COCOA — Cocoa High School is set to become home to one of Florida’s newest high school firefighting academies after Governor Ron DeSantis approved a $640,000 state appropriation in the 2026-27 Florida budget, marking a major investment in both student opportunity and public safety across Brevard County.
The funding will establish a state-of-the-art firefighting training program at Cocoa High School, giving students a unique opportunity to prepare for careers as firefighters and emergency responders while still in high school. Once operational, the academy will become only the second high school firefighting program in Brevard County, significantly expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings in the district.
The appropriation was championed by Senator Debbie Mayfield and Representative Tyler Sirois, who secured the funding as a Fixed Capital Outlay project in Florida’s General Appropriations Act. The investment will fund the construction of specialized training facilities and the purchase of professional-grade equipment needed to launch the academy.
“This is an investment in the future of our students and the future of our community,” said Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools. “Preparing students for high-demand careers is at the heart of our mission. This academy will give Cocoa High students a direct pathway into a respected, rewarding profession while helping ensure Brevard County has the next generation of highly trained first responders.”
The academy will provide students with hands-on instruction in firefighting techniques, emergency response, rescue operations, and public safety while allowing them to earn valuable industry certifications before graduation. Those credentials will position graduates to enter the workforce more quickly or continue their education in fire science and emergency medical services.
As communities across Florida continue to experience increasing demand for firefighters and emergency personnel, the program is expected to play a vital role in developing a skilled local workforce. By introducing students to the profession early, Brevard Public Schools is creating opportunities for young people to build meaningful careers while helping meet a growing public safety need.
District leaders also believe the academy will attract students from throughout Brevard County who are interested in serving their communities through careers in firefighting and emergency services. The addition further strengthens Cocoa High School’s growing reputation for innovative, career-focused education that prepares students for success beyond the classroom.
The new academy is another example of Brevard Public Schools’ continued investment in Career and Technical Education, connecting students with real-world experiences, industry partnerships, and career pathways that lead directly to employment in some of the region’s fastest-growing fields.
“Career and Technical Education is transforming lives by opening doors to careers that make a real difference,” Dr. Rendell said. “This investment gives our students incredible opportunities while strengthening the workforce our community will rely on for decades to come.”
Construction of the training facilities and acquisition of specialized equipment are expected to begin following the release of state funds, with the Cocoa High School Firefighting Academy anticipated to welcome its first class after the project is completed.
For Cocoa High School students, the new academy represents more than a new educational program—it is an opportunity to answer the call to serve, develop life-saving skills, and begin a career dedicated to protecting the people of Brevard County.
