🌱 How a Cocoa teen ended up charged in a deadly I-75 crash

Coffee in hand, Cocoa? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How a Cocoa teen ended up charged in a deadly I-75 crash
• Cocoa teen tied to fatal I-75 crash now faces serious charges
• Cocoa teen tied to fatal Bradenton crash as victim’s family seeks help

Today's riddle: How do you measure a fish? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Pleasant with periods of sun, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 81, low: 60.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 82 and low of 64 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

1. Cocoa teen arrested in fatal hit-and-run crash that sent semi-truck tumbling (wesh.com) — An 18-year-old from Cocoa has been arrested after Florida Highway Patrol linked his Mustang to a deadly three-vehicle hit-and-run crash on I-75 that killed a semi-truck driver. Troopers say he briefly stopped, then fled, and now faces vehicular homicide and leaving-the-scene charges while the Traffic Homicide Unit continues investigating.
   

2. Former Atlanta Braves minor leaguer arrested in fatal Manatee County crash (palmbeachpost.com) — An 18-year-old from Cocoa has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash on I-75 in Manatee County, where a semi-truck driver died. Investigators say the damaged Mustang tied to the crash was found at the Atlanta Braves’ spring training park, and the former minor-league catcher is now jailed as the victim’s young family seeks help through a GoFundMe.
   

3. Family launches GoFundMe for semi driver killed in Bradenton hit-and-run crash (bradenton.com) — The semi-truck driver killed in Monday’s I-75 rollover crash has been identified, and his family has launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral and living expenses. Florida Highway Patrol says the 18-year-old driver accused in the hit-and-run is from Cocoa, giving this tragedy a direct connection back to local residents.
   

4. Advanced Radiation Therapy Offers Veterans Faster Path Through Prostate Cancer Treatment (westorlandonews.com) — A Cocoa veteran’s early-detected prostate cancer led him to advanced five-session radiation therapy at the Orlando VA, allowing quick treatment with minimal disruption to daily life. The story highlights how Central Florida veterans benefit from newer, shorter radiation options, strong care coordination, and supportive staff who guide them from diagnosis through ringing the bell at treatment’s end.
   

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📸 Around Cocoa

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cocoa

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday April 23

• Police Chief's Breakfast 2026
  Cocoa Calendar , 430 Delannoy Ave. , Cocoa
  7:00 am

Saturday April 25

• American Cancer Society "Relay for Life"
  Cocoa Calendar , 401 Riveredge Blvd. , Cocoa
  3:00 pm

Tuesday April 28

• City Council Meeting
  Cocoa Calendar , Cocoa City City Hall 65 Stone St. , Cocoa
  6:00 pm

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📣 Cocoa Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday April 22

• CANCELED - Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners
  Rockledge, FL Calendar , 1600 Huntington Ln. , Rockledge
  5:30 pm
• Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners
  Rockledge, FL Calendar , 1600 Huntington Ln. , Rockledge
  5:30 pm

Friday April 24

• FBA Solo and Ensemble (Middle School)
  Viera Charter , 2155 Croton Rd , Melbourne
  8:00 am
• Rotary Club of Cocoa Casino Night
  Center for Collaboration , 1100 Rockledge Blvd , US-1 , Rockledge
  5:00 pm

Saturday April 25

• 25th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
  Rockledge, FL Calendar , 1591 Fiske Blvd , Rockledge
  7:00 am
• TRU Challenge April 2026 @ Trinity Fitness Merritt Island
  Trinity Fitness Merritt Island , 695 S Plumosa St , Merritt Island
  10:00 am
• STFK at Bocas Film Fest/Merritt Square Mall Con
  GQT Merritt Square 16 IMAX , 777 E Merritt Island Cswy SUITE 163 , Merritt Island
  10:00 am
• Tru Challenge
  Trinity Fitness Merritt Island , 695 S Plumosa St , Merritt Island
  10:00 am
• Educator Appreciation Day
  Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex , Space Commerce Wy , Merritt Island
  1:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• LOST CAT.
  ANSWERS TO MARLEY. Got out last night around the windover apts on fiske in cocoa Anything will help. A child is so upset he got out. (Nextdoor Broadmore)
• This little cat has very recently appeared in our neighborhood in Cocoa not far from Fairglen Elementary.
  It’s very sweet, but boney. Not sure if male or female. I can’t take it in, as I have two dogs that will eat it, and no way to separate them. I’m… (Nextdoor Indian River Drive)

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Ok Cocoa! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: By inches because they have no feet. (Thank you Gypsy S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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