Commission Approves Up to $150,000 to Restore Function of Holiday Lane Boat Ramp

The Cocoa Beach City Commission authorized up to $150,000 to restore function to the Holiday Lane boat ramp after residents described safety and usability problems; the commission asked staff to run a title search before construction begins.

The agenda initially listed a $350,000 construction budget for a full replacement, and staff said contractor ballpark estimates for a complete rip-and-replace were in the $300,000–$400,000 range. Multiple neighbors and regular ramp users urged a limited, function-restoring approach rather than a full rebuild. "We've been trying to get that ramp repaired for 6 years," said one resident; another described the ramp’s drop-off and a broken trailer spring as practical hazards.

City staff and several commissioners said they preferred a narrower, lower-cost repair that restores usable ramp length to low-water marks, using prefabricated concrete pieces or in-house crews. Commissioner Williams moved to authorize an additional $75,000 to the $75,000 already budgeted (for a total not to exceed $150,000) for repairs aimed at restoring function but not expanding or adding commercial facilities. The motion also directed staff to obtain a title search to confirm ownership and make the funding contingent on that review. The amendment and main motion passed 5-0.

Staff noted the city can continue interim maintenance at low cost (staff labor and infrequent material placement) but that a permanent rip-and-replace would require a formal design and a separate procurement process. The commission instructed staff to prioritize restoring safe, usable ramp length and to avoid changes that might enable commercial operations.

The repair funding is contingent on the results of a title search and clarified to be for restoring function only; commissioners asked staff to return with a recommended scope and schedule before hiring outside contractors or committing to larger construction budgets.