to directly purchase
materials for major projects and realize all tax savings associated with this material.
Consequently, it reduces costs to the overall contract value. Specific tax savings have
resulted in over $76,067.00 for construction of the new City Hall.
Distribution of Funds
Payments are made to vendors for services or materials received. City vendors are
much better served due to checks being issued the 1st and 15th of each month.
Additionally, this allows the City to manage cash flow more efficiently. Employee payroll
checks and related benefits are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Financial services banking
practices and constant analysis of service charges and fees ensure the City is getting
the most for its banking needs. The Positive Pay program has all but eliminated the
threat of fraud or overdrafts and helps guarantee timely payment.
Accounting and Financial Services
Detailed accounting is achieved by recording financial transactions in Springbrook, the
City’s financial system. Each of the City’s general ledger accounts is unique and
individually budgeted, and performance against these budgets is monitored. The
Accounting and Financial Services Department remains strong and is driven by a Staff
consisting of the administrative/financial services director, deputy finance director,
accountant, accounting technician and procurement specialist. This composition allows
for completion of an increased workload, greater control of the City’s fixed asset
inventory and increased returns in the accounts receivable arena. To further the City’s
efficiency and effectiveness, Staff now fully utilizes Springbrook software modules for
licensing and permitting, as well as building permits and inspections. These modules
strengthen our ability to increase revenues, increase resolution to enforcement issues
and improve overall customer service to the City as a whole.
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Financial Reporting
The division prepares all County, State and Federal financial reports. This includes
issuance of the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Government
Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the City a Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting for its FY15 – 16 CAFR. This marks the 21st straight
year the City has received this award. Monthly financial and investment reports are also
provided through the city manager.
Administrative/Financial Services Director John Deleo, Deputy Finance Director Melinda Huser,
Procurement Specialist Ed Lawson and Accounting/Payroll Technician Cheryl Puleo
Budgeting
Under the strong guidance of the city manager, the department provides the financial
management required to maintain a sound fiscal structure, budgetary control and
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long-range financial planning. This includes assisting the city manager in coordination
and preparation of the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the City’s annual
budget. In November 2017, Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) notified the City that
all Truth in Millage documents filed, including the Maximum Millage Levy Calculation
Final Disclosure, met certification requirements. Florida DOR determined that the City is
in compliance with the maximum total taxes levied requirements and the maximum
millage levy requirements set by Florida Statutes.
Annual City Audit
James Moore & Co. conducted the FY15 – 16 audit of the City’s financial activities and
is currently in the process of the FY16 – 17 audit. The department coordinates the audit.
Success Via Sound Investment and Loan Practices
As national, State and local economies continue to strengthen, the City has strived to
diversify its revenue streams to position itself for redevelopment and success in the
future. As of September 30, 2017, the City’s general fund investments total
$10,186,906.98; special revenue investments total $312,778.17 and enterprise fund
investments total $1,315,763.31. The grand total of all investments is $11,815,448.46.
In addition, the City secured a $6.2M 10-year loan at 2.05% in July 2017, which will fund
a Multi-Generational Center and the Culture Arts Preservation and Enrichment (CAPE)
Center. The City has also realized over $9,958,724.00 in grants since 1997 and utilized
over $3.2M in State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans for wastewater and stormwater projects
in FY16 – 17.
The City’s financial strategies have and will continue to pay off as evidenced by the
complete refurbishment of the Water Reclamation Facility. The ongoing construction of
the new City Hall, with an estimated completion date of early 2018, will bring the City to
the forefront, reinforcing its vision and commitment to its residents. Numerous capital
projects include the recently completed N. Atlantic Streetscape Project and Canaveral
City Park Exfiltration Project and more waits in the wings. The City’s financial position is
sound as it moves to become an upscale, seaside City with an abundance of amenities
to stimulate the local economy for decades to come.
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Department Overview
The Human Resources & Risk Management Department consists of one director and
one shared executive assistant. Staff is responsible for developing, implementing and
maintaining the innovative strategies necessary for achieving the City’s vision. This
includes talent acquisition, applicant recruiting and screening, Staff training, employee
relations, benefits administration, Staff performance evaluations and all matters
pertaining to workers’ Compensation, general liability and property insurance.
Additionally, the department safeguards the City’s assets through an aggressive and
proactive risk management strategy.
Why a Prepared, Resourceful and Committed City Staff Matters
In recent years, the City’s Human Resources (HR) and Risk Management Department
has been focused on building and retaining an exceptional, fully engaged and
committed workforce capable of performing at the high levels necessary to achieve the
City’s quality-of-life objectives. The department implemented management strategies
that attract, develop and reward highly skilled, innovative and capable Staff. The results
of these efforts underwent extraordinary testing when the City saw two hurricanes in
one fiscal year. Fortunately, Hurricanes Matthew and Irma weren’t greater than Category
3 events in our area. However, the threat was very real, as high winds and extraordinary
amounts of rainfall resulted in a variety of challenges.
In hindsight, Hurricane Matthew could be viewed as a drill for Irma. Throughout Irma,
Staff demonstrated the valuable lessons they learned from Hurricane Matthew. While
the City of Cape Canaveral experienced its share of flooding, power and water failures,
Staff tirelessly, resourcefully and effectively prioritized system failures and overcame
challenges. Most noticeable from a human resources and risk management
perspective, extraordinary tasks were performed without incident or accident, and the
teams succeeded in keeping the City free of debris and wastewater spills. Tasks were
prioritized with confidence, and Staff showed the ability to independently solve
problems and work together interdepartmentally. In other words, Staff demonstrated
they had successfully transitioned from a “me” mindset to a “we” mindset.
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Recruitment
Offering a competitive compensation package allows the City to hire individuals who are
ready, willing and able to join our team. Providing competitive pay and benefits is easily
justified by Staff’s ability to effectively respond to an emergency like Hurricane Irma.
Having skilled professionals equipped with the resources they need to successfully
complete tasks can help cut potential losses and maintain safety. Therefore, offering
competitive compensation as a means of enhancing both recruitment and retention
efforts is a fiscally smart move for the City.
The City continuously reviews State and local salary data to ensure it is able to compete
for the best team members. Employees who demonstrate qualitative and quantitative
performance excellence are rewarded via merit-based compensation increases. The
merit-based reward system strives to:
●Eliminate wasted work hours caused by a lack of preparedness and/or skills.
●Eliminate turnover attributed to pay disparity.
●Boost morale, encourage excellence and facilitate a motivated workforce.
●Encourage task efficiencies.
●Reduce costly outsourcing and increase the City’s ability to control project
scheduling by assigning tasks to skilled in-house personnel.
●Provide opportunities for employees to make a greater contribution and enjoy
well-deserved pay increases, thus reducing turnover due to job dissatisfaction.
●Safeguard leadership sustainability and the ability to promote from within.
Risk Management Cost Containment
In 2014, the City began critically examining Florida Municipal Insurance Trust’s (FMIT)
risk management premium history. An analysis of the City’s risk exposure and positive
claims history appeared out of line with FMIT’s premium rates. FMIT offers premium
rebates contingent upon their customer’s agreement to policy renewal. Customers who
elect to renew their policies with FMIT, forfeit the rebate. FMIT’s premium renewal
offers made little effort to reward the City for its consistently low claims history and
favorable risk ratios until other vendors provided competitive quotes for the City’s
business. Upon review of the following detailed premium history, Staff felt FMIT did not
historically provide the City fair and competitive pricing.
