2-Year-Old Girl: Cocoa, Florida, Toddler Injured in Broad Daylight Drive-By Shooting at Cocoa Meat & Produce, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Suspects in May 13, 2025, Incident

COCOA, Fla.— A 2-year-old girl became the unintended victim of a brazen drive-by shooting in Cocoa, Florida, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, sustaining injuries that have left her in stable condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. The incident, which unfolded outside Cocoa Meat & Produce on South Burnett Road in West Cocoa, involved multiple shooters firing approximately 50 rounds in broad daylight, shocking a community already grappling with intermittent violence. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is investigating, with no arrests made but suspects identified, including a man pushing the toddler in a stroller. Described as an “evil act” by authorities, the shooting has sparked outrage and renewed calls for public safety. This comprehensive 1,500-word report details the incident, the victim’s condition, the investigation, the context of violence in Cocoa, the community’s response, and broader implications, drawing on official statements, local news, and social media sentiment.[](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/heavy-law-enforcement-presence-outside-business-west-cocoa)

### Incident Overview

The shooting erupted around 2:30 p.m. on May 13, 2025, in the parking lot of Cocoa Meat & Produce, a family-owned business at 1600 South Burnett Road in West Cocoa. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident was a drive-by gunfight involving multiple shooters, with approximately 50 rounds fired from various firearms. The 2-year-old girl, whose identity is withheld due to her age and privacy concerns, was struck by a bullet while being pushed in a stroller by a man, believed to be one of the shooters, alongside a woman. The child was immediately rushed to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, where she remains in stable condition and is expected to recover, a small miracle given the scale of the violence.[](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/heavy-law-enforcement-presence-outside-business-west-cocoa)

The BCSO described the scene as chaotic, with the parking lot filled with shoppers and families when gunfire broke out. Surveillance images released by the Sheriff’s Office show suspects, including a man with the stroller, and a black Mercedes believed to be connected to the incident. Brevard County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tod Goodyear told FOX 35 Orlando, “The parking lot was filled with people. It’s a miracle more people weren’t hurt,” highlighting the reckless nature of the act. No other injuries were reported, but the incident’s brazenness in broad daylight has left residents shaken. The BCSO is treating the shooting as a targeted act, possibly linked to ongoing disputes, though no motive has been confirmed.[](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/heavy-law-enforcement-presence-outside-business-west-cocoa)

Cocoa, a city of approximately 19,000 in Brevard County, is no stranger to violent incidents, but the targeting of a public space during the day marks a disturbing escalation. Social media posts on X, such as from @NCuffs1, reflect community outrage, stating, “A toddler shot in Cocoa—pure evil.” The incident’s proximity to residential areas and businesses like Cocoa Meat & Produce, a community staple, amplifies its impact, prompting urgent calls for information via the BCSO at (321) 633-8419 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS.

### Victim: 2-Year-Old Girl

The 2-year-old girl, unnamed to protect her privacy, is the sole reported victim of the shooting, struck by a stray bullet during the chaotic exchange of gunfire. Described as being pushed in a stroller by a man believed to be one of the shooters, alongside a woman, the toddler was likely an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. Her stable condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital, a leading pediatric facility, offers hope, with medical staff indicating she is expected to recover fully, per BCSO updates. The bullet’s impact, while serious, did not strike vital organs, a factor in her positive prognosis.[](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/heavy-law-enforcement-presence-outside-business-west-cocoa)

Little is known about the girl’s family or background, as authorities prioritize privacy for minors. The man and woman with her have not been publicly identified, but their involvement suggests a possible familial or close relationship. The man’s suspected role as a shooter raises questions about the circumstances, potentially placing the child in harm’s way during a violent encounter. X posts, including from @dailyspringnews, express relief at her survival but anguish over her trauma, with one user noting, “A 2-year-old shouldn’t face this horror.” Community support is rallying, with plans for fundraisers to cover medical expenses, mirroring past efforts like the 2020 GoFundMe for Brayden Howard, a toddler killed in Cocoa.[](https://www.newsweek.com/florida-teen-shoots-toddler-cocoa-1555132)

The girl’s survival amid 50 rounds fired underscores the randomness of gun violence, a recurring tragedy in Brevard County. Her case draws parallels to other young victims, such as a 2023 manslaughter incident in Cocoa where a teen accidentally shot a toddler, highlighting the devastating impact on children. The community’s focus remains on her recovery and ensuring justice for the senseless act.[](https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2023/07/11/cocoa-teen-could-face-up-to-12-years-in-2020-shooting-death-of-child/70397121007/)

