Cocoa Beach Pier proposing amusement rides as attraction

Pier operators to seek permission during Wednesday meeting

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – The operators of the Cocoa Beach Pier want city permission to put three amusement park rides on their property to attract more visitors and provide a more family-friendly atmosphere, according to News 6 partner Florida Today.

The rides include a carousel, one called the "Tornado" and another called the "Drop & Twist." The tallest of the rides, the "Drop & Twist," stands 29 feet. Each of the rides is portable and could be relocated during a serious storm.

The rides would be located just south of the pier's entrance and north of Pulsipher Avenue.

Because Cocoa Beach doesn't have anything on the books that addresses amusement park rides, pier operators need to special permission, which they will seek Wednesday before the city's Board of Adjustment, Florida Today reported.

The meeting begins at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at Cocoa Beach City Hall.

The plan by the pier has the support of Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik.

"The pier owners have made substantial investments in improving the pier," Malik said, "and if they are desirous to put some amusement rides on their property to give visitors and residents with children some entertainment on their own private property."

The Orlando-based Westgate Resorts owns the Cocoa Beach Pier. Founded by David Siegel, Westgate also owns the Wakulla Suites in Cocoa Beach.


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