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Policy Year Premium Premium Rate
2008/2009 $334,250.00 $10,802.00
2009/2010 $324,070.00 $9,829.00
2010/2011 $331,597.00 $35,239.00
2011/2012 $302,223.00 $26,844.00
2012/2013 $293,884.00 $23,618.00
2013/2014 $270,266.00 $23,618.00
2014/2015 $234,407.00 $32,698.00
*Adjusted $194,516.00 $32,698.00
2015/2016 $192,085.00 $30,525.00
2016/2017 $193,240.00 $15,233.00
2017/2018 $186,173.00 $15,308.00
*Adjusted $173,967.00 $15,233.00
It’s also important for a risk management insurance provider to provide rapid and
efficient service and claims processing during a loss event. Hurricane Matthew
presented the City with an opportunity to evaluate FMIT’s SynergyNDS TurnKeySM
Recovery services. Staff found the TurnKey Recovery system cumbersome and
untested. Slow claims processing negatively impacted the City’s ability to complete the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) project application system forcing
Staff to expend additional time and resources until the process was complete. Staff
completed the FMIT and FEMA claims process two weeks prior to Hurricane Irma.
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Premium Quote Comparison for the City’s 2017 – 2019 Risk
Management Insurance
Insured Exposures FMIT FMIT Amended
August 30, 2017 PGIT
Workers’ comp $38,328.00 $32,852.00 $36,004.00
Property $116,934.00 $100,357.00 $95,660.00
General liability $33,524.00 $14,375.00 $14,146.00
Cyber N/A N/A Included
Boiler machinery N/A N/A Included
Public official/employment Included Included Included
Inland marine Included Included $1,528.00
Contract period 1 year 2 year 2 – 3 years
Auto $4,672.00 $6,123.00 $6,675.00
Auto physical damage $2,387.00 Included Included
Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA)
$5,636.00 $5,363.00 Included
October 2017 including City
Hall & CRA
$186,173.00 $173,967.00 $154,513.00
The City entered a two-year contract with Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust
(PGIT) for risk management insurance services effective October 1, 2017 for a premium
savings of $31,660.00 As statewide damages from Hurricane Irma far exceeded those
of Hurricane Matthew, Staff is pleased to have negotiated a locked-in two-year renewal
rate with an additional renewal option for three years.
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Workers’ Compensation
The Florida Insurance Commissioner ordered a statewide workers’ compensation (WC)
rate decrease of 9.8%, which is 0.2% greater than the decrease filed in August 2017 by
the National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI). NCCI’s rate decrease allowed a
2% allowance for profit and contingencies when filing orders permitted allowances of
no greater than 1.85%.
Following Florida Office of Insurance Regulation approval of a statewide WC rate
increase of 14.5% effective December 1, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court has delivered
critical decisions against Florida’s WC system, calling into question the constitutionality
of the system as a whole. WC legislative reform efforts are expected during the
upcoming legislative session. According to new studies released by the Cambridge,
MA-based Workers’ Compensation Research Institute, several States have seen
decreases in medical payments per WC claim after reform measures.
In the meantime, HR remains focused on safety training, awareness, injury prevention
and accident or near-miss follow-up and investigation to ensure every employee returns
home uninjured after a productive day at work. Safety training — an essential
component of any viable safety program — includes mandatory training modules as
outlined below. Utilization of internal resources allows the City to provide the following
training opportunities at no additional cost.
Safety Workshops
●Heat stress — Learn about the health risks involved in working in hot climates, as
well as the precautions that need to be taken to maintain productivity and protect
employees’ health.
●Confined spaces — Learn about the stringent safety and staffing requirements
that are essential when performing work in confined places.
●Lockout/tagout — Learn about the importance of working safely with hazardous
energy sources.
●Power tool safety — Gain an understanding of the dangers inherent in the
operation of power tools and what safety precautions must be taken.
●Back safety — Learn the proper lifting techniques that protect back health.
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●Active shooter — Discuss strategies and processes on how to survive an active
shooter in the workplace.
●Hurricane preparation — Gain general knowledge of what a City must do to
prepare for high winds and possible flooding.
●Ladder safety — Learn how to safely use a ladder in the course of performing job
tasks.
●Safety teamwork — Learn how to build a team dedicated to creating and
maintaining a culture in which safety comes first.
●City hurricane and emergency preparedness and recovery — Understand the
City’s plan and role in protecting life, minimizing injuries, safeguarding property
and ensuring an effective and organized response to emergencies.
●Comprehensive safety policy — Gain a chapter-by-chapter understanding of what
is needed to know about safety compliance.
●Roadside safety — Receive clear and concise instruction on how to safely
perform roadside work.
●Spotting effectively — Learn the duties and responsibilities of being a spotter
while others perform dangerous work.
●Blood-borne pathogens — This workshop is a must for plant operators, utilities
mechanics and recreation leaders or coordinators who are required to fully
understand procedural standards and exposure risks associated with blood and
blood-borne pathogens.
●City safety program — An in-depth review of the City of Cape Canaveral’s
comprehensive safety program to include department hazards, emergency
response, exposures and use of fleet and equipment. This training is mandatory
for all City Staff.
The status of the City’s WC as shown below is exemplary and enables the City to
demand competitive pricing on the rate paid for WC Insurance.
Workers’ Compensation Claims History
Fiscal Year Number of Claims Payments
2006/2007 5 $3,864.17
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2007/2008 2 $567.00
2008/2009 3 $1,118.50
2009/2010 1 $416.80
2010/2011 2 $842.56
2011/2012 2 $862.07
2012/2013 4 $27,144.06
2013/2014 5 $66,643.80
2014/2015 2 $8,547.44
2015/2016 0 $0
2016/2017 0 $0
Through an emphasis on safety awareness, training, ongoing scrutiny of standard
operating procedures and diligent case management, significant progress has been
made in reducing the City’s claims ratio, the statistic which drives WC rates. Doubling
down on our safety initiative reduced the loss ratio from .22 in Fiscal Year 2015 – 2016
to .008 in FY16 – 17.
Employee Benefits
The need to provide high-quality health, vision, dental and life insurance benefits is
essential to the goal of attracting and retaining a highly skilled and productive
workforce. To balance the necessity for premium cost containment, HR provides
wellness and smart benefit use training and individual assistance to Staff, which is
critical in maintaining a highly favorable risk and claims history.
Group Health
The City remains committed to limiting employee maximum out-of-pocket risk to
$750.00 per year. While other employers remedy the challenge of rising health cost
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premiums by demanding greater employee premium contributions, increasing co-pays
and opting for plans with large deductibles, the City cares enough about the health and
well-being of its employees to seek alternative methods for cost containment.
The City will continue to educate employees on how best to utilize their benefits by
advising them to do the following:
●Avoid seeking emergency medical services for non-emergency health needs.
●Regularly seek wellness and preventative medical services.
●Utilize cost-effective mail-order and/or generic prescriptions for maintenance
medications.
The above strategy has proven effective in maintaining a favorable claims/risk ratio, a
critical statistic used to determine group health premium costs. 2017 – 2018 group
health premiums are detailed below.
Employee Premium Contribution for Group Health Benefits
5% increase from previous plan year The City of Cape Canaveral contributes $5,000.00 per plan
year towards the cost of dependent health premiums.
Dental Insurance
0% increase from previous plan year
Employer-paid PPO dental benefits are available to regular full-time employees.
Employee-paid dependent dental coverage is available through payroll deduction. The
employee pre-tax monthly premium contribution remained unchanged from FY15 – 16.
Vision Insurance
0% increase from previous plan year
Employer-paid vision benefits are available to regular full-time employees.
Employee-paid dependent vision coverage is paid through payroll deduction. Renewal
rates for FY16 – 17 remained unchanged, aside from expanded coverage options
beyond previous employee or family levels.
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Life Insurance
The City provides regular employees who work an average of 30 hours per week with
employer-paid $100,000.00 basic life benefits effective the first of the month following
their start of employment. Coverage reductions occur at age 65, 70 and 75. The Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) requires employee taxation on the value of employer-provided
group term life insurance over $50,000.00 The employer-paid monthly premium is based
upon the average age of the employer’s workforce, a factor the City does not consider
when hiring qualified Staff.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
In an effort to provide greater income stability and economic security, the City provides
employer-paid long-term disability (LTD) benefits to all regular full-time employees.