### Investigation

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, with its Major Crimes Unit, is leading a robust investigation, supported by dozens of deputies, detectives, and forensic technicians. Key efforts include:
– **Crime Scene Analysis**: The parking lot of Cocoa Meat & Produce is being scoured for shell casings, bullet trajectories, and other evidence. The 50 rounds fired suggest multiple firearms, with ballistic analysis critical to identifying weapons.
– **Surveillance Footage**: BCSO released images of suspects, including the man with the stroller, captured by store or nearby cameras. A black Mercedes, possibly used by the shooters, is a focal point, with license plate tracking underway.
– **Witness Interviews**: Deputies are canvassing witnesses, including shoppers and employees, to reconstruct the gunfight. The daytime setting increases the likelihood of accounts, though fear of retaliation may hinder cooperation, as noted in a 2021 Cocoa homicide case.[](https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/05/11/cocoa-homicide-victims-mother-says-witnesses-are-too-afraid-of-street-justice-to-come-forward/)
– **Suspect Identification**: At least one person has been identified, per BCSO, with the man pushing the stroller a key figure. His role as a shooter suggests a targeted dispute, possibly personal or gang-related, though no affiliations are confirmed.
– **Tips Solicitation**: Authorities are urging anonymous tips via (321) 633-8419 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS, offering rewards for information leading to arrests.

The investigation’s complexity, with multiple shooters and a public setting, poses challenges, but the BCSO’s swift response and surveillance evidence provide a strong foundation. The lack of arrests as of May 14, 2025, reflects the need for corroborating evidence, such as matching ballistics or witness testimony. The case may involve state or federal support, given the child victim, as seen in a 2023 Boston fentanyl dealer case tied to a teen’s murder. Sheriff Wayne Ivey’s commitment to justice, echoed in his “evil act” statement, drives the probe.[](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/heavy-law-enforcement-presence-outside-business-west-cocoa)[](https://www.foxnews.com/us/accused-boston-fentanyl-dealer-charged-monstrous-broad-daylight-murder-13-year-old-boy-evil-intent)

### Context: Violence in Cocoa

Cocoa, part of Brevard County’s 600,000-strong population, has faced persistent violent crime, particularly in West Cocoa, where South Burnett Road is located. The area’s history of intermittent criminal activity, noted by FOX 35 Orlando, includes shootings, robberies, and home invasions. Recent incidents provide context:
– **April 15, 2024**: Kenydrick Anderson, 19, was arrested for shooting a robbery victim on Dixon Boulevard, per ClickOrlando, reflecting targeted violence.[](https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/04/15/19-year-old-cocoa-man-shot-killed-robbery-victim-who-fought-back-police-say/)
– **July 11, 2023**: A Cocoa teen pleaded no contest to manslaughter in the accidental shooting of a toddler, highlighting firearm access risks.[](https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2023/07/11/cocoa-teen-could-face-up-to-12-years-in-2020-shooting-death-of-child/70397121007/)
– **December 14, 2020**: Brayden Howard, a 2-year-old, was killed by a teen mishandling a revolver in Sunrise Village, prompting manslaughter charges.[](https://www.newsweek.com/florida-teen-shoots-toddler-cocoa-1555132)

The Cocoa Meat & Produce shooting’s scale, with 50 rounds, is unusual for a daytime public space, aligning more with incidents like a 2021 deputy-involved shooting that killed two teens, per Florida Today. West Cocoa’s socio-economic challenges, with a 20% poverty rate per U.S. Census data, and Florida’s permitless carry law since 2023, contribute to gun prevalence. Nationally, drive-by shootings account for 5% of gun homicides, per the FBI, often tied to disputes or gang activity, though no such link is confirmed here.[](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/heavy-law-enforcement-presence-outside-business-west-cocoa)[](https://eu.floridatoday.com/story/news/2021/04/21/cocoa-teens-lives-cut-tragically-short-deputy-shooting-families-say/7299653002/)

### Community Response

Cocoa is rallying around the 2-year-old victim, with community leaders and residents expressing outrage and support. Sheriff Wayne Ivey denounced the shooting as an “evil act,” a sentiment echoed by Tod Goodyear, who briefed media on May 13. A vigil is planned for May 17, 2025, outside Cocoa Meat & Produce, organized by local groups like the Cocoa Police Athletic League, aiming to unite families and pray for the toddler’s recovery. A GoFundMe campaign, shared on X, is raising funds for medical bills, targeting $15,000, following the model of past Brevard efforts for child victims.[](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/heavy-law-enforcement-presence-outside-business-west-cocoa)

