Angelia Jones-Smith, a director of Academic Support Services at UCF Connect and a resident of Cocoa, is seeking a seat on the Cocoa City Council for District 1 in the 2026 election. This is her first run for public office. Jones-Smith, who was born and raised in Brevard County, holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science from UCF and has worked in higher education leadership for over a decade. She currently serves as co-chair of the Diamond Square Redevelopment Agency in Cocoa.
Jones-Smith has held leadership roles in academic and community organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She has completed certifications in leadership and financial management and has led large-scale collaborative projects across universities nationwide. She is also a Notary Public in Florida.
The candidate emphasized her focus on local issues, including economic development and community engagement. She has volunteered with groups such as the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and the Global Community for Academic Advising. Jones-Smith has not served in the military and has no prior elected office experience.
She plans to address challenges facing Cocoa’s District 1, including revitalizing downtown areas and supporting small businesses. Her campaign has not yet outlined specific policy proposals, but she has highlighted her background in education and community leadership as assets for the role. The 2026 election will be her first foray into local politics.