Following a 90-day elimination period, employees are eligible for 60% of the first
$10,000.00 of monthly pre-disability earnings, which is reduced by income such as work
earnings, WC and so forth. Benefits are paid at a minimum of $50.00 and a maximum of
$6,000.00 per month until recipients reach the normal age for Social Security
Retirement. Disability is defined as a loss of at least 1% of pre-disability earnings when
working within your occupation. The employer-paid monthly premium remained
unchanged from the previous renewal year.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Confidential professional counseling services are available to all employees and their
dependent family members. The EAP provides help with issues relating to grief, elder
care, addiction or substance abuse, marital or family difficulties, financial or legal
troubles and emotional distress.
Supplemental Insurance
A range of employee-paid voluntary supplemental insurance products are available
through Aflac.
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Retirement Benefits
Deferred Compensation Plan/457(b)
From day one of employment, regular full- or part-time employees may elect to defer
payroll-deducted, pre-tax earnings through participation in the City’s 457(b) Plan
administered by the Florida League of Cities deferred compensation plan.
The City matches employee-deferred compensation contributions up to 3% following
one year of regular full-time employment. City contributions are credited to the
employee’s 401(a) account.
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan / 401(a)
Following one year of full-time regular service, the City will contribute 7% into an
employee self-directed 401(a) account administered by the Florida Municipal Pension
Trust Fund.
Retirement Vesting
City contributions to the 401(a)-pension fund are vested as follows:
●Two years of service vesting is 25%
●Three years of service vesting is 50%
●Four years of service vesting is 75%
●Five years of service vesting is 100%
Employee Engagement
In exchange for the City’s commitment to employee health, safety and opportunity for
career advancement, employees are required to meet high performance standards. This
includes a commitment to the mission and vision defined by the City Council on behalf
of the City’s residents. Great lengths are taken to ensure employees have equal
opportunity for promotion, competitive compensation and the resources necessary to
deliver high-quality work. In return, the City requires the following from Staff:
●Commitment to quality and excellence
●Honesty and integrity
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●Safety program compliance
●A mature work ethic
●Courtesy and consideration toward supervisors, co-workers and the general
public
●A willingness and ability to contribute to the mission and vision of the City
●A commitment to contribute to a workplace free from bullying, discrimination,
harassment and illicit drug and alcohol use
●A willingness to seek assistance, offered on a confidential basis, in instances
where personal or professional conflicts interfere with the ability to effectively
perform job duties
Failure to meet these reasonable expectations will result in swift action. The City’s
employee relations strategy is direct, decisive and impartial. Tolerance of an inability or
unwillingness to satisfactorily meet performance expectations undermines the
contributions of the team, inflates workforce costs and contributes to a gradual
deflation in overall job performance. HR is committed to ensuring the residents of Cape
Canaveral receive the highest-quality services delivered by a professional, competent
and courteous Staff.
The application of a results-oriented, merit-based compensation strategy has reduced
payroll costs. Despite the burden of increasing group health benefits and a shrinking
manpower pool reflective of Florida’s September 2016 reported unemployment rate of
4.7%, the City remains successful in its recruiting efforts. As of November 15, 2017, HR
has achieved a budgeted fiscal year savings in comprehensive workforce costs of
$203,443.52, affording the City the ability to reward excellence and retain specialized
professional services on an as-needed basis for special projects.
The City rewards employees who achieve education and training credentials and
accepts the reality that higher skilled workers who enable the City to complete complex
and technical tasks in-house are deserving of higher rates of pay. It must also be
acknowledged that retaining staff capable of performing said complex and highly
technical tasks and projects reduced outsourcing needs. As the City strives to raise the
bar on workforce competencies and educational levels, efficiencies in workforce
utilization have more than offset costs associated with paying higher wages as
discussed previously. (See Workforce Analysis section for more details.)
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Employee Development and Training
In-house training continues to be a highly efficient and cost-effective tool for employee
development, safety and skills training. By utilizing the Public Works Services (PWS)
Department training facility, employees and supervisors receive training with minimum
disruption to their normal work day.
The City’s PWS training room sustained significant flood damage during Hurricane Irma
and was unusable from September 7, 2017 until December 2017. Despite losing the use
of the facility for 25% of the year, HR administered 280 hours of training on more than
24 topics. This represents a 22% increase in training hours from the previous fiscal year.
HR looks forward to having two complete training venues and anticipates FY17 – 18
training deliverables to significantly increase. The director delivers much of the in-house
training, leveraging City relationships with vendors and providers — such as FMIT, PGIT
and Brombacher — during service contract negotiation allowing this training to be
provided at no additional cost to the City.
Newly Hired and Promoted Employees
The City maintains a training and mentoring program for newly hired and promoted
employees. The program lasts 90 days, during which the employee and supervisor meet
at regularly scheduled intervals to discuss training progress. Employees are encouraged
to communicate areas in which additional training may be needed. Supervisors clearly
outline their expectations and deliver follow-up as needed.
Education Incentive Program
Growing our own talent requires the City to eliminate barriers to Staff pursuing
advanced training and education. The Education Incentive Program (EIP) reimburses the
cost of in-state tuition, books and lab fees following successful program completion.
The City regularly communicates its desire to promote from within and emphasizes
educational achievement as a pathway to advancement. The EIP demonstrates the
City’s commitment to employee growth and development and is an essential element
for sustainability. The City is currently sponsoring three employees pursuing
certification, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. These employees represent an
investment in Staff who will advance the mission and vision of the City in years ahead.
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In-House Training Opportunities
●Equal Opportunity Awareness
●Sexual Harassment Awareness
●CPR Certification
●Ethics and Civility
●City Hurricane/Emergency Planning
●ICS Forms Training
●Defining Effective Management
●City Safety Program
●How to Conduct an Effective Interview
●Bullying, What You Need to Know
HR continues to expand the in-house training program in order to ensure a cost-effective
and time-sensitive approach to the City’s professional development needs. Employees
are required to complete the listed workshops which are delivered in a classroom
setting by an expert trainer. The director delivers much of the in-house training and also
leverages City relationships with vendors and providers during negotiations of service
contracts, meaning this training is provided at no additional cost to the City.
* See Employment Law Compliance for additional workshop details.
Workforce Analysis
HR evaluates data pertaining to workforce educational levels, compensation, age and
gender.
Staff Educational Achievement Levels
Fiscal Year HS / GED AA / AS BS / BA Post
Grad Male Female
2013 – 2014 100% 11% 24% 4% 67.4% 32.6%
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2014 – 2015 100%
(22% have
Earned Special
Certifications)
12% 36% 10% 56.30
%
43.7%
2015 – 2016 100%
(46% have
Earned Special
Certifications)
12.5% 40% 4% 66% 33%
2016 – 2017 100%
(47.37% have
Earned Special
Certifications)
12.76% 38.3% 8.5% 64% 36%
Florida
2014 Census
85% 9% 17% 9.4% 48.9% 51.1%
Brevard
2014 Census
90.3% N/A 26.4% N/A 42.9% 57.1%
* 2013 – 2014 Sample: 49 full- and part-time City of Cape Canaveral Employees
* 2014 – 2015 Sample: 50 full- and part-time City of Cape Canaveral Employees
* 2015 – 2016 Sample: 48 full- and part-time City of Cape Canaveral Employees
* 2016 – 2017 Sample: 48 full- and part-time City of Cape Canaveral Employees
* N/A = Statistically insignificant or not measured.
* City assigns each employee to a single category while State and County statistics may assign
employees to more than one.
Data clearly confirms the City’s success in significantly increasing workforce
educational levels and compares favorably to County and State workforce averages.
The City continues to work towards achieving greater workforce gender balance.
Manpower Levels
Manpower Comparison FY13 – 14 FY14 – 15 FY15 – 16 FY16 – 17
Full-time employees 47 43 43 43
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Part-time employees
(Expressed in full-time equivalence)
5 5 5 5
Seasonal employees 2 2 2 3
Temporary employees 0 0 0 0
While the City continues to expand its services to include enhanced facilities intended to
increase Community engagement, staffing levels remain unchanged. The City elects to
increase compensation levels to employees who perform additional and/or expanded
duties before considering the addition of new Staff. This strategy enables the City to
ensure maximum productivity and efficiency.
