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109-494: The City of Cocoa has consistently been in the top ten "most dangerous" cities within the state of Florida. As of 2020, the city was listed at #6, eclipsing the nearby metropolitan cities of Orlando (#20), Miami , and Jacksonville , with neither Miami nor Jacksonville in the top 25. The Department has authorized staffing of one officer per 264 residents (not including transient workers, visitors, or tourists). This equates to approximately 4 officers per 1,000 residents, in contrast to

218-404: A community engagement unit (CEU). The K9 unit has four patrol dogs and one black and tan coonhound used for therapy and tracking . The SRO unit has four officers, one at each charter and public school within the city. The CEU is authorized four officers and a sergeant, responsible for community engagement and policing. The CPD also has an intelligence analyst , two victim advocates , and

327-694: A disaster or a multiple-alarm fire . Mutual aid may be ad hoc , requested only when such an emergency occurs. It may also be a formal standing agreement for cooperative emergency management on a continuing basis, such as ensuring that resources are dispatched from the nearest fire station , regardless of which side of the jurisdictional boundary the incident is on. Agreements that send closest resources are regularly referred to as "automatic aid agreements". Mutual aid may also extend beyond local response. Several states have statewide mutual aid systems. Examples include Washington and Oregon statewide mobilization programs. MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System)

436-613: A marine unit , responsible for water rescue, maritime law enforcement, and special water-borne events. The unit currently has one watercraft, acquired from the US Coast Guard , via the Law Enforcement Support Office 's 1033 Program. The marine unit responds to natural disasters, BUI , personal health and hazards, or assisting other agencies (e.g., FWC , Brevard County Sheriff's Office, or the Coast Guard). The following

545-486: A wildfire hazard exists. During some years, fires have been severe. In 1998, a strong El Niño caused an unusually wet January and February, followed by drought throughout the spring and early summer, causing a record wildfire season that created numerous air-quality alerts in Orlando and severely affected normal daily life, including the postponement of that year's Pepsi 400 NASCAR race in nearby Daytona Beach . Orlando

654-452: A city population of 307,573 in the 2020 census, making it the fourth-most populous city in Florida behind Jacksonville , Miami , and Tampa . In July 2023, its population was 320,742 inhabitants. It is the state's most populous inland city. Orlando is one of the most-visited cities in the world primarily due to tourism, major events, and convention traffic. It is the third-most visited city in

763-510: A civilian public information officer who disseminates information to the public via social media and traditional media . The department has a number of citizen volunteers who assist with administrative and logistical issues. The code enforcement office of the City operates under the auspices of the police department, as well. The code enforcement office is authorized one code enforcement manager, with two subordinate enforcement officers. Analogous to

872-687: A coincidence. In 1823, the Treaty of Moultrie Creek created a Seminole reservation encompassing much of central Florida, including the area that would become Orlando. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized relocation of the Seminole from Florida to Oklahoma, leading to the Second Seminole War. In 1842, white settlement in the area was encouraged by the Armed Occupation Act. The first settler, Mr. Aaron Jernigan of Camden County, Georgia, arrived

981-514: A courthouse square. The fledgling village suffered greatly during the Union blockade . The Reconstruction Era brought on a population explosion, resulting in the incorporation of the Town of Orlando on July 31, 1875, with 85 residents (22 voters). For a short time in 1879, the town revoked its charter, and was subsequently reincorporated. Orlando was established as a city in 1885. The period from 1875 to 1895

1090-404: A gift card valued at $ 100, where they can purchase Christmas gifts for themselves and their family. Upon completion, Walmart staff and volunteers wrap all the purchased items and place them into a large bag for the children to bring home to their families. The Cocoa Police Department, like many other American law enforcement agencies, is para-military in nature and its personnel is sub-divided into

1199-443: A lieutenant reportedly succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Department records described the lieutenant "was shot with his own service revolver in an apparent accidental self-inflicted incident." The longest-sitting chief of police was Chief Art Corlew. Corlew was initially hired with the department in 1952 as a parking meter patrolman. By January 1958, Patrolman Corlew was Chief of Police Corlew. At this time, Corlew authorized

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1308-530: A local organization that specializes in the treatment and scholastic education of youth afflicted with the disorder. The specialty patrol car is used for special events and community outreach, as well as traditional patrol duties. The department's Traffic Enforcement Unit (or simply "Traffic Unit") maintains two Harley-Davidson (HD) motorcycles (in addition to the standard patrol cars used for traffic enforcement). Unit members are sworn officers who are certified traffic homicide investigators . A "Motors" sub-unit

1417-448: A patrol fleet primarily consisting of SUVs. In keeping with eco-friendly trends, the CPD has begun to purchase all-electric vehicles, as well as hybrid electric vehicles . In keeping with cultural trends , the agency also has a specialty patrol car emblazoned with multi-colored puzzle pieces, in support of persons afflicted with Autism Spectrum Disorder . The unique wrapping was sponsored by

