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Memorial Day message: 'The price of freedom is not free'

Volusia County Chair Jason Davis / Henry FrederickBy Jason Davis
Chairman's Corner
Exclusive periodic blog for Headline Surfer
from the county chair

DAYTONA BEACH -- When the parades are over, the picnics cleared and the echo of the speeches having died down, I can only hope that we, as a nation, will truly remember what this day was set aside for. Memorial Day is a special day for me and so many other veterans. The day when we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation's freedom.

It sounds so cliché, but it is true: The price of freedom is not free!

Let me take you back in time to 2004, and Iraq. A transportation unit was moving supplies in the direction of Baghdad. It was a routine trip, which this particular convoy had previously made before, and led by a seasoned soldier, Sergeant First Class Robert Durenda.

New Smyrna Beach Regional Library kicks off summer programs geared to children June 11

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New Smyrna Beach Regional Library / Headline SurferPhoto for Headline Surfer / The New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach, is part of the Volusia County Public Library system. 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Children can beat summer boredom at the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, which is planning a full slate of free programs in June and July. First up, children in grades 1 through 5 can enter to win prizes by reading books. Reading logs will be available at the children’s desk beginning June 11.

498. Stetson University mourns passing of retired President H. Douglas Lee in 2009

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Volusia News Now
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Top 500 Stories

Headline Surfer Top 500 Stories anniversary banner / Headline Surfer

Photo for Headline Surfer / Retired Stetson University President H. Douglas Lee President is shown at left in this undated photo announcing his passing on Aug. 29, 2009.

DELAND -- The Stetson University community in August 2009, mourned the passing of Dr. H. Douglas Lee, of DeLand, who had just retired after 22 years as president of Stetson University.

Lee died during the early morning hours of Aug. 29, 2009, at Florida Hospital-DeLand of complications following surgery. He was 66.

The milestone comes in at No. 498 in Headline Surfer's countdown of the Top 500 Stories as part of its 5th anniversary.

Media banned from Volusia League of Cities ceremony Thursday honoring public figures

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Volusia News Now
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Mayor Adam Barringer to receive highest award despite ethics complaints filed by citizen watchdog Bob Tolley

Mary Swiderski / Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH -- Even though the Volusia League of Cities receives taxpayer monies from municipal and county governments and honors public officials, the media is banned from Thursday's annual awards ceremony where New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer, facing multiple state ethics charges, is set to receive the top award.

Only Headline Surfer expressed an interest in covering the event and received approval from Mary Swiderski, the organization's executive director, in writing no less, before doing an about face and informing the 24/7 internet newspaper, it would not be allowed to cover the event after all.

Barringer has been low key since citizen watchdog Bob Tolley filed complaints with the Florida Ethics Commission 

Sheriff Ben Johnson: Raids topple synthetic drug ring operating from New Smyrna Beach

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Volusia News Now
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Media swarms drug suspect in New Smyrna Beach raid / Headline Surfer

Photos and video for Headline Surfer / This suspect was among 14 rounded up Thursday in a synthetic drug raid operating out of New Smyrna Beach.

DAYTONA BEACH -- Widely banned because of their dangerous and unpredictable effects, synthetic drugs such as K-2 and bath salts still find their way onto the shelves at gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops around the country. As it turns out, large quantities of the substances were coming from an illegal distribution ring based in New Smyrna Beach. 

Volusia League of Cities calls cops on internet newspaper to protect embattled mayor from glare of media spotlight

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Daytona Beach
Volusia News Now
New Smyrna Beach
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Show me the Money: Volusia League of Cities / Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH -- The Volusia League of Cities called the cops to ensure greater Daytona Beach's internet newspaper wouldn't rain on the parade of embattled New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer, who received the taxpayer-funded organization's top award Thursday night even though he's facing multiple state ethics charges.