Criteria Average Annual Rate of Pay
City FY16 – 17 $49,788.00 +5.1%
City FY15 – 16 $47,370.00
City FY14 – 15 $45,959.00
*Brevard County (2016 data)$48,464.00 +4.7%
*State of Florida (2016 data)$47,060.00 +0.4%
National Occupational Employment and
Wages
$49,630.00 +3.7% - (29th Nationally)
* Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016
The City will stay the course in striving to maintain a flexible, multi-skilled and
empowered workforce committed to achieving results.
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Employment Law Compliance
The City of Cape Canaveral is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment
where employees are free from interference and unlawful barriers to productivity and
advancement. HR performs weekly employment law research to ensure the City is in full
compliance with State and Federal employment law, including emerging trends gleaned
through pending litigation.
Maintaining an aggressive compliance program prevents costly litigation and fiercely
guards a work environment in which every employee knows they will receive equal
access and the opportunity to develop, promote, contribute and receive credit for their
accomplishments. The City requires all employees to complete the following mandatory
training.
●Equal Opportunity Awareness — Increases awareness of the importance of
Federal employment protections provided to protected classes.
●Sexual Harassment Awareness — Increases awareness of the elements, risks
and consequences of sexual harassment in the workplace and in our Community.
●Bullying – Provides understanding of how bullying undermines individuals,
teamwork, productivity and organizations. Examines the nature of bullying in the
workplace to include conduct indicative of aggressive and/or bullying behavior,
the personal and organizational costs of bullying, how to prevent bullying and
clarification of the City’s zero tolerance attitude toward bullying.
●How to Conduct an Effective Job Interview — Examines interviewing from the
employer’s perspective and provides insights into strategy, objectives,
preparation and legal compliance. This training is mandatory for City Staff who
participate in candidate interviews.
●Defining Effective Management — Provides basic principles and techniques
necessary in facilitating a productive and innovative team.
●Leadership, Good-to-Best — Examines the qualities and responsibilities entailed
in practicing true leadership.
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Volunteers
The City of Cape Canaveral greatly appreciates the willingness of its residents to
generously volunteer their services. Individuals wishing to make an impact in the
Community are asked to submit a volunteer application form to HR. Applications can be
downloaded through: www.cityofcapecanaveral.org/volunteer. Prospective volunteers
may also contact HR for assistance.
Student Interns and Externs
The City welcomes undergraduate- and graduate-level college students interested in
participating in unpaid, for-credit college or university learning experiences. Through
these positions, the City provides meaningful learning experiences that better prepare
students for careers in municipal government. Interested students may submit a
student intern/extern application form through their school counselor. Please submit
forms to the attention of Human Resources. Applications can be downloaded through:
www.cityofcapecanaveral.org/employement. Prospective students may contact HR for
assistance.
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Department Overview
The Public Works Services (PWS) Department consists of 20 full-time and three
part-time employees whose primary purpose is to provide and maintain utility services
for the general public, as well as maintain all City streets and facilities. Staff provides
services in six main categories:
●Administration
●Sanitary sewer and reclaimed water
●Stormwater
●Recycling
●Infrastructure maintenance
●Sustainability
Administration
Accomplishments for Year 2017 and Goals for Year 2018
Used Equipment Auctions
Staff coordinated an Internet auction with Public Surplus, Inc. for the sale of used and
outdated City equipment. The auction resulted in over $3,500.00 in revenue for the City.
Computer Mapping Program
Staff scanned and archived more than 100 City utility maps into Laserfiche. This
program allows easy retrieval of historical site plans, utility plans and so forth.
Administrative Activities
Staff performed the following:
●Filled the Cape Canaveral Public Library kiosk with stormwater-related materials
on a quarterly basis.
●Assisted other City departments to enhance and support their daily operations on
an as-needed basis.
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Florida City Government Week
Staff conducted an onsite tour of the Water Reclamation Facility for approximately 50
fifth grade students from Cape View Elementary School. The tour included hands-on
experiences in laboratory, sludge belt press, maintenance and recycling/reuse
operations.
Liaison with City Contractors and Governmental Agencies
Staff continues to act as liaison between the general public and the City’s contractors
and governmental agencies including:
●Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. (solid waste contractor)
●Florida Power & Light Company (FPL)
●Florida Department of Corrections (work-release program)
●Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
●Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
●St. Johns River Water Management District
●Caribbean Conservation Corporation
●United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
●WEX Universal Online Program (fuel card program)
●Brevard County Public Works - Traffic Operations
●Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office (BCNRMO)
●Brevard County Mosquito Control
●Sunshine State One Call of Florida, Inc. (utility locating)
●USA Services (street sweeping)
●Marine Resources Council (MRC)
●Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB)
Staff acts as intermediaries who forward and document residents’ requests to
contractors and governmental agencies. Staff also follows up to ensure requests are
addressed in a timely and professional manner.
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Water Reclamation Facility Operations
Sanitary Sewer and Reclaimed Water Programs
Improvement and expansion of the sanitary sewer and reclaimed water systems — and
routine maintenance activities of both systems — are completed throughout the year
with funding from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund. The City’s Water Reclamation
Facility is an advanced wastewater treatment facility with a capacity of 1.8 million
gallons per day (MGD). The average daily flow is approximately 1.2 MGD. Operation of
the City’s reclaimed water system ensures that treated wastewater is primarily used for
irrigation purposes and not discharged into the Banana River. Over 350 million gallons
of reclaimed water were distributed to residents for irrigation purposes in 2017.
To supplement funding of these programs, the City received a loan from FDEP through
the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program. This program provides low-interest loans to
governmental agencies for construction of wastewater- and stormwater-related capital
improvement projects. The City is currently designing and constructing the final two
wastewater improvement projects as part of the SRF agreement, including:
●Replacement of sanitary sewer line (Phases II and III) from Holman Road to Lift
Station No. 2 (Phase I completed in 2016).
●Construction of oxidation ditch improvements at the Water Reclamation Facility
(in progress).
The City’s Sanitary Sewer and Reclaimed Water Programs meet the following goal of the
City’s Vision Statement:
“We envision: ...A livable, attractive, safe, inclusive and sustainable coastal
Community that embraces the oceanside and riverside as the main amenities,
and supports and promotes local tourism, culture, recreation, commerce,
municipal civic interests and education.”
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Accomplishments for Year 2017 and Goals for Year 2018
Water Reclamation Facility Generator Replacement
A new 500-kilowatt (kW)
generator was installed at the
Water Reclamation Facility and is
fully operational. Other project
improvements to the generator
system included replacement of
fuel lines, exhaust system,
building louvers and so forth.
New Generator for the Brevard
County Sheriff’s Office Annex
and the Future CAPE Center
A 100-kW generator was installed
adjacent to the Brevard County
Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Annex.
This generator will provide service
to both the BCSO Annex and the
future CAPE Center during power
outages.
Holman Road Improvements — Phases II and III
The replacement of the sanitary sewer pipe from Holman Road to Lift Station No. 2 on
Center Street is currently being designed and permitted. The project will include
replacement of the existing 8-inch diameter pipe with 10-inch and 12-inch diameter pipe.
This project will allow for future development in the area and will help alleviate sewer
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backups that have occurred in the service area. These are the second and third phases
of a three-phased project to replace the entire sanitary sewer pipe. Construction of
Phases II and III will be completed in late 2018.
Oxidation Ditch Improvements
This project includes the
complete redesign of the
oxidation ditch system at the
Water Reclamation Facility. There
is currently no redundancy, and
the redesign will provide a second
oxidation ditch for use in
emergency situations. It will also
allow for improved maintenance.
Work includes refurbishment or
replacement of all pumps and valves for a more efficient system and installation of a
cover over the existing oxidation ditch to limit off-site spray. The project was initiated in
November 2016 and is scheduled for completion in mid-2018.
