The Frontier Era: 19th Century Broward County

For much of the 19th century, South Florida was a wilderness of swamps, pine forests, and hammocks. Settlement was limited due to the difficulty of draining and cultivating the land. Conflicts such as the Seminole Wars further discouraged migration into the area. By the late 1800s, however, small-scale homesteading began. The introduction of dra

read more


Challenges and Opportunities for the Future

While Cocoa has made significant progress, challenges remain. Issues such as economic inequality, infrastructure maintenance, and the effects of hurricanes and climate change are pressing concerns. Rising sea levels and stronger storms pose long-term risks for the Indian River region. At the same time, Cocoa’s location on the Space Coast offer

read more

Downtown Decline and Revival (1980s–2000s)

Like many small American cities, Cocoa faced challenges in the late 20th century. Suburban shopping malls drew customers away from downtown, leaving many storefronts vacant. Economic recessions and changes in industry further weakened the city’s commercial base. In the 1980s and 1990s, however, local leaders and preservationists began revitali

read more