1526-581: A peace treaty with the Seminoles because it did not reimburse him for the loss of slaves and crops. Rees could have left a pine-bough marker with his name next to the trail; later residents misread "Rees" as "Reeves" and also mistook it as a grave maker. In subsequent years, this story has merged with the Orlando Reeves story (which may have originally incorporated part of Dr. Gatlin's story). On two separate occasions, relatives of Rees claimed their ancestor

1635-488: A plant in the city. Orlando AAB and Pinecastle AAF were transferred to the United States Air Force in 1947 when it became a separate service and were redesignated as air force bases (AFB). In 1958, Pinecastle AFB was renamed McCoy Air Force Base after Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, a former commander of the 320th Bombardment Wing at the installation, killed in the crash of a B-47 Stratojet bomber north of Orlando. In

1744-471: A ranked hierarchy. Unlike the military, however, it is not uncommon for officers to go their entire career without being "promoted", per se. Officers may not want to work in an administrative capacity, but may instead choose to make lateral moves to specialized units, and complete their career. The following is the rank structure: The Cocoa Police Department utilizes several styles of vehicles for their operations. As with most American law enforcement agencies,

1853-527: A trip to one of the theme parks in Orlando (e.g., Walt Disney World , Aquatica , Wekiwa Springs State Park , etc). Participants are bussed to the theme park, chaparoned by police officer volunteers and social workers throughout the day. The program is provided at no cost to participants or their parents/guardians. The Holiday Toy Drive, and the Back-to-School Drive are annual events co-sponsored by

1962-457: A wide a range of housing in differing class-levels. Neighborhoods in the western side of town include Apoka , Dr. Phillips , MetroWest , Pine Hills , and Windermere . The north side of Orlando, includes a wide range of older and more established neighborhoods, including Eatonville , Fern Park , Maitland , and Winter Park . Finally, the east side of Orlando includes neighborhoods such as Alafaya , Azalea Park , and Union Park . The east side

2071-439: A year in "a stockade that Aaron Jernigan built on the north side of Lake Conway". One of the county's first records, a grand jury 's report, mentions a stockade where it states homesteaders were "driven from their homes and forced to huddle together in hasty defences [sic]." Aaron Jernigan led a local volunteer militia during 1852. A post office opened at Jernigan in 1850. Jernigan appears on an 1855 map of Florida, and by 1856,

2180-435: Is problem-oriented , intelligence-led , and reciprocal. As of 2021, department leadership has made a policy of employing this functionalist-style of community-oriented policing. In an effort to facilitate community policing theory, members of the CPD and other volunteers operate multiple programs aimed at community involvement. One such program is a nonprofit organization called Cocoa Community First . Cocoa Community First

2289-462: Is 60.6 °F (15.9 °C). Temperatures dip below the freezing mark on an average of only 1.6 nights per year and the lowest recorded temperature is 18 °F (−8 °C), set on December 28, 1894 . The annual mean minimum is just above 30 °F (−1 °C) putting Orlando in hardiness zone 10a. Because the winter season is dry and freezing temperatures usually occur only after cold fronts (and their accompanying precipitation) have passed, snow

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2398-421: Is April 9 to October 14. The area's humidity acts as a buffer, usually preventing actual temperatures from exceeding 100 °F (38 °C), but also pushing the heat index to over 110 °F (43 °C). The city's highest recorded temperature is 103 °F (39 °C), set on September 8, 1921. During these months, strong afternoon thunderstorms occur almost daily. These storms are caused by air masses from

2507-673: Is a summer camp sponsored and operated by a joint cooperation of the Cocoa Police Athletic League, Cocoa Community First, and personnel/logistical support from the Cocoa Police Department and Lifetime Counseling Center. The combined efforts of the program provide disenfranchised youth with mentoring, counseling (from licensed clinical social workers), a structured learning environment, breakfast and lunch, and field trips to local venues such as swimming facilities, museums, and parks. The summer program usually culminates with

2616-475: Is a city in and the county seat of Orange County, Florida , United States. Part of Central Florida , it is the center of the Orlando metropolitan area , which had a population of 2,509,831 in 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau . It is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the Southern United States and the third-largest metropolitan area in Florida behind Miami and Tampa Bay . Orlando had

2725-553: Is a federally registered 501(c)(3) organization , which is described to be "dedicated to supporting the youth and community outreach programs in the City of Cocoa and surrounding areas." Among other events, the non-profit organization funds department-assisted functions such as: the Cocoa Police Athletic League , Cops and Kids Summer Youth Program, Shop with a Cop, Holiday Toy Drive, and other community outreach endeavors. The aforementioned Community Engagement Unit acts as

2834-558: Is a major 11.1-mile (17.9 km) thoroughfare in the southwestern section of Orlando, serving a similar purpose to that of the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas , as the core of the tourism area. The northern part of the strip extends into the city limits of and the remainder of the central and southern portions are all located in unincorporated Orange County . An additional extension is known as International Drive South , partly located in

2943-608: Is a major population center and has a considerable hurricane risk, although it is not as high as in South Florida 's urban corridor or other coastal regions. Since the city is located 42 miles (68 km) inland from the Atlantic and 77 miles (124 km) inland from the Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes usually weaken before arriving. Storm surges are not a concern since the region is 100 feet (30 m) above mean sea level . Despite its location,