Force Main No. 3 Replacement
Staff is working with an area property owner to obtain access for the best possible and
most direct route from W. Central Boulevard to Thurm Boulevard for this replacement
force main, which is currently being designed and permitted. This force main will
replace existing Force Main No. 3, which has experienced numerous leaks during the
past few years. Construction will be completed in late 2018.
Stormwater
Stormwater Improvement Program
Stormwater improvement projects and routine maintenance activities are completed
throughout the year with funding from the Stormwater Enterprise Fund to improve the
quality of stormwater discharging into the Banana River. Recognizing the economic and
aesthetic benefits of a healthy estuary system, the City maintains an aggressive
program to improve the overall environmental condition of the Banana River. As part of
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this program, the City received a loan from FDEP through the SRF Program. This
program provides low-interest loans to governmental agencies for construction of
wastewater- and stormwater-related capital improvement projects. The City completed
one major stormwater improvement project in 2016 — the W. Central Boulevard Pipe
Replacement Project — as part of the SRF agreement.
The City’s Stormwater Master Plan was updated in early 2015. It is used as a roadmap
for implementation of future stormwater improvement projects and includes detailed
information on recommended projects that will allow the City to improve the quality of
stormwater discharging to the Banana River and meet Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) requirements. Numerous projects will be constructed over the next five years,
utilizing various stormwater improvement methods including construction of
stormwater ponds, exfiltration galleries and bio-swales.
The City’s Stormwater Improvement Program meets the following goal of the City’s
Vision Statement:
“We envision: ...A livable, attractive, safe, inclusive and sustainable coastal
Community that embraces the oceanside and riverside as the main amenities,
and supports and promotes local tourism, culture, recreation, commerce,
municipal civic interests and education.”
Accomplishments for Year 2017 and Goals for Year 2018
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program
This is a 15-year program administered by FDEP to improve the quality and reduce the
amount of stormwater discharged to water bodies throughout the State. Locally, FDEP
is requiring that government entities and private stakeholders significantly reduce runoff
of nitrogen and phosphorus in stormwater to the Banana River. The City has already met
the first five-year TMDL target levels, but continues to construct stormwater
improvements. Staff worked closely with FDEP in 2017 to continue implementation of
this program and will maintain this effort in coming years.
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Basin Management Action Plan Committee
Staff is involved with the Banana River Lagoon Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)
Committee, which was formed as part of the TMDL Program. This committee oversees
stormwater improvements completed by governmental agencies and private
stakeholders located in the Banana River Basin to ensure that progress is being made to
reduce concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous in stormwater. Staff worked closely
with the BMAP Committee to complete proposed projects and develop concepts and
plans for future pollutant-reduction projects. Staff will continue this coordinated effort
with the Banana River Lagoon BMAP Committee in coming years.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Reports
Staff submitted the Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Annual
Report — which documents efforts to improve stormwater quality — to FDEP. PWS also
submitted a Notice of Intent (NOI) Report detailing the City’s proposed National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) activities for the next five years. The
NOI Report included recommendations for the development of additional projects to
eliminate pollutants from entering the City’s stormwater system. PWS will continue to
implement these project recommendations to further reduce nitrogen and phosphorous
concentrations in stormwater discharging to the Banana River Lagoon.
BLUE LIFE Program and Other Public Education
The City contributed $3,024.00 to the BLUE LIFE Program, which conducts a Stormwater
Educational Program targeting the general public throughout Brevard County. It is
administered by BCNRMO and helps meet educational requirements of the City’s NPDES
permit. Staff also provided stormwater-related educational materials to the general
public through informational kiosks located at the City’s public library and Water
Reclamation Facility. The City will continue to fund the BLUE LIFE Program with an
annual contribution in 2018.
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Canaveral City Park Exfiltration System
This project included
redirecting stormwater in the
internal drainage basin to
Canaveral City Park and was
completed in 2017. New
piping redirects stormwater to
exfiltration structures
installed beneath the softball
and Little League fields. The
exfiltration structures —
encased by gravel in synthetic sheeting — allow infiltration of stormwater into the
surficial aquifer. Exfiltration of stormwater eliminates a portion of the City’s stormwater
that flows to the Banana River. The City received two sources of funding for the project:
One from the EPA 319(h) Program and one from State legislative appropriations totaling
over $1.0M.
N. Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project
This project included construction of improvements to N. Atlantic Avenue from the
intersection with State Road (SR) A1A to Port Canaveral. Streetscape improvements
included construction of stormwater bio-swales, a pedway/sidewalk system and an
irrigation system. Solar-powered lighting, decorative crosswalks and landscaping were
also installed in 2017. A majority of the project was funded with moneys from Brevard
County Transportation Impact Fees and FDOT. In Fiscal Year 2016 – 2017, Florida City
Gas paid the City $348,737.00 for the repaving of N. Atlantic Avenue. As part of a
resiliency and future growth project, Florida City Gas installed an eight-inch steel natural
gas distribution main that connected Port Canaveral to SR 520 through Cape Canaveral.
Shoreline Restoration — City Parks
Due to extensive riverbank erosion along both Manatee Sanctuary and Banana River
Parks, the City completed a shoreline restoration project. It included the use of rip-rap (a
layer of stone) in selected areas, as well as the planting of native vegetation to minimize
erosion of the banks. Stormwater swales were also constructed to prevent runoff of
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stormwater from the Parks to the Banana River. The project was completed in 2017.
Partial funding was provided by an EPA 319(h) Grant.
Banana River Park shoreline damage
Shoreline Restoration — Water Reclamation Facility
Due to extensive riverbank erosion along the shoreline at the Water Reclamation Facility,
the City is currently designing and permitting a shoreline restoration project. It will
include the use of rip-rap (a layer of stone) in selected areas, as well as the planting of
native vegetation to minimize erosion of the banks. Project completion is scheduled for
mid-2018.
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Public Works Services shoreline damage
Upgrade of W. Central Boulevard Baffle Box
This project included the installation of new interior screens in the nutrient-separating
baffle box located along W. Central Boulevard. This conversion of the baffle box to a
second-generation box allows for additional TMDL credits and improves water quality of
stormwater discharging to the central ditch. All funding for the project ($43,800.00) was
provided by the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program and a 319(h) grant from FDEP.
Stormwater Inlet Replacements
The City continued this long-term project to replace older-style stormwater inlets with
new Type-C inlets. These new inlets require less maintenance, are not damaged as
easily by vehicular traffic, prohibit larger debris from entering the stormwater system
and provide improved stormwater flow. The City replaced 20 inlets in 2017 and will
replace 20 more in 2018.
Routine Maintenance Programs
The City provides regular upkeep to its stormwater infrastructure. Routine maintenance
tasks in 2017 included removal of floatable debris from all nine nutrient-separating
baffle boxes after heavy rainfall events, removal of debris from stormwater inlets,
monthly street sweeping and inspection and cleaning of manholes. Work was
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conducted primarily by the City’s inmate work squad. These routine maintenance tasks
will continue in 2018.
A clean stormwater inlet
Recycling
City Recycling Program
With assistance from Waste Pro — the City’s solid waste and recycling contractor —
Staff continued incorporating a number of enhancements to the City’s recycling
program in 2017. Staff and WastePro will continue to provide additional improvements
in 2018.
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Waste Pro was also a vital part of the Hurricanes Matthew and Irma clean-up process.
As part of the Hurricane Preparedness Plan, the public works services deputy director
worked with Waste Pro to create a debris removal plan, including a Community
vegetative debris drop-off point in Manatee Sanctuary Park. Waste Pro has gone above
and beyond for the City of Cape Canaveral during the last two major storm events.
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Instagram post from the morning after Hurricane Irma
Accomplishments for Year 2017 and Goals for Year 2018
Continued Program Enhancements
●City single-stream recycling awareness labels are applied to recycling carts and
recycling dumpsters at businesses, condominiums and apartment complexes.
