Dozens speak out against plan to let new Cocoa Beach hotel exclusive access to a public park

It will be Brevard County’s only 4-star hotel when it opens in 2027, and it’s already on the largest hotel property in Cocoa Beach (the old International Palms site). But now, the Westin also wants control of the public beach park next door. A proposal going before Brevard County commissioners Tuesday morning would give the hotel exclusive access to the south half of Lori Wilson Park for up to 100 days a year, including renting all of the park for up to 12 days a year for Westin events. The plan would include closing the park’s dog park on the south side by the construction site, so long as Westin builds a new dog park on the north side of Lori Wilson.