3052-408: Is a philosophy of policing based on the social theory of Structural functionalism . Structural functionalism postulates that parts of a social system should work together to promote solidarity and stability. Specifically, this policing theory involves a policy of relationship-building which is proactive, responsive, and highly personal between the residents and government officials. Community policing

3161-628: Is a regional mutual aid system, headquartered in Illinois, with 1500 member fire departments in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri. Utility companies usually also have mutual aid agreements. Large municipalities typically have enough fire and emergency medical services resources to handle large local incidents. However, in the case of multiple alarm fires , mass casualty incidents (MCIs) or large-scale hazardous material ( hazmat ) incidents, that municipality may call in resources from surrounding towns to either respond directly to

3270-739: Is a residential neighborhood that is also the home of The Mall at Millenia , an upscale super-regional mall. The mall's Macy's store was the first in Central Florida , and it was also one of only seven Macy's stores in Florida that predated the company's merger with Burdines . Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus are also regional firsts and these remain their only locations in the Greater Orlando region. The western side of Orlando includes various neighborhoods (within city limits, incorporated municipalities, and unincorporated within Orange County) with

3379-560: Is a table of current departmental vehicles: The Cocoa Police Department is divided into four patrol districts. Each patrol district is commanded by a lieutenant and corresponds to the City of Cocoa's elected council representative district. In early 2020, members from the Cocoa Police K9 Unit were flown to California to compete in episodes of a reality show competition, America's Top Dog . An agency K9 named "Bear" and his handler, Officer Dan Rhoades, won an episode and advanced to

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3488-558: Is also one of the busiest American cities for conferences and conventions; Orange County Convention Center is the second-largest convention facility in the United States. Like other major cities in the Sun Belt , Orlando grew rapidly from the 1960s into the first decade of the 21st century. Orlando is home to the University of Central Florida , which became the largest university campus in

3597-582: Is exceptionally rare. The only accumulation ever to occur in the city proper since record keeping began was in 1948, although some accumulation occurred in surrounding areas in a snow event in January 1977 that reached Miami. Flurries have also been observed in 1989 , 2006, and 2010. The average annual rainfall in Orlando is 51.45 inches (1,307 mm), a majority of which occurs in the period from June to September. October through May are Orlando's dry season. During this period (especially in its later months), often

3706-768: Is for members who are also certified as a motorcycle operator, and utilize the Harley-Davidson Police Electraglide which contains the Milwaukee-Eight 114 cu. in. (1868 cc) engine. The department currently has two sworn officers in the Motors Unit. In addition to enforcing Florida motor vehicle statutes , the Traffic Unit responds to all vehicle traffic collisions involving serious bodily harm or death, as well as providing motorcades for visiting dignitaries, funerals, special events, etc. The agency also has

3815-440: Is less than 250 yards from a nearby Council Oak tree, where Native Americans had traditionally met. King Phillip and Coacoochee frequented this area and the tree was alleged to be the place where the previous 1835 ambush that had killed over 100 soldiers had been planned. When the U.S. military abandoned the fort in 1839, the surrounding community was built up by settlers. Prior to being known by its current name, Orlando

3924-451: Is no longer producing the Impala , so the agency is currently transitioning from a patrol fleet of primarily Impalas to primarily Ford Police Interceptor Explorers . Because of the nature of police work, and the amount of gear and equipment required of law enforcement, the utility-style vehicle has become increasingly popular with law enforcement agencies. This agency will eventually transition to

4033-561: Is remembered as Orlando's Golden Era, when it became the hub of Florida's citrus industry. The period ended with the Great Freeze of 1894–95 , which forced many owners to give up their independent citrus groves , thus consolidating holdings in the hands of a few "citrus barons", who shifted operations south, primarily around Lake Wales in Polk County . The freeze caused many in Florida, including many Orlandoans, to move elsewhere, mostly to

4142-596: Is the Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA). The local chapter servicing Cocoa officers is called the Coastal PBA. Created with the incorporation of Cocoa in 1895, the Cocoa Police Department was initially called the "Office of the Marshal," led by an elected town marshal. The department's responsibilities were not only keeper of the peace, but also to collect taxes. The first marshal, George Lynch,

4251-414: Is the home of the University of Central Florida (UCF). As of fall 2023, the university had a total enrollment of 69,320 students, making it the fourth-largest on-campus student body of any public university in the United States . A list of all major neighborhoods and suburbs: Metro Orlando has a total of 19 completed skyscrapers. The majority are located in downtown Orlando and the rest are located in

4360-506: The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean colliding over Central Florida. They are highlighted by spectacular lightning and can also bring heavy rain (sometimes several inches per hour) and powerful winds as well as rare damaging hail . During the winter, humidity is much lower and temperatures are more moderate, and can fluctuate more readily. The monthly daily average temperature in January

4469-551: The Köppen climate classification , Orlando has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) like much of the deep Southern United States. The two basic seasons in Orlando are a hot and rainy season, lasting from May until late October (roughly coinciding with the Atlantic hurricane season ), and a warm and dry season from November through April. The area's warm and humid climate is caused primarily by its low elevation, its position relatively close to

