The Cocoa Beach City Commission approved an amended agreement with USTA Florida that extends the organization's term at the city tennis facility for 10 years in exchange for a one-time capital investment of $1,150,000 to renovate six existing paved courts.

"We took these prices to our board and we added a contingency," Laura Bowen, executive director at USTA Florida, told commissioners. "We did agree that would be used to cap off the electrical units once the light poles are removed." Bowen said the vendor Musco will provide a long-term warranty for the new lights.

Nut graf: USTA Floridawill fund rebuilding the front six courts, re-locating and modernizing light fixtures (addressing dark spots and safety concerns), and contributing contingencies for unforeseen costs; the city will continue to maintain clay courts, plumbing, HVAC and other existing infrastructure and will remove the existing light poles so work can proceed.

Details: City staff summarized current obligations under the existing contract: the city maintains plumbing, electrical, HVAC, clay-court watering, mowing and structural maintenance, while USTA provides coaching, operation of the facility and currently pays $12,000 annually under the contract. Bowen said the proposed renovation would include stabilizing underlying base materials, resurfacing and installing perimeter lighting that Musco warranties for two decades.

Commission discussion focused on long-term maintenance obligations, inclusivity of programs (pickleball raised in public comment) and whether city maintenance costs would rise. Interim City Manager AJ Hudson and staff said the city will continue regular maintenance of surfaces not covered by the USTA capital investment and could pursue resurfacing grants in future cycles. Commissioners raised questions about fencing replacement and whether the city should fund any additional elements if needed; Bowen said USTA had funded the major renovation items and would absorb certain overages.

Ending: The commission approved the 10-year renewal unanimously. Staff said routine maintenance obligations remain with the city for clay courts and day-to-day facility upkeep; USTA's capital work is expected to address chronic cracking and lighting deficiencies on the front six courts and include a long-term maintenance warranty on the new lighting system.