Lott of Influence

Robert Lott stands with a golden shovel for the recent groundbreaking of the Hampton Inn on Flagler Avenue, the same street where once he had his financial services business and the Observer.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Robert Lott was once the kingpin of bustling Flagler Avenue with his standing as president of the chamber of commerce, board member of the Southeast Volusia Hospital Taxing District, owner of Lott Financial Services and of the weekly Observer newspaper. Those days are long gone.