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4578-594: The Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute , Nemours Children's Hospital , and University of Florida College of Pharmacy , in addition to the Orlando Veterans Administration Medical Center (which began seeing clinical patients in 2015). In the southwestern side of Orlando, is the main tourist strip for the city, along with some residential neighborhoods. International Drive , commonly known as I-Drive ,

4687-560: The Tropic of Cancer , and its location in the center of a peninsula . Many characteristics of its climate are a result of its proximity to the Gulf Stream , which flows around the peninsula of Florida. During the height of Orlando's humid summer season, high temperatures are typically in the low 90s °F (32–34 °C), while low temperatures rarely fall below the low 70s °F (22–24 °C). The average window for 90 °F (32 °C) temperatures

4796-704: The Universal Orlando Resort, opened in 1990 as a major expansion of Universal Studios Florida and the only theme park inside Orlando city limits. With the exception of the theme parks, most major cultural sites like the Orlando Museum of Art and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and nightlife, bars and clubs are located in Downtown Orlando. Other attractions like Orlando Eye at ICON Park are located along International Drive . The city

4905-481: The auxiliary and reserve components of the United States Armed Forces , the Cocoa Police Department has several similar variations: "VCOPs" (citizen volunteers), auxiliary police officers, and reserve police officers. As described by the agency, the Cocoa Police Department is subdivided into the following divisions: Although sworn members of the Cocoa Police Department have primary jurisdiction within

5014-523: The national average of 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents. The city and national figures also include sworn officers not regularly assigned to road patrol (e.g., detectives, school resource officers, command staff, etc.). Notwithstanding the reported criminal demographics, the City of Cocoa contains populations of varying socioeconomic stratum. The police department patrols areas along the Indian River with homes valuing in excess of $ 2 million. The north of

5123-463: The northeastern United States ), the State of Florida is a " right-to-work " state. In states without such right-to-work laws, sworn officers of law enforcement agencies can not opt out of joining labor unions . Sworn officers of the Cocoa Police Department of the rank of lieutenant and below have the option of joining a labor union. As of 2022, the current labor union representing the Cocoa Police Department

5232-427: The "colored" population and stayed with the department for at least ten years. By 1949, the department had increased to six officers, and purchased two General Electric 50-watt two-way police radios . A police phone booth was erected within the department, as well as in the local community. On 9 July 1954, the department recorded its first (and only, to date) line-of-duty death. The department's website indicates that

5341-582: The 1960s, the base subsequently became home to the 306th Bombardment Wing of the Strategic Air Command , operating B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, in addition to detachment operations by EC-121 and U-2 aircraft. In 1968, Orlando AFB was transferred to the United States Navy and became Naval Training Center Orlando. In addition to boot camp facilities, the NTC Orlando

5450-552: The 1970s and 1980s, though, turned up no record of Orlando Reeves ever existing. Some versions attempt to account for Reeves having no military records by using the name of other people named Orlando that exist in some written records – Orlando Acosta; however, not much is known about Acosta or whether he even existed. Another version of the story has Orlando Reed, supposedly an Englishman and mail carrier between Fort Gatlin and Fort Mellon , allegedly killed while camping with his friends near Fort Gatlin. A second variation also places

5559-473: The 79 of the high-rises in the Greater Orlando region, 46 are located in downtown. It is also the home to many of the city's cultural venues, such as Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts , Kia Center , and Orlando Museum of Art . Southeast of Downtown is the rapidly growing neighborhood of Lake Nona . Along with being home to Lake Nona Golf & Country Club , it is also the health district for

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5668-409: The City of Orlando. This also explains Orlando's relatively low city population when compared to its metropolitan population. The city and county are working together in an effort to "round-out" the city limits with Orlando annexing portions of land already bordering the city limits. At the center of the Greater Orlando region is Downtown Orlando , the historic core and central business district of

5777-450: The City’s first “policewoman", Doris Adkins . Adkins initially served as parking meter enforcement. Records indicate that Adkins was hired on Monday, February 10, 1958, and was compensated with an annual salary of $ 3000 ($ 28,176 in 2021 dollars). Corlew retired in 1983. Out of his 31-year career, Corlew served as chief for 25 years. Over the next approximate 15 years, another 5 chiefs would lead

5886-494: The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. Headquartered just west of Cocoa Village , the CPD is a progressive agency, with multiple specialty units. The CPD contains a criminal investigations division (CID), professional compliance unit ( internal affairs ), traffic homicide investigators , SWAT , a K9 unit , motor unit , crisis negotiations team (CNT), a marine unit, school resource officer (SRO) unit, and

5995-753: The North , California , or the Caribbean . Notable homesteaders in the area included the Curry family. Through their property in east Orlando flowed the Econlockhatchee River , which travelers crossed by fording . This was commemorated by the street's name, Curry Ford Road. Also, just south of the Orlando International Airport in the Boggy Creek area are 150 acres (0.61 km ) of property homesteaded in

