Delray Beach Suspends Community Market After Dog Attack

Coco Market event suspended for 3 months following incident where rescue dog bit teenager's face.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 7:50pm

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The city of Delray Beach, Florida has suspended the monthly Coco Market community event for three months after a dog participating in the market bit a 16-year-old girl's face, causing serious injury. The market organizer, Cocoyogi Inc., was found to be in violation of its license agreement with the city by allowing animals at the event, which is not permitted. The city manager cited public safety concerns and the need to strengthen review processes before allowing the market to resume in June.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks involved when community events allow animals to be present, especially rescue dogs that may be unpredictable. It also raises questions about event organizers' responsibility to ensure safety protocols are followed, even for third-party participants. The suspension of the popular Coco Market will impact local small businesses and vendors who rely on the monthly event.

The details

According to a Delray Beach police report, on February 8th a 16-year-old girl approached a dog being displayed by the H3 Dog Rescue organization at the Coco Market and asked to pet it. When she bent down, the 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier bit her in the face, severely lacerating her upper lip and right cheek. The girl was taken to the hospital and will have permanent scarring from the attack. The city manager cited this incident as a 'clear violation' of the market's license agreement, which did not authorize the presence of animals.

  • The Coco Market is held on the first Sunday of each month at Old School Square in Delray Beach.
  • The dog attack incident occurred on February 8, 2026.
  • On February 20, 2026, the Delray Beach City Manager notified the market organizers of the 3-month suspension, effective March through May 2026.
  • The market is scheduled to resume operations in June 2026, with a ban on animals at future events.

The players

Coco Market

A monthly community market event in Delray Beach, Florida that features small businesses, artisan goods, wellness offerings, healthy foods, and sustainable fashion.

Cocoyogi Inc.

The organizer and host of the Coco Market event, which has a license agreement with the city of Delray Beach to operate the monthly market.

Corey Heyman

The registered agent for Cocoyogi Inc., the organizer of the Coco Market.

Terrence Moore

The City Manager of Delray Beach, Florida who notified the Coco Market organizers of the 3-month suspension following the dog attack incident.

H3 Dog Rescue

The organization that had multiple rescue dogs on display at the Coco Market event where the dog attack occurred.

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What they’re saying

“The incident that occurred that weekend is alarming. Not only did it create a threat to the public safety by seriously and permanently injuring a child, but it was also a clear violation of the permission granted to you by the city that has placed the taxpayers of the city of Delray Beach unnecessarily at risk for liability.”

— Terrence Moore, City Manager, Delray Beach

“At our Feb. 8 event, there was an unfortunate incident involving a dog that resulted in an injury, and our hearts are with the young person involved. The event had been rescheduled, and due to administrative adjustments related to that change, a dog rescue was not reflected on the originally approved site plan. We respect the city's authority and are strengthening our internal review processes moving forward.”

— Corey Heyman, Registered Agent, Cocoyogi Inc.

What’s next

The judge will decide on March 1st whether to allow the Coco Market to resume operations in June or extend the suspension further.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of community event organizers strictly adhering to safety protocols and license agreements, especially when it comes to the presence of animals. The Coco Market suspension serves as a cautionary tale for other local markets and festivals to carefully review their policies and procedures to mitigate risks and protect public safety.