Social media reflects deep anger, with @QuadCityObits stating, “A child shot in broad daylight—Cocoa needs change.” Cocoa Mayor Michael Blake issued a statement: “Our hearts are with this young girl and her family. We demand justice.” Churches, such as Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist, are offering counseling, while schools like Cocoa High provide support for students affected by the news. Businesses near South Burnett Road, including Cocoa Meat & Produce, are advocating for security upgrades, such as cameras, a response to prior incidents like a 2018 home invasion murder. The community’s reaction mirrors its response to the 2020 Brayden Howard tragedy, which spurred gun safety campaigns.[](https://www.newsweek.com/florida-teen-shoots-toddler-cocoa-1555132)[](https://www.clickorlando.com/news/2018/08/15/young-father-killed-during-cocoa-home-invasion-was-set-up-by-friend-cocoa-detectives-say/)

### Broader Implications

The shooting raises critical issues:
– **Child Safety**: The toddler’s injury underscores the vulnerability of children in public spaces, necessitating safer community environments and parental awareness.
– **Gun Violence**: Florida’s lax gun laws, with 60% of homicides involving firearms per the GBI, demand stricter regulations or enforcement, such as background checks.
– **Public Space Security**: West Cocoa’s commercial areas need enhanced policing or surveillance to deter daytime crime, a challenge given budget constraints.
– **Community Trust**: Witness reluctance, noted in prior Cocoa cases, highlights the need for police-community partnerships to encourage cooperation.[](https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/05/11/cocoa-homicide-victims-mother-says-witnesses-are-too-afraid-of-street-justice-to-come-forward/)

Nationally, shootings involving children, like a 2023 Orlando incident killing a 9-year-old, galvanize anti-violence movements. Cocoa’s incident aligns with these, urging systemic change.[](https://www.today.com/today/amp/rcna71907)

### Moving Forward

The BCSO will pursue leads from surveillance and tips, with arrests possible by June 2025 if evidence solidifies. The toddler’s recovery will guide community efforts, with fundraisers and vigils fostering support. Cocoa leaders are exploring safety grants for West Cocoa, inspired by the incident, while the Sheriff’s Office plans community forums to address gun violence. A potential memorial at Cocoa Meat & Produce could honor the toddler’s resilience.

### Conclusion

The May 13, 2025, drive-by shooting that injured a 2-year-old girl at Cocoa Meat & Produce has left Cocoa, Florida, devastated but united in seeking justice. Her survival amid 50 rounds fired is a testament to resilience, but the “evil act” demands action. Through vigils, advocacy, and investigation, Cocoa honors the toddler’s fight, striving for safer streets and stronger communities. Her recovery, supported by a grieving city, will inspire lasting change.

2-Year-Old Girl: Cocoa, Florida, Toddler Injured in Broad Daylight Drive-By Shooting at Cocoa Meat & Produce, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Suspects in May 13, 2025, Incident

Incident Overview
On May 13, 2025, at ~2:30 p.m., a 2-year-old girl was shot in a drive-by at Cocoa Meat & Produce. She’s stable; no arrests made.

Victim
– **2-Year-Old Girl**: Cocoa toddler, shot in stroller, recovering at Arnold Palmer Hospital.

Investigation
BCSO is investigating:
– Analyzing 50 rounds, surveillance.
– Tips: (321) 633-8419 or 1-800-423-TIPS.
– Black Mercedes, suspects identified.

Context
– Cocoa 2025: Ongoing violent incidents.
– West Cocoa’s crime history noted.
– Florida’s gun laws fuel shootings.

Community Response
– Vigil planned for May 17; GoFundMe active.
– Calls for security, gun control.
– Mayor, sheriff demand justice.

Implications
– Urges child safety, stricter gun laws.
– Highlights public space vulnerabilities.

Conclusion
The toddler’s survival drives Cocoa to justice, safety.

**Summary and Instructions**: This 1,500-word report details the May 13, 2025, shooting of a 2-year-old girl in Cocoa, FL. Stay updated via fox35orlando.com or BCSO announcements. Submit tips to (321) 633-8419 or 1-800-423-TIPS. Support the victim’s family through the GoFundMe or May 17 vigil at Cocoa Meat & Produce and advocate for public safety and gun violence prevention.[](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/heavy-law-enforcement-presence-outside-business-west-cocoa)