6104-564: The Orlando area is susceptible to sinkholes . Probably the most famous incident involving a sinkhole happened in 1981 in Winter Park, a city immediately north of downtown Orlando, dubbed "The Winter Park Sinkhole ". There are 115 neighborhoods within the city limits and many unincorporated communities. Orlando's city limits resemble a checkerboard, with pockets of unincorporated Orange County surrounded by city limits. Such an arrangement results in some areas being served by both Orange County and

6213-433: The Orlando metropolitan area, which now encompasses Orange, Seminole , Osceola , and Lake Counties. As a result, tourism became the centerpiece of the area's economy. Orlando now has more theme parks and entertainment attractions than anywhere else in the world. Today, the historic core of "Old Orlando" resides in downtown Orlando along Church Street, between Orange Avenue and Garland Avenue. The urban development and

6322-557: The Reeves legend in History of Orlando published in 1949. A memorial beside Lake Eola – originally placed by students of Orlando's Cherokee Junior School in 1939 and updated in 1990 – designates the spot where the city's supposed namesake fell. Conflicting legends exist. One legend has Reeves killed during an extended battle with the Seminoles after being field promoted after his platoon commander fell. An in-depth review of military records in

6431-646: The U.S. after New York City and Miami , with over 2.9 million visitors as of 2022. Orlando International Airport is the 7th-busiest airport in the United States and the 18th-busiest in the world . The two largest and most internationally renowned tourist attractions in the Orlando area are the Walt Disney World Resort, opened by the Walt Disney Company in 1971 and located about 21 miles (34 km) southwest of downtown Orlando in Bay Lake , and

6540-462: The United States in terms of enrollment as of 2015. In 2010, Orlando was listed as a "Gamma+" level global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network . Fort Gatlin, as the Orlando area was once known, was established at what is now just south of the city limits by the 4th U.S. Artillery under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander C. W. Fanning on November 9, 1838, during

6649-497: The agency liaison. The City of Cocoa Police Athletic League (PAL, also, Police Activities League) is a local chapter of the national Police Athletic Activities League, Inc. The national organization website describes its mission is to "... [promote] the prevention of juvenile crime and violence by building relationships among kids, cops, and community through positive engagement". Cocoa's local chapter provides year-long mentorship to city youth. The "Cops and Kids" summer youth program

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6758-484: The area during the Second Seminole War . Several of the stories relay an oral history of the marker for a person named Orlando, and the double entendre , "Here lies Orlando." One variant includes a man named Orlando who was passing by on his way to Tampa with a herd of oxen , died, and was buried in a marked grave. Through a retelling of history, a marker of some sort was believed to have been found by one of

6867-514: The area had become the county seat of Orange County. In 1857, the post office was removed from Jernigan, and opened under the name of Orlando at a new location in present-day downtown Orlando. During the American Civil War , the post office closed, but reopened in 1866. The move is believed to have been sparked, in part, by Aaron Jernigan's fall from grace after he was relieved of his militia command by military officials in 1856. His behavior

6976-469: The area's history, a 1998 outbreak that killed 42 people and a 2007 outbreak that killed 21, both happened in February. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 307,573 people, 113,238 households, and 61,667 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 238,300 people, 97,661 households, and 51,716 families residing in the city. In 2014, the city's population

7085-500: The case of larger incidents, surrounding municipalities will be called in along with the local resources upon initial dispatch. For instance, local fire and EMS departments will typically handle fire alarm activations and automobile crashes while reports of structure fires will cause the automatic dispatch (automatic aid) of surrounding towns. Where a town has no resources of its own, it may contract with one or more surrounding towns to provide all coverage. Such calls for mutual aid are

7194-631: The central business district of downtown have rapidly shaped the downtown skyline during recent history. The present-day historic district is primarily associated with the neighborhoods around Lake Eola but stretches west across the city to Lake Lorna Doone and north into the College Park Neighborhood where you can find century-old oaks line brick streets. These neighborhoods include the "Downtown Business District," "North Quarter," "Parramore," "Callahan," "South Eola Heights, "Lake Eola Heights,"Thornton Park" and "College Park", and contain some of

7303-496: The city does see strong hurricanes. During the notorious 2004 hurricane season , Orlando was hit by three hurricanes that caused significant damage, with Hurricane Charley the worst of these. The city also experienced widespread damage during Hurricane Donna in 1960. Tornadoes are not usually connected with the strong thunderstorms of the humid summer. They are more common during the infrequent cold days of winter, as well as in passing hurricanes. The two worst major outbreaks in

7412-600: The city is home to SpaceX and other private and government facilities. A limited-access freeway, The Orlando-Port Canaveral Beachline , runs through the northern section of the municipality from I-95 to the city's eastern limits in the middle of the Indian River. Because this approximate five-mile stretch lies within city limits, the Cocoa Police also act as a highway patrol , conducting traffic enforcement and responding to all motor vehicle collisions. Brightline constructed

7521-557: The city named after the protagonist in the Shakespeare play As You Like It . In 1975, Judge Donald A. Cheney put forth a new version of the story in an Orlando Sentinel article. Cheney (a local historian and then chairman of the county historical commission ) recounted a story told to him by his father, Judge John Moses Cheney (a major figure in Orlando's history, who arrived in Orlando in 1885). The elder Cheney recounted that another gentleman at that time, James Speer, proposed

