SPACE COAST, FLORIDA.The Space Coast Rocket invited candidates to answer a questionnaire in their own words. Below are the responses from Angelia Jones-Smith, candidate for City of Cocoa City Council, District 1. Her answers are published verbatim.
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About the Candidate
Name on ballot
Angelia Jones-Smith
Office
City of Cocoa City Council, District 1
Race
Nonpartisan
Incumbent
No
Held elected office before
No — this is my first run for office
Plans to seek higher office
Undecided
Residence
Cocoa
Years in Brevard
Born and raised here
Occupation / employer
Director, Academic Support Services, UCF Connect, Transfer Center / University of Central Florida (UCF)
Military veteran
No
Education
Master of Education (MEd, Educational Leadership), Bachelor of Science (BS, Liberal Arts & Science), and a proud Cocoa High School alumni. Professionally I’ve completed various certifications and trainings in leadership, financial management and I’ve led large scale collaborative initiatives with colleagues from some of the largest universities and colleges across the this nation. I’m also a Notary here our great State of Florida.
Political, Civic, or Community Experience
Currently I serve as the co-chair for the Diamond Square Redevelopment Agency for the City of Cocoa. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society, Tau Sigma Honor Society, and Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. I serve as member and volunteer mentoring young professionals with the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), The Global Community for Academic Advising (NACADA), a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), I’ve served as a meember of the Cocoa High School Advisory Board, and taught Career Development courses at Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College). I’ve also taught college preparation courses for incoming college students. Lastly I’ve facilitated trainings and presentations at national higher education conferences across our great nation to include Baltimore, Portland, Los Angeles, Nashville, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami and Tampa to name a few.
1. Why are you running?
I am running for Cocoa City Council District 1 because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and works every day to improve the quality of life for every resident.
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As a third-generation Cocoa resident and a lifelong educator, I’ve dedicated my career to serving others, helping families, mentoring young people, and building stronger communities. That spirit of service is what inspires me to take the next step in serving District 1.
Our neighborhoods deserve safe streets, quality housing, thriving local businesses, and opportunities for every generation. I want to help create a city where families choose to stay, entrepreneurs can succeed, seniors feel valued, and our children see a bright future right here in Cocoa.
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I’m not running for a title—I’m running to serve. I believe progress happens when we work together, listen to one another, and make thoughtful decisions that benefit the entire community.
District 1 has tremendous potential. With collaboration, transparency, and responsible leadership, we can build on our strengths while addressing the challenges that matter most to our residents.
I’m asking for the opportunity to serve because I love this community, I believe in its future, and I’m ready to work to ensure Cocoa continues to be a place we’re all proud to call home.
2. What are your top three priorities if elected?
1. Infrastructure & Neighborhood Improvements –
I will advocate for well-maintained roads, sidewalks, drainage, street lighting, and utilities while supporting investments that enhance neighborhood safety, improve mobility, and strengthen the overall quality of life throughout District 1.
2. Growing Economic Opportunity –
I will continue to support small businesses in District 1, encourage responsible economic development, revitalize commercial corridors, and work with staff to attract investment that creates jobs while preserving the character and history of District 1.
3. Investing in Families & Future Generations –
I will champion educational partnerships with all schools, youth organizations and childcare providers in District 1, expand access to youth programs, support affordable childcare local initiatives, promote health and wellness resources, and advocate for additional upgrades to our parks and community spaces that provide families an improve quality environment.
3. What is the single biggest problem facing the people this office serves, and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge facing District 1 is the need for continued investment in our neighborhoods through reliable infrastructure and thoughtful planning. Residents want streets that are well maintained across the district, effective drainage to reduce flooding, safe sidewalks, adequate street lighting, and city services that keep pace with the community’s needs. These issues affect quality of life for all residents in District 1, public safety, and economic opportunity.
As a member of the Cocoa City Council, I would advocate for infrastructure improvements based on community needs and long-term planning. I believe in listening to residents, working collaboratively with city staff, and making fiscally responsible decisions that prioritize projects with the greatest impact. I will also support efforts to pursue grants and other funding opportunities that can help improve our infrastructure while being mindful of taxpayers.
By strengthening our infrastructure, we create safer neighborhoods for all, encourage business investment, and build a stronger foundation for families and future generations in Cocoa. My goal is to ensure District 1 receives the attention and investment it deserves while helping move the entire City of Cocoa forward.
4. How will you keep constituents informed and involved in your decisions?
I believe the best decisions are made when residents have a seat at the table. If elected by the voters of District 1, I will make communication and accessibility a priority by hosting regular District 1 town halls where residents can ask questions, share concerns, and help shape solutions before important decisions are made.
I will also continue my Coffee with Your Councilwoman (currently Candidate) gatherings at local businesses throughout District 1. These informal meetings will give residents the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations, discuss neighborhood issues, and connect with their local government in a welcoming setting while supporting our small businesses.
In addition, I will use multiple communication channels—including various social media outlets, email updates, newsletters, and community events—to keep residents informed about upcoming City Council meetings, major projects, and decisions that affect our community.
My goal is to ensure information is easy to access and that every resident has an opportunity to be heard.
Public service is about listening as much as leading. I am committed to being visible, accessible, and accountable, so the voices of District 1 residents remain at the center of every decision I make.
5. Why are you a better choice than your opponents?
I have great respect for anyone who is willing to step forward and serve our community. My campaign is not about comparing people—it’s about demonstrating the leadership, experience, and commitment I will bring to the role.
As a third-generation Cocoa resident and a longtime educator, I have spent my life investing in people, building relationships, and helping others succeed. I understand our community because it is my home, and I have a proven record of serving residents through civic leadership, mentoring, and community involvement.
If elected by the voters of the district, I will be an accessible and responsive council member who values collaboration and transparency. I am committed to holding regular District 1 town halls and ensuring residents have opportunities to share their ideas and concerns directly with me.
My focus is on practical solutions—improving infrastructure, supporting economic development, and investing in families and future generations that will be in Cocoa. I believe leadership is about listening, bringing people together, and making thoughtful decisions that move our community forward.
I am asking for the opportunity to serve because I love Cocoa, I believe in the potential of District 1, and I am ready to work every day to earn the trust of the people I will represent.
6. Is there anything in your record you’d like to address up front?
I believe transparency is an essential part of public service. I also encourage every resident—not just during the election season, but year-round—to become familiar with public records, how to obtain them and the decisions being made by their local government. An informed community is the foundation of a strong democracy.
As for me, I have nothing that I believe would prevent me from serving the residents of District 1 with integrity. Like many people, I have experienced a day or two of challenges throughout my life, and each experience has helped shape my character, strengthen my resilience, and deepen my commitment to serving others.
I welcome questions from voters who want to learn more about me; I believe accountability comes with public office. My campaign is focused on earning the trust of the community through transparency, accessibility, and a record of service. I hope voters will evaluate me based on my values, my experience, my vision for District 1, and my commitment to listening to and working alongside the people of Cocoa.
Anything else you’d like voters to know?
Take the time to thoroughly research each candidate on your ballot, including myself. This election cycle do not rely on the opinions of those who do not reside in the area you live. The decision you make at the ballot box should prioritize the needs of you and your family as a voter. If you’re a registered voter in City of Cocoa’s District 1, I hope to earn your vote on November 3rd.
