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176,000 such-owned entities employ more than 310,000 Floridians

TALLAHASSEE— On this Veterans Day, Floridians show their appreciation for the heroic service of the country’s 1.6 million veterans. A March report by the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy states that Florida ranks third nationally for the greatest number of veteran-owned businesses. The 2011 Veterans unemployment rate declined -1.5 percent from 2010.

“As we celebrate Veterans Day, I am extremely proud of the significant progress our workforce system has made in finding employment for our service members, who have the leadership skills and experience that employers are looking for,” Gov. Rick Scott said.

OAK HILL -- It wasn't quite the 1948 "Dewey defeats Truman" headline election gaffe, but well into the 21st century, the Daytona Beach News-Journal had given its readers the impression Wednesday morning that Linda Hyatt had beaten fellow commissioner Douglas Gibson in the general election race for mayor of Volusia County's smallest city.

DAYTONA BEACH -- Nancy Epps is a formidable opponent, but unless she can demonstrate that incumbent dist. 2 County Council member Joshua Wagner has not done the job for which he was narrowly elected four years ago, then he should be given the benefit of the doubt in Tuesday's general election.

Top graphic by Headline Surfer Muiltimedia Editor Serafina King Frederick / Joshua Wagner easily wins re-election over former Ponce Inlet Mayor Nancy Epps in the general election.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The results are even sweeter the second time around for Joshua Wagner with a resounding re-election victory in Tuesday's general election to retain his district 2 seat on the Volusia County Council.

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Source:Department of Elections

This election is a nail bitter and I truly hope it does not come down to the popular vote being ignored and the Electoral College making the choice for our president. I personally think that system should be abolished and I have read that it is slowly being done state by state.

ORMOND BEACH -- With a victory in today's general elections, Carl Persis could finally emerge from the shadow of Frank Bruno and become the new face of Volusia County government.

Only one man stands between Persis and that eight-year wait for the non-partisan county chairmanship: Jason Davis. The registered Republican was the forgotten candidate from the moment qualifying ended and print media had its camera on power attorney Ted Doran.

Davis faced further humiliation when the Daytona Beach News-Journal teamed up with the Tiger Bay Club to host a debate and Davis was excluded. But Davis persevered.

Mayor's Message

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Get out and Vote!

Why vote?

I asked this question to quite a few people as we entered into the campaign season and the answer was standard across the board, "Because it is my right, because we are a democracy, it is my civic responsibility, because I love our country, because we need change."

As you can imagine, there were a few others full of expletives.

As mayor, I believe everyone needs to vote and here ae the reasonds why:

1. All politics are local. Many of the local leaders who have a great impact on your daily lives are elected with narrow margins. Your vote definitely counts. (In 2009, 112 votes made the difference in my election).