7630-401: The city, with Lake Nona Medical City . It features the University of Central Florida 's Health Sciences Campus, which includes the university's College of Medicine , Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences , the University of Central Florida College of Nursing , and the University of Central Florida College of Dental Medicine (along with a teaching hospital ). The medical city also includes

7739-411: The city. It is bordered by Marks Street in the north, Mills Avenue ( SR 15 ) in the east, Orange Blossom Trail ( US 441 ) in the west, and Kaley Avenue in the south. It is home to many of the region's major banks, skyscrapers, government buildings, and cultural and tourist attractions, along with a large residential population. It is mostly composed of high-rise residential towers and office towers. Among

7848-457: The construction of a series of fortified encampments across Florida during the Second Seminole War . The fort and surrounding area were named for John S. Gatlin, an Army physician who was killed in Dade's Massacre on December 28, 1835. The site of construction for Fort Gatlin, a defensible position with fresh water between three small lakes, was likely chosen because the location was on a main trail and

7957-608: The department began its application for state accreditation, which was completed three years later, in 2006. In 2021, the City of Cocoa hired its first African-American police chief, Evander Collier IV, a retired assistant chief from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office . Like many other agencies in the United States, the Cocoa Police Department is amid a paradigm shift to more progressive philosophies (relative to past national practices) by utilizing community policing . Not to be confused with neighborhood watch , community policing

8066-698: The department mainly purchases domestically produced vehicles. Previously, the CPD utilized a LAPD -style "black-and-white" livery. The current vehicles are mostly solid black with white letters, with a few specialty vehicles displaying solid white body paint with black letters. Other vehicles used by the command staff and the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) are unmarked of various colors, although still containing two-way radio communications , siren , and interior emergency-vehicle red and/or blue lighting . The department also maintains an unmarked Ford Transit prisoner transport van. Chevrolet

8175-426: The department to assist local families. The holiday relief is in the form of clothes, toys, and food. The back-to-school portion provides relief for families of students returning to school prior to the start of the new school year. The department coordinates with the local Walmart to facilitate events. Upon receipt of the gifted supplies, the department separates and delivers the school equipment and supplies to all of

8284-444: The department, with one involved in alleged gambling and racketeering charges. In 1999, the department relocated to a new purpose-built facility, and its current location. The department had been located on Brunson Boulevard since 1964. Prior to 1964, the police department was located within the city hall (which, at the time, was located on Willard Drive, unlike its current location on Stone Street in downtown Cocoa Village). In 2003

8393-510: The elected position of town marshal/tax collector was abolished, and replaced with an appointed chief of police. In May 1929, it was reported by local media that the department purchased its first motorized vehicle, a Ford "Touring Car" with the words "Police-City of Cocoa" painted on the sides. Prior to the start of the Great Depression in 1929, the salary of the police chief was $ 200 per month ($ 3,156 in 2021 dollars) and $ 140 ($ 2,209) for

8502-537: The finals. For the win, K9 Bear and his handler won $ 15,000. Of the reward, $ 10,000 was donated to the City of Cocoa's purse, with the remaining $ 5,000 donated to the Space Coast Police K9 competition through the police department's non-profit organization (Cocoa Community First). The donated money aided the local competition in increasing its scope and size. Orlando, Florida Orlando ( / ɔːr ˈ l æ n d oʊ / or- LAN -doh )

8611-564: The first high-speed rail in Florida, which runs through the north of the city, along the aforementioned Beachline Freeway. Since operations began in 2023, the police department also acts as a railway police , until another governmental agency assumes the responsibility. The Cocoa Police Department has an authorized force of 72 sworn officers, 16 telecommunications ( dispatch ) officers, 3 records technicians, 2 booking officers, and numerous other crime scene investigators and support personnel. The department has been accredited since 2006 through

8720-405: The following year and settled near Lake Holden. Mosquito County was renamed Orange County in 1845, with the county seat shortly thereafter relocated to Mellonville, a few miles west of Sanford . By 1856, settlement had begun in earnest in the interior of the county and a more centrally-located Courthouse was sought. The new town of Orlando, laid out in 1857, consisted of four streets surrounding

8829-631: The former Air Force Base airport code (MCO). Perhaps the most critical event for Orlando's economy, though, occurred in 1965 when Walt Disney announced plans to build Walt Disney World . Although Disney had considered the regions of Miami and Tampa for his park, one of the major reasons behind his decision not to locate there was due to hurricanes – Orlando's inland location, although not free from hurricane damage, exposed it to less threat than coastal regions. The vacation resort opened in October 1971, ushering in an explosive population and economic growth for

8938-542: The former McCoy AFB still hosts a Navy Exchange, as well as national guard and reserve units for several branches of service. NTC Orlando was completely closed by the end of 1999 by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission , and converted into the Baldwin Park neighborhood. The Naval Air Warfare Center had moved to Central Florida Research Park near UCF in 1989. A major factor in Orlando's growth occurred in 1962, when

