In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we sat down with Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno to talk about leadership, growth, and the vision shaping the future of Vero Beach. From a career in the semiconductor industry to becoming a three-term mayor, Mayor Cotugno shares insights on the challenges and opportunities facing Vero Beach.
How Mayor Cotugno Got Started
Mayor Cotugno, who first ran for city council in 2019 after moving to Vero Beach in 2018, speaks with humility and pride about his journey. It took him three tries to get elected, but he now holds the record as the city’s first “three-peat” mayor.
After decades in Silicon Valley, he and his wife returned to Florida to retire, but retirement didn’t last long. Cotugno quickly immersed himself in the community, advocating for the Alzheimer’s Association, serving on the Utilities Commission, and joining the Three Corners Steering Committee.
Important Developments in Vero Beach
There are myriad things for locals and visitors in Vero Beach to be excited about. Mayor Cotugno believes that several upcoming developments will bring more opportunities for things to do in Vero Beach, while also enhancing the city’s charm.
Discussing Three Corners
One of the most ambitious projects Cotugno champions is the Three Corners development. It’s a transformative vision for 32 acres of city-owned waterfront land along the Indian River Lagoon. Cotugno describes it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, a place where the community can experience a mix of public spaces, a marina, restaurants, hotels, a skate park, and a fishing pier.
What’s notably not in the plans at Three Corners? Condos. The community made it clear that they preferred to have no large-scale, high-rise developments. The project is designed with the public in mind, offering access to the waterfront while preserving the character of Vero Beach.
Revitalizing Downtown Vero Beach
But Cotugno’s vision doesn’t stop at Three Corners. He’s equally passionate about revitalizing Downtown Vero Beach, a challenge he compares to “herding cats.”
With multiple property owners, different visions, and decades of entrenched interests, bringing everyone together isn’t easy. Even so, progress is happening. The city is investing in new lighting on 14th Avenue, upgrading Pocahontas Park, and supporting local businesses like Riverside Theatre and downtown Vero Beach restaurants.
Cotugno believes that by working with entrepreneurs, fostering a mix of ages and incomes, and making downtown a place people want to visit and stay, the community can build on the core for years to come. The public can use the Ideas For Downtown website to give their thoughts on what they think would be a good fit.
Infrastructure in Vero Beach
Another major focus for Cotugno is infrastructure, specifically the city’s water and sewer systems. He highlights the city’s progress in converting the aging wastewater treatment plant into a state-of-the-art facility, relocating it to the airport area to free up valuable land for Three Corners.
The price tag for this project, over $160 million, is significant, but Cotugno points out the city’s success in securing nearly $38 million in grants to offset costs. He also emphasizes the importance of water stewardship, noting the city’s innovative partnership with John’s Island Water District to supply treated water for irrigation. This reduces strain on the aquifer and protects the lagoon.
What Does This Mean for Locals & Visitors?
Looking ahead, Cotugno sees other exciting developments on the horizon for Vero Beach. The Vero Beach Museum of Art is undergoing a $100 million expansion, while the Riverside Theatre is planning its own major upgrades. The city’s private airport will soon have a customs facility, opening the door for more international traffic and economic growth.
Cotugno is also encouraged by the work of local organizations like The Source, which helps the unhoused population, and the continued success of major employers like Piper Aircraft. As Cotugno puts it, Vero Beach is more than just a small city. It’s also a brand, a community built on relationships, vision, and values.
For those looking to make the most of life in Vero Beach, there are many things to be excited about. Locals and tourists to the area will be excited to see what is offered in terms of attractions, eateries, and more that fit into great weekend lists.
This conversation with Mayor John Cotugno was a reminder that great communities don’t just happen. They’re built and designed by communities and representatives that pull together and create them.