●The City negotiates with Waste Pro to provide small businesses the opportunity
for single-stream recycling by offering 96-gallon recycling carts for only $1.94
each per month.
●Via the City’s website and Nixle, Staff promotes Earth Day in April and America
Recycles Day in November.
●Recycling and trash carts are provided for City-sponsored events, such as Friday
Fests, farmers’ markets, National Night Out and so forth.
●Recycling information is updated on the City’s website.
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●A recycling public awareness booth is set up at selected Friday Fest, Florida City
Government Week and Founders’ Day events.
Infrastructure Maintenance
Infrastructure Maintenance (IM) Program
Infrastructure Maintenance (IM) projects are completed throughout the year as part of a
proactive program to maintain and improve the City’s infrastructure and amenities,
including roadways, sidewalks, buildings, beach-related facilities, streetscapes,
landscaped areas and public parks. The program meets the following goal of the City’s
Vision Statement:
“We envision: ...A livable, attractive, safe, secure and sustainable coastal
Community that embraces the beach and riverside as the main amenities, and
supports local culture and education.”
Accomplishments for Year 2017 and Goals for Year 2018
Hurricanes Matthew and Irma Response
IM Staff assisted City contractors in clean-up efforts after Hurricanes Matthew and
Irma. Tasks included clearing roadways of debris, cleaning City parks, cleaning
stormwater inlets of debris, repairing damage to City facilities, repairing and replacing
street sign poles, removing and replacing solar lights and a variety of other related
tasks.
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Ridgewood Drive solar light damaged by Hurricane Irma
Damaged decorative street at the corner of Church Lane and SR A1A
Beach-Cleaning Activities
Staff performed annual beach cleaning with the beach rake in January 2017. Parking at
the Washington Avenue beach crossover area was limited due to the placement of
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roll-off containers for debris storage. Two dumpsters of debris were collected and
removed from the beach. This same procedure is utilized annually to clean the beach of
debris. The City shares the beach rake with the City of Cocoa Beach.
Support for Culture & Leisure Services and City-Related Events
Staff provided and will continue to provide maintenance and logistical support for
events including Friday Fest, Movie in the Park, Founders’ Day, the Reindeer Run/Walk,
Trunk-or-Treat, Holiday in the City, soccer leagues, Little League and library book sales.
Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Enhancements
Decorative street signs were installed by Staff along the entire roadway as part of a
streetscape enhancement program. Similar signs were also installed along N. Atlantic
Avenue and SR A1A in 2017. Additional landscaping was planted and rock bedding was
installed as part of continuing beautification efforts. These types of improvements to
Ridgewood Avenue and other streetscape corridors will continue through 2018.
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North-Side Entrance Sign
Staff worked to beautify the northernmost entry sign on SR A1A. Broken pavers and
lights were removed and new pavers, lights and landscaping were installed. The lights
were replaced with energy-efficient lighting that is much brighter and will last longer
than its predecessor.
North-side entrance sign before
North-side entrance sign after
Mowing and Chemical/Fertilization Contracts
The City’s mowing contract was awarded for another year to Green Leaf Landscaping
and Irrigation, Inc. of Melbourne. The City’s Chemical/Fertilization Contract was
awarded for another year to Black’s Spray Service, Inc. of Merritt Island.
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Green Leaf performing annual tree maintenance
Sidewalk and Curb Repairs
Sections of sidewalks and curbs throughout the City were replaced in 2017 as part of
ongoing maintenance activities. These infrastructure repair efforts will continue in 2018.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station
Staff purchased and installed two electric vehicle (EV) chargers for Manatee Sanctuary
Park and the Cape Canaveral Public Library. They are the first chargers in the City that
are free to the public and part of a larger sustainability initiative that aligns with the
Cape Canaveral Vision Statement. Staff, including utilities mechanics and IM teams,
worked with the City’s inmate work squad, to prepare the site and install the units. An EV
charging station has been installed at the new City Hall and additional stations are
planned for installation at PWS and Banana River Park in 2018.
Structural Repairs to Beach Crossovers
Work includes refurbishing all City beach crossovers. Typically, two crossovers are
improved each fiscal year. The Monroe Avenue and Adams Avenue crossovers were
refurbished in 2016. The Tyler Avenue crossover will be refurbished utilizing recycled
materials by Staff and the City’s inmate work squad in 2018.
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Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB) Activities
The City again funded KBB with an annual contribution of $2,300.00. KBB conducted
several environmental projects in the City such as beach cleanups, road and park
cleanups and so forth. The following is a summary of KBB activities conducted and the
estimated dollar values to the City from July 2016 through June 2017:
●Adopt-A-Shore — 1,090 volunteer hours removed 4,085 pounds of trash. Value =
$23,555.00
●Adopt-A-Road — 714 volunteer hours removed 20,215 pounds of trash. Value =
$15,440.00
●Adopt-A-Park — 114 volunteer hours removed 680 pounds of trash. Value =
$2,463.00
●Trash Bash — 180 volunteers removed 1,420 pounds of trash. Value = $3,889.00
●Total measurable value to City of Cape Canaveral = $45,349.00
KBB also participated in the following projects:
●School of the Month Environmental Award (SEA) — Cape View Elementary School
participated in the 2016 – 2017 SEA Program
●A recycling education program that was presented to all fourth and fifth grade
classes
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●Anti-litter programs that assist teachers in educating students about litter were
held for kindergarten through third grade
Sustainability
Sustainability Definition and City Goals
As defined by the EPA, the concept of sustainability is based upon a single principle:
Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or
indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the
conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit
fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.
Sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have, the
water, materials and resources to protect human health and our environment.
Or more simply defined:
Sustainability meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability continues to emerge as a result of significant concerns about the
unintended social, environmental and economic consequences of rapid population
growth, economic growth and consumption of our natural resources. Focus areas of
sustainability for government agencies and the general public include:
●Energy independence.
●Climate protection.
●Air quality.
●Material resources.
●Urban design, land use, green building and transportation.
●Parks, open spaces and habitat conservation.
●Water resources and flood protection.
●Public involvement and personal responsibility.
A major goal of the City is to make sustainability the next level of environmental
protection by drawing on advances in science and technology to protect human health
and the environment, and promoting innovative green business and operational
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practices. The concept of sustainability is also one of the major goals of the City’s
Vision Statement, which states:
“We envision: ...A livable, attractive, safe, inclusive and sustainable coastal
Community that embraces the oceanside and riverside as the main amenities,
and supports and promotes local tourism, culture, recreation, commerce,
municipal civic interests and education.”
Accomplishments for Year 2017 and Goals for Year 2018S
Staff Sustainability Working Group
City Staff has embraced the Vision Statement and concept of sustainability when
completing infrastructure project, and preparing future Capital Improvement Plans and
budgets. To further delineate the concept, the City has appointed select Staff members
to an internal sustainability working group to prepare a Sustainability Plan that includes
both short-term and long-term sustainability goals. Safeguarding the health of the Indian
River Lagoon ecosystem is integral to the City’s economic, social and environmental
sustainability goals, and the challenges associated with this are urgent, diverse and
interrelated. Success depends on our ability to engage the Community and achieve a
commitment to a sustainable vision moving forward.
Guiding Principles
Major guiding principles of the sustainability working group in preparing the
Sustainability Plan include the following:
●The City will lead by example.
●The economic, ecological and social health of the Community are
interdependent.
●Local decisions and policies have regional and global impact.
●Policies and programs that enhance, protect and restore our natural ecosystem
support sustainability.
●Policies and programs that reduce natural resource consumption and increase
efficiency in resource and material use support sustainability.
●Policies and programs that facilitate regulatory compliance support
sustainability.
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●Policies and programs that improve economic and social stability support
sustainability.
●An educated and informed Community, acting as a steward of the environment,
supports sustainability.
●The City’s ability to effectively respond to natural and manmade emergencies
supports the sustainability of the Community.
Several City programs and recently completed projects already promote the idea of
sustainability and are discussed in the following sections.