9047-527: The incident scene or take up quarters in their fire and EMS stations and respond to other incidents in that city or town when local crews are handling a protracted incident. Additionally, if one municipality's resources are on active calls and unable to respond to a concurrent call for service, a neighboring municipality may be dispatched. Other agreements are common in small towns that have either no resources or limited resources. In these cases, local crews are capable of handling small incidents themselves, but in

9156-510: The incorporated municipal limits of the city, Florida state statute permits law enforcement agencies to enter into mutual aid agreements with each other. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office has entered into a mutual aid agreement with the City of Cocoa (as well as other incorporated municipalities within Brevard County that have their own police departments). This mutual aid agreement stipulates (among other things): "...(the officers) shall have

9265-653: The late 19th century by the Ward family. This property is still owned by the Ward family, and can be seen from southbound flights out of Orlando International Airport immediately on the south side of SR 417. Orlando became a popular resort during the years between the Spanish–American War and World War I . In the 1920s, Orlando experienced extensive housing development during the Florida Land Boom , causing land prices to soar. During this period, dozens of neighborhoods in

9374-410: The local schools. Shop with a Cop is a Christmas event in which the department coordinates with the local schools to select students-in-need. The selected students are picked up from their schools, and transported to the local Walmart in a "VIP-style" police escort. Upon arrival at Walmart, the students are greeted with a standing ovation from Walmart staff, after which, each of the students are handed

9483-506: The name Orlando after the character in As You Like It . According to Cheney, Speer, "was a gentleman of culture and an admirer of William Shakespeare ..." Quoting a letter that Speer wrote, "Orlando was a veritable Forest of Arden , the locale of As You Like It ." Speer's descendants have also confirmed this version of the naming and the legend has continued to grow. This account also has some validity in that, as mentioned above, Speer

9592-470: The new Orlando Jetport, the precursor of the present-day Orlando International Airport, was built from a portion of the McCoy Air Force Base. By 1970, four major airlines ( Delta Air Lines , National Airlines , Eastern Airlines , and Southern Airways ) were providing scheduled flights. McCoy Air Force Base officially closed in 1975, and most of it is now part of the airport. The airport still retains

9701-452: The night patrolman. After the stock market crash, by 1932 the chief's salary was decreased by half to $ 100 per month ($ 1,986), with the patrolman's salary falling to $ 90 ($ 1,787) per month. By the early 1940s , the department had grown to four officers and purchased its first motor bike, a two-cylinder motorcycle operated by Officer L.W. Silsby. On 23 October 1945, the department hired its first " colored policeman", E.G. Harvey , who policed

9810-418: The northern portion of Osceola County , but is not connected to the main stem of this route. Surrounding cross-roads include Sand Lake Road, Kirkman Road, SR 536 , and Universal Boulevard , which runs parallel to the midsection of International Drive. At its northern end, International Drive is home to Orlando International Premium Outlets and Universal Orlando resort, along with being in close proximity to

9919-419: The oldest homes in Orlando. On June 12, 2016, more than 100 people were shot at Pulse , a gay nightclub in Orlando. Fifty (including the gunman) were killed and 60 were wounded. The gunman, whom the police SWAT team shot to death, was identified as 29-year-old Omar Mir Seddique Mateen , an American security guard. The act of terrorism was both the deadliest mass shooting in modern United States history at

10028-464: The original pioneers, but Speer's family has since claimed that Speer simply used the Orlando Reeves legend to help push his plan for naming the settlement after the Shakespearean character from As You Like It , his favorite play. This has become the most common accepted version of how Orlando got its name. Historians agree that likely no soldier was named Orlando Reeves. Folklore is that Reeves

10137-487: The power to make any and all arrests and otherwise act with full authority as a law enforcement officer in the jurisdictional area of the other agency." The mutual aid agreement also permits off-duty law enforcement actions, in conjunction with departmental policies. Furthermore, some sworn members in specialized units (e.g., federal or local task forces ) may also be cross-deputized as federal agents , deputy sheriffs , or both. Unlike some other US states (such as those in

10246-407: The shooting. The city offered to buy it for $ 2.25 million, but the club's owner declined to sell. The geography of Orlando is mostly wetlands , consisting of many lakes and swamps. The terrain is generally flat, making the land fairly low and wet. The area is dotted with hundreds of lakes, the largest of which is Lake Apopka . Central Florida's bedrock is mostly limestone and very porous;

10355-440: The stories behind the naming of Orlando) rose in the heat of the argument and said, "This place is often spoken of as 'Orlando's Grave.' Let's drop the word 'grave' and let the county seat be Orlando." The origin of the name is unknown but at least five stories relate how Orlando got its name. The most common stories are that the name Orlando originated from the tale of a man who died in 1835 during an attack by Native Americans in

10464-495: The story in 1835 during the Second Seminole War. This name is taken from a South Carolinian cattle rancher named Orlando Savage Rees. Rees owned a Volusia County sugar mill and plantation , as well as several large estates in Florida and Mississippi . Rees' sugar farms in the area were burned out in the Seminole attacks of 1835 (the year Orlando Reeves supposedly died). Subsequently, Rees led an expedition to recover stolen slaves and cattle. In 1837, Rees also attempted to stop

