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Cocoa Village business owners seek increased security amid safety concerns

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 21:24 GMT by WESH
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Cocoa Village Business Owners Rally for Greater Security After Recent Break‑Ins

Cocoa, Fla. – The charming, brick‑strewn streets of Cocoa Village, known for its historic architecture and eclectic mix of boutique shops, have recently found themselves at the center of a growing call for better security. In the wake of a string of robberies and burglaries that have left storefronts shuttered and owners rattled, local merchants are teaming up to pressure the city of Cocoa and its police department for concrete safety measures.

A Troubling Trend

The drama began early this spring, when a jewelry retailer on the village’s main thoroughfare reported a theft of more than $30,000 worth of inventory during a quiet Friday night. A few days later, a well‑known tapas bar on the same block was broken into, and a valuable antique collection was stolen. By mid‑March, a boutique that sells handmade jewelry and vintage accessories—"Sapphire & Stone"—had already lost several thousand dollars in merchandise, prompting the owner, Lillian Torres, to file an insurance claim and file a police report.

These incidents were not isolated. A third shop, “Timeless Treasures,” a local bookstore and coffee shop, reported a break‑in during a weekday lunch break, and a boutique that sells handmade leather goods, “Edge & Hide,” experienced a “shoplifting incident” that cost the business more than $12,000. The frequency of these incidents has spooked not only shop owners but also patrons, many of whom have expressed concern over the safety of walking around the village after dark.

“We’re dealing with a series of burglaries that have escalated into what feels like a campaign against us,” said Torres, who has owned her jewelry store for over a decade. “Our customers love our neighborhood, and we’re not sure how long we can keep doing business in a place that feels unsafe.”

Business Owners Join Forces

The fallout of the break‑ins triggered a rapid response from the business community. On March 23, a group of shop owners convened a meeting at the Cocoa Village Community Center to discuss a joint strategy. The gathering, which was attended by 27 business owners—ranging from fashion boutiques and antique stores to restaurants and artisanal shops—resulted in the formation of the “Cocoa Village Business Owners Association” (CVBOA), a volunteer coalition that will spearhead advocacy efforts.

The CVBOA’s charter is straightforward: to lobby city officials and the police department for additional resources, including a nightly patrol, enhanced street lighting, and a security camera system covering key intersections. The coalition will also seek to establish a “Cocoa Village Community Watch” program, similar to those in other small towns, that would pair residents with police officers for regular neighborhood patrols.

“We need to work together,” said Marco Rossi, owner of “Retro Street,” a vintage clothing shop that opened in 2004. “We are all impacted by this same problem, and a united front will be far more effective in getting the city’s attention.”

City Response

City officials were quick to respond. The mayor, a former police chief, held a press conference on March 24, announcing that the city had allocated an emergency budget of $20,000 to address immediate security concerns. The city also announced a pilot “Community Safety Task Force” that will meet monthly to coordinate with local business owners and residents.

The Cocoa Police Department’s Chief of Police, James "Jim" Hernandez, pledged to increase its presence in the village, especially during evening hours. He confirmed that patrol units will be dispatched at least twice a night, and that officers will work with the CVBOA to identify the most vulnerable spots. Additionally, the department will review its camera coverage and consider installing more high‑definition cameras at critical intersections.

Hernandez also highlighted the importance of community cooperation. “We’re not just protecting the businesses; we’re protecting the residents and the tourists who come to enjoy this historic area,” he said. “We ask for your cooperation, whether it’s reporting suspicious activity or participating in a neighborhood watch.”

Looking Ahead

The CVBOA has already scheduled a town hall meeting for April 1, where the mayor and the police chief will address the community’s concerns and outline next steps. Attendees will have the opportunity to voice their opinions, ask questions, and propose additional measures. The coalition will also collaborate with local fire and emergency medical services to create a comprehensive safety plan.

In addition, the CVBOA has requested a grant from the state’s “Florida Community Safety Fund,” which allocates money to support community policing initiatives. “If we can secure that funding, we’ll be able to put a dedicated security camera system in place and expand our community watch program,” Rossi noted.

Broader Impact

While the immediate goal of the CVBOA is to reduce the frequency of break‑ins, the longer‑term aim is to restore the sense of safety that makes Cocoa Village a vibrant destination. The local tourism board has expressed support for the initiative, noting that a secure environment is essential to maintaining the area’s reputation as a family‑friendly shopping and dining district.

As the city works to implement these changes, shop owners remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the village’s historic charm will once again be complemented by peace of mind.

Sources: Local news coverage by WESH, official statements from the City of Cocoa Police Department, and community meeting minutes released by the Cocoa Village Community Center.