Parks and Green Space Areas
The City constructed a number of parks and green space areas. The largest parks
include Manatee Sanctuary Park and Banana River Park along the City’s riverfront and
Canaveral City Park in the central portion of the City. Manatee Sanctuary Park consists
of approximately 10 acres and recent improvements include:
●A stormwater detention pond, swales and underground piping.
●Paved parking facilities with solar-powered lighting.
●Beautification via the addition of trees (over 100 palms) and shrubs.
●Numerous sculptures and educational information kiosks.
●A paved walking path with exercise stations.
Banana River Park consists of approximately five acres and recent improvements
include:
●A pavilion area.
●Expanded parking facilities.
●Improved stormwater treatment areas.
●Beautification via the addition of trees and shrubs.
Canaveral City Park consists of approximately five acres. Recent and future
improvements include:
●The construction of an underground stormwater treatment area.
●Improved stormwater inlets.
●Upgraded softball and other sports facilities.
●Beautification via the addition of trees and shrubs.
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The underground stormwater treatment area for the park is somewhat unique in that
stormwater is directed to underground chambers for infiltration into the surficial aquifer
instead of discharging into the Banana River. Use of underground chambers allows for
the same current land use — softball and Little League fields — as before construction.
This type of stormwater treatment is used most successfully in areas with sandy soils
and where land is not available for large stormwater detention ponds.
Six other park facilities are located throughout the City for recreational purposes.
Additional parks and green space areas may be constructed in the future if properties
and funding become available.
Complete Streets
The complete streets concept is a major component of the City’s Vision Statement and
is defined as a roadway where the entire right-of-way is designed and operated to
enable safe access for all users. Pedestrian, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all
ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street.
City Staff worked closely with the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization
(SCTPO) to construct complete streets projects and obtain outside funding. Projects
that have been completed to date or are in the construction and planning phases
include:
●Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Project — Completed in 2011 on Ridgewood
Avenue from the southern City limits to the northern terminus of the roadway.
(1.1 miles in length)
●N. Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project — Completed in 2017 on N. Atlantic
Avenue from the intersection with SR A1A to Port Canaveral. (1.1 miles in length)
●Central Boulevard Streetscape Project — Future complete street on Central
Boulevard from Ridgewood Avenue to Thurm Boulevard. This will provide easy
access to the beach and riverfront. (1.3 miles in length)
●Thurm Boulevard Streetscape Project — Potential future streetscape to provide
safer access to riverfront parks in the northwestern portion of the City. (0.6 miles
in length)
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●Center Street and Buchanan Avenue Streetscape Project — Potential future
streetscape project to provide easy east-west access to the beach and riverfront
in the southern portion of the City. (0.6 miles in length)
For these completed projects, the City received the April 2014 Outstanding Engineering
Efforts in Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety designation from SCTPO. These complete
streets projects will provide easy north-south and east-west access to all areas of the
City, and will also:
●Increase safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
●Support economic development.
●Improve stormwater treatment.
●Increase the ability of residents to traverse the City.
●Support an overall healthy Community.
Reclaimed Water Program
The City operates and maintains a reclaimed water system at the 1.8-MGD Water
Reclamation Facility. Wastewater is treated to advanced treatment standards through a
high-level disinfection process and is continually monitored and analyzed to ensure
consistent high quality and compliance with State regulations. The primary benefits of
maintaining a reclaimed water system are to decrease demand upon potable water
supplies (aquifers) and reduce effluent discharges to the Banana River. A 2.5
million-gallon reclaimed water tank was constructed in 2016 that allows the City to
increase the amount of reclaimed water available to residents and decrease discharges
of treated wastewater to the Banana River, thus reducing loadings of nitrogen and
phosphorous.
Stormwater Program
The City completed the construction of nine nutrient-separating baffle boxes in all major
stormwater outfall pipes. Baffle boxes collect debris, sediment and nutrients in
stormwater prior to discharge into the Banana River, thus improving water quality.
Through these stormwater improvement projects, the City was the first municipality in
Florida to provide treatment of all stormwater prior to its discharge to the receiving
water body. For these projects, the City received an award from the MRC for outstanding
efforts by a municipality to improve health of the Indian River Lagoon. These and other
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future stormwater improvement projects are part of the City’s Stormwater Master Plan
— revised in early 2015 — to reduce discharge of nutrients, sediment and debris in
stormwater to the Banana River. City Staff is currently reviewing proposed stormwater
improvement projects included in the Stormwater Master Plan to determine the most
cost-effective way to meet the City’s TMDL requirements. Future regulatory changes on
both the Federal and State level may also require additional improvements to the City’s
existing stormwater management system.
Beach Improvements
City Staff coordinates the annual
planting of sea oats along the City’s
beachfront. These projects are
performed by resident volunteers and
include planting sea oats on the primary
sand dune along the Atlantic Ocean.
The sea oats — which are native
vegetation — are planted to trap
windblown sand, thus stabilizing the
primary dune and beautifying the City’s
beachfront. The City will continue to
coordinate sea oats-planting projects
with volunteers in order to maintain an
aesthetically pleasing beachfront.
Volunteers also participate in beach clean-up events sponsored by KBB. These events
are typically performed twice per year (in spring and fall) and include the removal of
litter from the City’s beachfront and general cleanup of the primary sand dune area. The
City will continue to coordinate beach cleanup events with KBB and resident volunteers
in order to maintain a clean City beachfront.
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Lighting Improvement Projects
The City completed a number of lighting improvement projects to decrease light
pollution, lower utility costs, improve energy efficiency and reduce the City’s carbon
footprint. These projects included:
●Installing shields on 65 utility pole lights along the beachfront area to limit
impacts on sea turtle nesting.
●Installing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on new decorative light poles at the Cape
Canaveral Public Library parking lot.
●Installing solar-powered, LED lighting as part of the Ridgewood Avenue and N.
Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Projects.
●Installing solar-powered, LED lighting as part of the improvements to Manatee
Sanctuary Park.
●Retrofitting T-12 lighting fixtures with more energy-efficient T-8 lighting fixtures in
five City buildings.
Future lighting improvement projects will also include use of LEDs and solar-powered
lighting, where appropriate, thus improving energy efficiency and reducing the City’s
carbon footprint.
Fire Station, Water Reclamation Facility Main Building and New City Hall
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards (Silver Certification)
were used as building guidelines in recent new construction and rehabilitation of City
buildings. This included the construction of the new fire station and City Hall and the
rehabilitation of the main building at the Water Reclamation Facility. These standards
were developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage a more sustainable
approach to building design, construction and operation.
The LEED Program is composed of five main categories, which are broken down as
follows:
●Sustainable sites — Curtail pollution and soil erosion
●Water efficiency — Use 20% less water than standard buildings of similar size
●Energy and atmosphere — Use 10% less energy than standard buildings of similar
size
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●Materials and resources — Use recycled materials in building construction and
ongoing operations
●Indoor environmental quality — Use ventilation and off-gassing of materials to
reduce energy demands
LEED standards (Silver Certification) will continue to be used as a guide for all future
construction and renovation of City buildings.
Tree, Shrub and Flower Plantings
The City maintains an aggressive tree-, shrub- and flower-planting program in parks and
right-of-ways. Through these efforts, the City has been designated a Tree City USA by
the Arbor Day Foundation for the past 25+ years. Just a few of the plantings that have
occurred during the past few years include:
●Manatee Sanctuary Park — Over 100 large palms were moved from Port
Canaveral and W. Central Boulevard; numerous large shrubs were planted
around the pavilion and turtle sculpture; two trees and eight large shrubs were
planted in the parking lot median; seven wax myrtles were replaced along the
property line; and hundreds of flowers, low-lying shrubs, groundcovers and
cordgrasses were planted throughout the park.
●Banana River Park — Over 15 large palms were moved to the park; 12 wax
myrtles were replaced along the property line; and trees, shrubs, groundcovers
and flowers will be added as part of future park improvements in 2018.
●Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Project — Additional trees, large shrubs and
thousands of flowers, low-lying shrubs, groundcovers and cordgrasses were
planted.
●N. Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project — 97 trees, hundreds of large shrubs and
flowers, low-lying shrubs, groundcovers and cordgrasses were planted.
In general, it is City policy to:
●Move trees whenever possible, rather than cut them down.
●Replace dead trees and shrubs as needed. (Funds are budgeted annually.)
●Continue to add flowers, low-lying shrubs, groundcovers and cordgrasses to
right-of-ways, medians and parks throughout the City. (Funds are budgeted
annually.)
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●Rely solely on a licensed arborist to trim oak trees.
The City will continue to include funds in the annual budget for planting new trees at
selected locations throughout the City.
Conclusion
The City recognizes the concept of sustainability and embraces these principles into all
planning activities, budget preparation and building designs. One of the City’s goals is to
lead by example when utilizing sustainability principles so that activities conducted by
private enterprise will follow the same principles. As previously stated, the ultimate
sustainability goal is detailed in the City’s Vision Statement:
“We envision: ...a livable, attractive, safe, inclusive and sustainable coastal
Community that embraces the oceanside and riverside as the main amenities,
and supports and promotes local tourism, culture, recreation, commerce,
municipal civic interests and education.”
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Brevard County Sheriff’s
Office
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Cape Canaveral Precinct Front Desk
The Cape Canaveral front desk is staffed by two civilians and open Monday through
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Front Desk Totals 2017
Data collected from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017
Type of Assistance Rendered 2017
Total phone calls 4,936
Total walk-ups assisted 2,415
Fingerprints completed 592
Notary services provided 298
Cape Canaveral Precinct Patrol Division
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Cape Canaveral Precinct staffs 63 sworn
law enforcement officers serving the citizens of the City of Cape Canaveral, Avon by the
Sea and Port Canaveral.
The Cape Canaveral Precinct continues to operate efficiently and is fiscally responsible.
Due in part to partnership with Port Canaveral, the BCSO is able to provide law
enforcement services and amplify patrol presence with no increase in cost; therefore,
the BCSO did not submit a budget increase for Fiscal Year 2017 – 2018.
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Statistical Trends for 2016 – 2017
Data collected from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017
Category 2016 2017 % Change
Total calls 22,575 26,486 17%
Case reports 2,242 2,676 19%
Juvenile arrests 25 34 26%
Adult arrests 971 1,133 17%
Burglaries 110 169 54%
Drug arrests 167 362 117%
DUI arrests 126 204 62%
Traffic citations 1,063 1,271 20%
Community Outreach
The BCSO Cape Canaveral Precinct Special Operations Unit assisted with numerous
events and programs during the year, including:
●National Night Out — The BCSO partners with Canaveral Fire Rescue to host
National Night Out each year. This event provides the Community a hands-on
understanding of equipment and resources available through the BCSO and fire
department.
●Thanksgiving Meals — The Cape Canaveral Precinct helps provide local families
in need and individuals who are a part of the Meals on Wheels program with
complete Thanksgiving meals. Last year, the Cape Canaveral Precinct teamed up
with Publix to provide 13 families and seniors with Thanksgiving dinner.
●Christmas Angels — The Cape Canaveral Precinct and fire department partnered
with local businesses to provide toys for area children whose families are under
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financial strain. Last year, the program provided 47 children with items for
Christmas
●Cape Canaveral Police Athletic League (PAL) — This program provides
recreational activities for youths as an alternative to involvement in criminal
conduct or gang involvement. The PAL program is open to those 13 – 17 years of
age.
●Citizens Observer Patrol (COP) — The COP is designed to assist deputies in
combating crime. These volunteers are an extra set of eyes and ears in local
neighborhoods and help to report and deter criminal activity. During the year, COP
volunteers logged 920 hours.
●Neighborhood and Business Watch — Neighborhood and Business Watch
programs center on neighbors and law enforcement personnel working together
to increase Community awareness and reduce crime. The BCSO Crime
Prevention Unit offers a variety of programs to assist home and business owners
in reducing their risk of crime.
●City of Cape Canaveral Events — The Special Operations Unit also assists with
numerous City-sponsored events during the year such as Friday Fests, Fido Field
Day, the Reindeer 5K and many more. They work hand in hand with the City’s
Culture & Leisure Services Department to ensure that each function runs
smoothly by providing a law enforcement presence.
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Canaveral Fire Rescue
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●Canaveral Fire Rescue (CFR) responded to 2,872 calls for service. That is 128
more calls than last year. 1,966 of those calls were in the City.
●The average response time in the City was four minutes and 16 seconds.
●Emergency Medical Services represented 73.4% of all calls. There were 1,494
ground transports, 11 medical helicopter flyouts, 58 motor vehicle crashes, 12
car versus pedestrian incidents, 155 physically disabled assists and 496
advanced life support patients. Major responses included mutual aid and
responses to Hurricanes Matthew and Irma.
●CFR volunteers contributed 795.5 hours. The majority of these hours were
dedicated to training and coverage of special events.
●Shift personnel completed a 24-hour hazardous material refresher course.
● Seaport Canaveral sent two CFR personnel to Williams Foam School in Texas.
●CFR sent two personnel members to be trained in emergency response via Texas
A&M’s Liquefied Natural Gas Program.
●Two personnel successfully completed paramedic training.
● Extensive training conducted with Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO),
Brevard County Fire Rescue and Cocoa Beach Fire Department at the old Fairvilla
building. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), wall breach, rope systems, scene
size-up, entanglement, rapid intervention team and numerous other operations
were performed. This opportunity was priceless for all involved.
●CFR performed extensive work to get both tank farms back in operation after
Hurricane Irma. 8,000 feet of 7-¼-inch hose had to be set up to accomplish this
feat.
●CFR personnel obtained additional training in rope rescue, water rescue, active
shooter situations and emergency management.
●CFR planned and participated in a full-scale active shooter exercise sponsored by
the Department of Homeland Security.
●CFR personnel worked closely with BCSO to make sure that Community
members in need were taken care of during the holidays and throughout the year.
CFR continued to assist BCSO with donated funds to sponsor Community events.
As always, BCSO and CFR received overwhelming support from the Community.
The area Corvette clubs, The Cove Merchants Association, Sea Port Canaveral
and numerous others continue to be gracious supporters in these endeavors.
●CFR completed more than 6,000 training hours in 2017.
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●The department conducted several mutual and automatic aid trainings with
Cocoa Beach, Brevard County and the United States Coast Guard.
●CFR trained 112 students in CPR and advanced cardiovascular life support.
●CFR assisted with City and Community events, including National Night Out, U.S.
Coast Guard field day, summer camps, Reverse Trade Show, Fall Festival, the
Reindeer Run 5K, Holiday in the City, Founders' Day, Corvette Club Christmas
Parade, Cape View Elementary School Government Week, Friday Fests,
Rockledge High Maritime Studies Program and so forth.
●CFR provided additional coverage for several major events including the Space
Coast Seafood & Music Festival, boat races, kids’ fishing tournaments, July 3rd
fireworks, art shows and numerous activities at the Exploration Tower and in the
City.
●There were 487 personnel members who completed 53 Port Canaveral Maritime
Academy firefighting trainings. We had 170 personnel members participate in
seven live fire training days.
●A new engine was placed in service and is running out of the City station.
●The Opticom traffic control system was installed on all City lights.
●Port Station 52 was updated.
● All stations were upgraded to a new station-alerting system.
●We updated all 899 pre-plans and 71 complex drawings.
●Fire Prevention conducted 766 new inspections, 886 re-inspections and 235 new
construction inspections. We also performed 135 plans reviews and answered 93
requests or complaints from the public in regard to fire prevention.
●Lifeguards performed four personnel rescues, 5,610 preventative actions and
located 35 missing persons. They treated 490 for minor injuries and provided
major medical care to seven patients.
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Here’s to a Great Year
in #TheSpaceBetween!