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GO for a drink? Rooftop bars could be new way to watch rocket launches in Cape Canaveral

City takes up final reading of new ordinance Tuesday

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With more rocket launches than ever, like a SpaceX Falcon 9 Monday becoming the 81st launch of 2024, people on the Space Coast could be getting more places to watch a launch.

Unlike other parts of Brevard County, you won’t find a rooftop bar on A1A in Cape Canaveral.

For several months, the city’s been working to change that.

In May, the planning and zoning board said allowing hotels, businesses, and mixed-use developments to add rooftop amenities is a no-brainer for the area.

“I think we are an obvious choice to have this type of element into our community,” Steve Stroud said. “Everyone keeps talking about the hotels, but it’s not only the hotels that can benefit from this. It’s not only restaurants and bars. And elements of this sort to top of the entertainment and social aspect of those types of projects is just paramount.”

Now, a final reading of a new ordinance Tuesday could pave the way for the new perk of visiting the Space Coast.

Resident Eddie Russell said he mostly thinks it’s a good idea.

“My concerns mostly would be for the safety of the guests and everybody, as long as it’s fenced in properly on top,” he said. “Also, I think it’s a good idea too as long as they don’t obscure other buildings from seeing the rocket launches, themselves. Because sometimes when they get too high, the buildings, it blocks other buildings and other patrons from being able to see the rocket launches.”

The ordinance could mean more than just bars on rooftops.

An agenda available online reads outdoor amenities could also include swimming pools, hot tubs, or dog runs.

When the council makes a decision Tuesday night, News 6 will update this story on ClickOrlando.com.

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About the Author
James Sparvero headshot

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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