10573-526: The time and one of the deadliest mass shootings perpetrated by a single person in recorded world history. Mateen pledged allegiance to the Islamic State during his unsuccessful negotiations with police. After the shooting, the city held numerous vigils. In November 2016, Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer announced the city's intention to acquire the Pulse Nightclub to build a permanent memorial for the 49 victims of

10682-572: The tourist district southwest of downtown. Skyscrapers built in downtown Orlando have not exceeded 441 ft (134 m), since 1988, when the SunTrust Center was completed. The main reason for this is the Orlando Executive Airport , just under 2 miles (3.2 km) from the city center, which does not allow buildings to exceed a certain height without approval from the FAA. According to

10791-661: The upcoming Epic Universe theme park (set to open in 2025). Further south on International Drive, it features the Madame Tussauds wax museum, the Orange County Convention Center , Pointe Orlando entertainment complex, SeaWorld Orlando (along with Aquatica , SeaWorld's water park), Fun Spot America , ICON Park (featuring its famous ferris wheel, Orlando Eye ), the World's Largest Entertainment McDonald's , and other tourist ventures. The Millennia neighborhood

10900-571: The vicinity of downtown were constructed. The boom ended when several hurricanes hit Florida in the late 1920s, along with the Great Depression . During World War II , a number of Army personnel were stationed at the Orlando Army Air Base and nearby Pinecastle Army Air Field . Some of these servicemen stayed in Orlando to settle and raise families. In 1956, the aerospace and defense company Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin ) established

11009-476: Was acting as a sentinel for a company of soldiers that had set up camp for the night on the banks of Sandy Beach Lake . Several different lakes are mentioned in the various versions, as no soldiers were in what is now downtown during 1835. The legend grew throughout the early 1900s, particularly with local historian Olive Brumbaugh (or Kena Fries ) retelling in various writings and on local radio station WDBO in 1929. Another historian, Eldon H. Gore, promoted

11118-491: Was briefly reoccupied by the military for a few weeks during October and November 1849, and subsequently a volunteer militia was left to defend the settlement. A historical marker indicates that by 1850, the Jernigan homestead (or Fort Gatlin in some sources) served as the nucleus of a village named Jernigan. According to an account written years later by his daughter, at that time, about 80 settlers were forced to shelter for about

11227-544: Was home of one of two Navy Nuclear Power Schools, and home of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division . When McCoy AFB closed in 1976, its runways and territory to its south and east were imparted to the city to become Orlando International Airport , while a small portion to the northwest was transferred to the Navy as McCoy NTC Annex. That closed in 1995, and became a housing, though

11336-437: Was instrumental in changing the name of the settlement from Jernigan to Orlando, though he may have used the Orlando Reeves legend in lieu of his true intent to use the Shakespearean character. According to yet another version of the story, Orlando may have been the name of one of his employees. One of downtown Orlando 's major streets is named Rosalind Avenue; Rosalind is the heroine of As You Like It , but this could also be

11445-431: Was nominated and elected without opposition. The salary of the town marshal was $ 40 per month ($ 1,303 in 2021 dollars), plus $ 1 ($ 33) per conviction of a civil infraction that was paid in full by the offender. After six months, Lynch resigned from his position and was replaced by an appointed interim marshal, James Payne. Internal politics had Payne replaced and reappointed several times, into the new century. In October 1927,

11554-588: Was once known as Jernigan. This name originates from the first European permanent settlers, Isaac and Aaron Jernigan , cattlemen who moved from the state of Georgia and acquired land 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Fort Gatlin along the west end of Lake Holden in July 1843 by the terms of the Armed Occupation Act . Aaron Jernigan became Orange County's first state representative in 1845, but his pleas for additional military protection went unanswered. Fort Gatlin

11663-518: Was so notorious that United States Secretary of War Jefferson Davis wrote, "It is said they [Jernigan's militia] are more dreadful than the Indians." In 1859, Jernigan and his sons were accused of committing a murder at the town's post office. They were then transported to Ocala , but escaped. At a meeting in 1857, debate had grown concerning the name of the town. Pioneer William B. Hull recalled how James Speer (a local resident, and prominent figure in

11772-560: Was spread out, with 12.0% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 36.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males. Mutual aid (emergency services) In emergency services , mutual aid is an agreement among emergency responders to lend assistance across jurisdictional boundaries . This may occur due to an emergency response that exceeds local resources, such as

11881-562: Was the namesake of the city. F. K. Bull of South Carolina (Rees' great-grandson) told an Orlando reporter of a story in 1955; years later, Charles M. Bull Jr., of Orlando (Rees' great-great-grandson) offered local historians similar information. Unlike Orlando Reeves, who cannot be traced to any historical record, the record is considerable that Orlando Rees did exist and was in Florida during that time. For example, in 1832, John James Audubon met with Rees in his large estate at Spring Garden, about 45 minutes from Orlando. The final variation has

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